$209 billion budget includes more money for public education
(Austin) The Texas Senate ended the 84th Legislative session Monday, its first in 12 years under new leadership and a term that saw nine new members take office.
State Senate
Fraser will not seek another term
At the close of the Legislative session, State Senator Troy Fraser announced that he will not seek another term for the Texas Senate.
“It is with a heavy heart, an overwhelming sense of pride, and not an ounce ofregret, that I am announcing I will not seek another term for Texas Senate,” Sen. Fraser said this afternoon.
Texas Senate approves $211 billion budget
By Richard Lee
Senate Media Services
(Austin) The Senate passed its version of the state budget on Tuesday, approving $211 billion in state and federal funds to pay for state services over the next two years. Finance Committee Chair Jane Nelson, who led the Senate’s appropriation efforts, said the budget maintains the conservative philosophy of the past while meeting the needs of the future. “This is a budget that will keep our state strong, prosperous and compassionate,” said Nelson.
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Senate approves changes to teacher training, evaluation
By Richard Lee
Senate Media Services
(Austin) Prospective teachers would have a more rigorous path to the classroom and stronger continuing education under a pair off bills passed by the Senate Tuesday. Forty percent of Texas public school teachers are certified under the alternative certification program, where people who have college degrees but didn’t study education can learn how to become classroom teachers. Under current law, a candidate for alternative certification need only have a 2.5 grade point average and 15 hours of classroom training to get into a teacher preparation program. Amarillo Senator Kel Seliger thinks those standards need to be higher. “We need ever better, more motivated teachers,” he said.
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