Capitol Watch is the TSHA Legislative Team’s vehicle for keeping members informed of activity at the state capitol and in other state regulatory meetings.
If you have questions regarding this or other Capitol Watch postings, please contact a member of the TSHA Legislative Team:
Legislative Information
Anything you want to know about the legislative process can be found online.
- Who your State Senator or Representative is.
- How to contact them at their district office or capitol office
- The legislative process for passing a bill
- How your Senator or Representative voted on a bill
- Bills filed and their status
- Bill content and amendments
- Bills passed or failed
- And much more!
Texas Legislature Online
Teacher Pay Raise Bill (HB 1548)
Rep. James Talarico filed a teacher pay raise bill (HB 1548) that generally proposes to give teachers a $15,000/year pay raise. Several TSHA members have noted that speech-language pathologists and audiologists are not included. The bill states those teachers and others (librarians, nurses & counselors) identified in the Education Code will be eligible for the raise.
Additionally, “other” personnel will be eligible for a 25% increase in pay. The TSHA Legislative Team is trying to determine “who” is covered in the 25%.
In the past, TSHA has chosen to NOT seek inclusion in the Education Code since many of our professionals are paid under “administrative and other” salary schedules that are more beneficial with higher salaries than those prescribed on teacher pay scales.
Please rest assured that the TSHA Legislative Team and school-based leadership are reviewing this and other pay raise bills and will keep the membership informed about what we are doing and what we will recommend our members can do to effect a positive outcome for this legislation. Newly filed bills affecting the professions may be reviewed on our website. The Legislative Team always welcome your input and suggestions.
TSHA Legislative Tracker