AUSTIN — On Thursday, State Representative Brooks Landgraf (R-Odessa) voted in favor of House Bill 2, a landmark education finance reform bill that delivers the largest increase in public school funding in Texas history. The Texas House overwhelmingly passed the measure.

“House Bill 2 is a game-changer for students, teachers, and families in every corner of the state—especially in West Texas,” Landgraf said. “This legislation boosts teacher pay, strengthens rural school districts, and ensures our students have the resources they need to succeed. That is why I was proud to vote for it.”

House Bill 2 provides a historic $7.7 billion investment in Texas public schools and serves as the cornerstone of the House’s broader $9 billion education package. The bill includes:

• $3 billion to increase per-student funding and raise teacher salaries
• Nearly $1 billion in additional support for rural and mid-size school districts
• $1.5 billion in new special education funding
• $1.5 billion in targeted investments for pre-K, bilingual education, and closing achievement gaps
• $750 million in incentive pay for high-performing teachers
  
  

The legislation increases the state’s basic allotment to $6,555 per student and ties future increases to rising property values—helping reduce local tax burdens while ensuring teacher pay and classroom investments keep up with the cost of living.

HB 2 also requires that at least 40% of the basic allotment go directly toward teacher pay increases, with a priority for teachers with 10 or more years of experience. The bill includes built-in safeguards so that no district loses funding, even if enrollment drops.

“Teachers are the backbone of our communities in West Texas,” Landgraf said. “This bill delivers the long-overdue raises they deserve and gives our schools the support they need to serve students for years to come.”