Latest news with #TexasTwoStep
Yahoo
3 days ago
- Business
- Yahoo
Down to the wire: Texas Legislature OKs school funding, water, animal-friendly bills
With the end of the 2025 Texas legislative session approaching Monday's finish line, the House and Senate are engaging in legislative ping pong across the rotunda with bills approved by both chambers. In this version of ping pong, each chamber decides whether to accept the changes made by the other or escalate the debate by settling differences via a conference committee. Here are some of the highlights from Thursday's floor sessions. Sweeping legislation to boost funding for public schools was sent to the governor's desk Thursday, completing the "Texas Two Step" designed to change the face of K-12 education in Texas. Step one fulfilled Gov. Greg Abbott's wish for a school voucher-like program through Senate Bill 2, which will make public money available to help pay for private education. He signed it into law in an elaborate ceremony earlier this month. House Bill 2 is step two. It provides $4.2 billion for teacher pay raises, expands the merit-based pay program known as the Teacher Incentive Allotment, invests in teacher preparation and certification programs, and creates a new $1.3 billion fixed cost fund for districts to pay overhead expenses. It also rewrites the way the state's special education system works, setting aside $850 million more for such programs, and provides $430 million more for school safety. More: Would school vouchers help Texas students with special needs? House to weigh 'school choice' Abbott has signed legislation to expand the list of slogans available for license plates. Senate Bill 1568 allows the Department of State Health Services to diversify plate design options to boost public interest and increase funding. The first redesign, 'Spay. Neuter. Adopt.', will offer Texans an easy way to support pets. The Animal-Friendly License Plate Program, originally established in 1997, provides money for free and low-cost spay and neuter initiatives. One part of the major legislative package to address the need for a reliable water supply in Texas made it across the finish line Thursday when the House agreed to the Senate's changes to a proposed constitutional amendment. House Joint Resolution 7 is a referendum that would start the allocation of $1 billion annually to the Texas Water Fund for up to 10 years by redirecting a portion of state sales tax collections. The money will help pay for more water and to repair aging infrastructure for local entities. Texas voters will have final approval on the plan in November. The other part of the package, Senate Bill 7, was still awaiting final approval Thursday. This is the legislation that would put the law on the books. The constitutional amendment would authorize the legislation. More: Texas infrastructure fares better than U.S. average but needs major investment: report Legislation to restrict land ownership from people "domiciled" in nations hostile to the United States was sent to the governor's desk Thursday. Senate Bill 17, authored by Brenham Republican Sen. Lois Kolkhorst and sponsored by Rep. Cole Hefner, R-Mount Pleasant, in the House, seeks to bar individuals and companies from "adversarial nations" as identified by the U.S. national intelligence director — currently, China, Russia, Iran and North Korea — from owning land or real estate in Texas. It also gives the governor authority to add or remove countries from the list. Each chamber offered its own version of the legislation, and the proposal sent to the governor was the work of a conference committee, which reconciled the differences. The measure would grant the attorney general jurisdiction to investigate "land law" violations and would make it a state jail felony to knowingly purchase property despite the restrictions. The conference committee report passed largely along party lines. Democratic Rep. Gene Wu of Houston said it would have the unintended consequence of hindering some members of the Asian community with legal standing to be in the United States from being able to purchase homes and businesses. More: Some Texans, civil rights groups alarmed by bill to ban certain migrants from owning land This article originally appeared on Austin American-Statesman: Legislation on school funding, water, land ownership advances in Texas
Yahoo
25-04-2025
- General
- Yahoo
Texas Lottery results: Pick 3, Pick 4 winning numbers for April 24, 2025
