nHello PTA leader,

It is hard to believe the holiday season is already here. If you are like us, you are probably feeling the pressures of growing task lists and wondering how you will get it all done.

First, we want to say that taking care of yourself and your family is the number one priority. We hope the season is full of rest and meaningful family time for you.

If engaging and empowering families to advocate for all the children in your community is still a nagging priority for you, you are definitely like us. The looming legislative session will be a tough one when you consider every child’s potential being a reality.

Don’t worry, there are several ways you can quickly continue to contribute to our lofty vision.

Thank you for everything you do every day to make your school and community special. We promise to continue doing everything we can too.

After the November elections, the Texas political landscape is basically unchanged, as Republican candidates won every contested statewide race on the ballot and kept a tight hold on both houses of the Legislature.

Republicans gained two seats in the Texas House and one seat in the Texas Senate in the November 5 general election, increasing their already favorable majority in the Legislature for the next two years.

Even so, no incumbent House Democrat lost re-election, notwithstanding the robust Republican vote.

This increased membership should help the majority party in its quest to enact legislation that might include more property tax cuts, increased border security, and sending public money to private schools.

Governor Greg Abbott stated after the election that he may reduce spending on immigration enforcement, and some of that money could go to public education.

Election results breakdown by the numbers

In the Texas House, Republicans will have an 88-62 majority when lawmakers are sworn into office on January 14, 2025, the start of the 140-day regular session.

Republicans increased their majority by 1 in the Senate and will have a 20-11 majority. 

The 2025 session will feature a contentious race for House leader, with Speaker Dade Phelan, R-Beaumont, fighting to retain his job against members of his own party who are doubtful of his commitment to conservative causes.

This post is important because the Speaker gets to appoint all committees,  affecting all legislation that will be considered in the 89th legislature.  

It takes only 76 votes – a simple majority of the 150 members– to become speaker. And even though House Republican Caucus rules require that all members vote for the caucus’ endorsed candidate, that policy has not been followed in recent years. To win that endorsement, a candidate must receive three-fifths of the caucus’ support, which is now 53 votes out of 88 Republicans.

Rep. David Cook, R-Mansfield, is the leading challenger for Speaker, with a pledge list of 47. Speaker Phelan has not released his pledge list at this time. Normally, the speaker’s race is decided before the session starts, but the formal election is not held until the House is sworn in on the first day of the session.

47 House members have already pledged to support a speaker who plans to appoint only Republican committee chairs. Traditionally, in Texas, speakers have appointed a proportionate number of chairs from each party.

From his November 8, 2024, press release: “To underscore its importance, Senate Bill 2 will be the Senate’s school choice legislation.”

“In addition to naming school choice Senate Bill 2, it is my hope Gov. Abbott declares school choice one of his emergency items for this session. Under the Constitution, the legislature cannot pass legislation during the first 60 days of the session, unless the governor declares it an emergency item. If Gov. Abbott names school choice an emergency item, the Senate will take up and pass school choice in the early weeks of session, instead of having to wait 60 days until March.”

“Since 2015, the Senate has passed school choice five times. It died in a Republican-controlled House each time. That is unacceptable and inexcusable. With an expanded Republican majority in the Texas House, there is no reason Texas students should be left behind. Parents must be able to make the best decisions for their children, so they can receive the education that fits their unique needs.”

“School Choice” initiatives were on the ballot in three states.

In Kentucky, voters said NO to a school choice referendum on a statewide ballot by a vote of 65%-35% and it lost in every county in the state.

In Colorado, a similar referendum also failed by a 52%-48% margin, and in Nebraska, voters repealed the “school choice” bill passed by their legislature by a margin of 57%-43%.

To this date, every effort to direct public dollars out of the public school system that has been taken to the voters for a statewide vote has failed.

The Early College High School (ECHS) PTSA in Round Rock ISD is a shining example of effective advocacy at the local level. The ECHS PTSA has demonstrated its commitment to empowering students, informing families and educators, and promoting civic engagement within its community through several initiatives.

One of their recent advocacy efforts focused this fall on supporting the Round Rock ISD Council of PTAs' resolution in favor of Propositions A, B, C, and D, which aim to provide nearly $1 billion in funding for upgrades and essential needs within the Round Rock Independent School District. This effort is on the heels of last spring's Proposition A, which aimed to secure a much-needed pay raise for public educators in the district. By sharing campaign details and encouraging conversations within their community, the ECHS PTSA played an important role in advocating for those who educate and inspire students daily.

The PTSA has also taken steps to engage students in the democratic process. They hosted the League of Women Voters - Williamson County on their campus to conduct a voter education session for seniors and a voter registration drive. Additionally, their ongoing support of the PTA Votes campaign has kept the school community informed about upcoming elections and the importance of civic participation.

To make advocacy resources more accessible, the ECHS PTA has created a dedicated space on its website. This section houses timely and relevant updates on legislative issues, campaigns, and other initiatives, ensuring that members can stay informed and engaged. 

Rachael Abell
Texas PTA VP Advocacy

PTA leaders across Texas each bring their distinct personalities and approaches to their roles. Whether assertive, cooperative, compassionate, or strategic, they all share a common commitment: to act in the best interest of children. Advocacy takes many forms, but the dedication to supporting our students and schools is a universal thread that unites all our PTA leaders.

2/24/25

Rally Day 2025:

Legacy in Action!

Stories from the ❤️

Public education has faced some big battles. It's time our schools hear a different message! 

#TYTXPubEd