Texas lawmakers are dealing with a projected $15 billion shortfall in the next two-year spending period, and neither legislative chamber’s base budget includes money for updated textbooks.
The state’s 4.6 million public school students will soon face tougher testing focused on college readiness. At the same time, some of their science textbooks are 12 years old.
Education Commissioner Robert Scott is seeking $520 million in updated instructional materials for the fall, and the state board of education has requested $60 million in online supplemental science materials.
President Donald Trump speaks in Emancipation Hall after the 60th Presidential Inauguration on Monday, Jan. 20, 2025, at the U.S. Capitol in Washington. His administration's order to pause potentially trillions of dollars in federal spending this week sent school districts scrambling to figure out which funds might be halted.
White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt speaks with reporters at the White House, Jan. 28, 2025, in Washington. She spoke about a pause in federal funding the Trump administration ordered this week as it reviews grants and programs to determine whether they violate executive orders cracking down on diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives, as well as "gender ideology."
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