Texas Lawmakers Propose $330B Budget with Teacher Raises, School Vouchers, and Border Funding
The House and Senate drafts include funding for private school vouchers, property tax cuts, and water infrastructure projects while addressing a $24 billion surplus.
- The Texas House and Senate have introduced budget drafts for 2026–2027, with spending proposals of $335.7 billion and $332.9 billion respectively.
- Both chambers propose $1 billion for a school voucher program, doubling the amount considered in the last session, signaling stronger legislative support.
- Teacher pay raises are included, with the Senate proposing $4,000 statewide increases and $10,000 for rural teachers.
- The drafts allocate $6.5 billion to maintain current border security operations, a reduction from the previous budget cycle's $8 billion.
- Water infrastructure and supply projects are prioritized, with $2.5 billion proposed to address the state's growing water scarcity challenges.