House Democrats urge for special session on education

Texas House Democrats are pushing for a special session to increase public school funding, while Governor Greg Abbott is criticizing them for rejecting legislation last year that tied funding to school vouchers. The Democrats, led by Rep. Jon Rosenthal, are calling for a 30-day session focused on boosting per-student funding and enhancing school safety.

With many Texas school districts facing budget shortages for the upcoming school year due to a lack of additional funding, the need for increased investment in education is critical. A recent analysis showed a 12.9% decrease in per-student funding from state and local sources since 2020, adjusted for inflation.

Meanwhile, as Texans in the Houston area and East Texas grapple with heavy rains and flooding, the official start of hurricane season is approaching on June 1. Meteorologists warn that hurricane season may actually start in May, urging families to prepare by creating a home inventory, packing an emergency kit, checking their roofs, and securing their yards.

In another development, the dismantling of diversity, equity, and inclusion programs at Texas universities has resulted in the firing of hundreds of staff members and millions of dollars in program cuts. A ban on DEI programs passed by the Legislature in 2023 has led to compliance hearings and discussions on related protests on state campuses.

Additionally, the booming hemp market in Texas has caught the attention of lawmakers, prompting discussions on banning hemp products containing THC and tightening regulations for retailers. The state is also cracking down on traffic safety with a new “Click It or Ticket” campaign, emphasizing the importance of wearing seatbelts to reduce fatalities in vehicle crashes.

Lastly, a water treaty dispute with Mexico has Texas lawmakers demanding aid funding be withheld until Mexico fulfills its obligation to send water to the U.S. as required by a longstanding treaty. Inconsistent water delivery has worsened water shortages for South Texas farmers, leading to financial strain and potential agricultural losses.