The Texas Lottery offers multiple draw games for those aiming to win big. Here's a look at April 24, 2025, results for each game: Morning: 1-1-8, FIREBALL: 6 Day: 4-9-8, FIREBALL: 8 Evening: 4-1-7, FIREBALL: 3 Night: 2-6-2, FIREBALL: 3 Check Pick 3 payouts and previous drawings here. Morning: 0-7-3-4, FIREBALL: 4 Day: 7-0-2-0, FIREBALL: 2 Evening: 9-8-2-5, FIREBALL: 7 Night: 2-0-0-8, FIREBALL: 6 Check Pick 4 payouts and previous drawings here. Morning: 02-04-05-06-08-11-14-18-19-20-23-24 Day: 01-03-05-08-11-13-15-17-18-19-20-22 Evening: 04-07-10-11-12-13-14-16-20-21-22-23 Night: 02-03-05-06-08-09-10-12-15-22-23-24 Check All or Nothing payouts and previous drawings here. 03-04-20-33-34 Check Cash Five payouts and previous drawings here. 02-09-23-32, Bonus: 12 Check Texas Two Step payouts and previous drawings here. Feeling lucky? Explore the latest lottery news & results This results page was generated automatically using information from TinBu and a template written and reviewed by a Texas editor. You can send feedback using this form. Our News Automation and AI team would love to hear from you. Take this survey and share your thoughts with us. This article originally appeared on El Paso Times: Texas Lottery results: Pick 3, Pick 4 winning numbers for April 24, 2025
Yahoo
17-04-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Reactions after Texas House passes education savings accounts program
AUSTIN (KXAN) — Shortly after 2:00 a.m. Thursday, the Texas House voted to approve its version of Senate Bill 2, otherwise known as the education savings accounts program. Texas House passes education savings accounts program SB2 allows families to use taxpayer dollars to pay for private school tuition. Read statements regarding the vote below, including ones provided by Texas officials, President Donald Trump and labor unions. 'For the first time in Texas history, our state has passed a universal school choice bill out of both chambers in the Texas Legislature. This is an extraordinary victory for the thousands of parents who have advocated for more choices when it comes to the education of their children. Texas could not have accomplished this without the hard work and unwavering support from Lieutenant Governor Dan Patrick, Speaker Dustin Burrows, Chairman Brandon Creighton, and Chairman Brad Buckley. I applaud the legislators who took a stand with the overwhelming majority of Texans who support school choice. When it reaches my desk, I will swiftly sign this bill into law, creating the largest day-one school choice program in the nation and putting Texas on a pathway to becoming the best state in America for educating our kids.' Congratulations to my friends, Governor Greg Abbott, Lieutenant Governor Dan Patrick, and Speaker Dustin Burrows, along with Texas Legislators, for finally passing SCHOOL CHOICE, which I strongly endorsed – this is a gigantic Victory for students and parents in the Great State of Texas! We will very soon be sending Education BACK TO ALL THE STATES, where it belongs. It is our goal to bring Education in the United States to the highest level, one that it has never attained before. MAKE AMERICA GREAT AGAIN! 'The fight isn't over yet, but it's a damn sad day for educators, their students, and the millions across our state who love our public schools. For years and years, the Legislature has said no to craven attempts to sell off our schools to the highest bidder because lawmakers on both sides of the aisle historically understood the importance of free, high-quality public education for every Texas student. It's hard to stomach that one phone call from Donald Trump is enough to change that,' said Zeph Capo, president of Texas AFT. 'Republican leaders are poised to put the nail in the coffin of our public schools, and you've never seen such gleeful pallbearers. To deny the voters–their own constituents–a say in what happens in their communities and to their schools is unconscionable.' 'Today marks a historic chapter for education in our state, with the Texas House passing its landmark 'Texas Two Step' proposals to deliver more education opportunities for students alongside the largest-ever increase in public school funding. House Bill 2 and Senate Bill 2 work together to meaningfully improve the overall education ecosystem in Texas, with the latter empowering parents of students with unique learning needs to access educational resources that might otherwise be unaffordable or inaccessible. I appreciate the hard work of Chairman Buckley to ensure every Texas student has access to a better education and thank my colleagues for their thoughtful debate and dedication to strengthening Texas' future today.' 'Today, I voted against Senate Bill 2, the school choice proposal considered on the House Floor. I want to thank Chairman Brad Buckley and the members of the House Public Education Committee for their hard work and dedication in vetting this important legislation. Their commitment to the legislative process and to Texas students is appreciated. Ultimately, my vote was about listening to the people of House District 21. Time and again, my constituents have expressed their strong support for our public schools and concerns about diverting state resources away from them. I heard you—and I voted my district. In addition, the unknown short-term and long-term financial impact this legislation could have on the state budget and public education funding was a significant factor in my decision. Supporting our children, local schools and educators remains one of my top priorities, and I'll continue working to strengthen education for all students across Texas.' 'Today is a historic day for Texas, and a new Independence Day for families who will now have the freedom to give their children the best education that our state has to offer. Education Freedom is BIGGER in Texas and this legislation is the largest school choice program in the country. AFP-TX is deeply grateful to Governor Abbott, House Speaker Dustin Burrows, Chairman Brad Buckley, Senator Ted Cruz, and President Donald Trump for their unwavering commitment to education freedom. This transformational legislation will make Texas the envy of the nation for education freedom and prove once and for all that putting students over systems delivers the best outcomes for students. We hope to see this landmark victory inspire parents, lawmakers, and educators across the nation to continue the fight for universal school choice in their states. History will not look kindly on the lawmakers, union bosses and bureaucrats who held our students back for so long. The people have spoken.' Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
CBS News
17-04-2025
- Politics
- CBS News
Texas lawmakers advance school choice bill after nearly 11 hours of debate
After nearly 11 hours of debate, the Texas House approved early Thursday a controversial bill that would provide eligible families with public funds to help pay for private school tuition. The school choice bill was passed in an 85-63 vote – two were absent. The measure will provide taxpayer-funded education savings accounts, also known as school vouchers, allowing students in public schools to attend private institutions if accepted into the state's program. Under the bill, students will receive $10,000 each year if they attend a private school. Disabled students would receive up to $30,000 a year and home-schooled students would get $2,000. "This is an extraordinary victory for the thousands of parents who have advocated for more choices when it comes to the education of their children…I applaud the legislators who took a stand with the overwhelming majority of Texans who support school choice," Texas Gov. Greg Abbott said. Abbott and Texas House Speaker Dustin Burrows have said for months that they have more than the 76 votes required to pass the bill. "Today marks a historic chapter for education in our state, with the Texas House passing its landmark 'Texas Two Step' proposals to deliver more education opportunities for students alongside the largest-ever increase in public school funding," Burrows said. The vote marks the first time since 1957 that the Texas House has approved legislation making state money available for families to use on their children's private schooling, according to the Texas Tribune . The vote took place just after 2 a.m. Thursday , after the Texas House heard 43 amendment proposals to the bill. All proposed amendments were tabled . The vote was divided between Democrats and Republicans. Out of all the votes, two Republicans joined all Democrats to vote against the bill. Texas Democrats expressed disappointment about the outcome, calling it "welfare for the rich." Democrats also expressed concern that the program will hurt school districts by taking money away from them. Most state Republicans supported the legislation. "Working families are going to be the ones who will foot the bill for this voucher scam," said Texas Democrats Chair Kendall Scudder. "We're deeply disappointed in the lawmakers who chose to fall in line instead of standing up for their communities." The House will take a final vote later on Thursday. The bill will then go to the Texas Senate, where lawmakers will decide whether to go along with the House's changes or make their own changes. Ahead of the vote, Abbott said that President Trump supported school choice as well. "[Trump] called this morning to share his support for the Texas House passing SB 2 today," Abbott posted on social media . Mr. Trump posted on social media on Thursday congratulating his "friends" Abbott, Burrows and Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick "along with Texas Legislators for finally passing SCHOOL CHOICE, which I strongly endorsed." "This is a gigantic Victory for students and parents in the Great State of Texas!" Mr. Trump wrote. "We will very soon be sending Education BACK TO ALL THE STATES, where it belongs. It is our goal to bring Education in the United States to the highest level, one that it has never attained before." On Wednesday, the Texas House passed HB 2, the public school funding bill . It passed 144-4, with two absent. Republican leaders said it represents the largest increase in funding for public schools. "Texas public schools are the backbone of our communities, and today the House delivered a historic investment to bolster public education for the next generation," Burrows said Wednesday. "House Bill 2 lays the foundation for a modernized, responsive school finance system that will grow with the needs of Texas students while targeting taxpayer dollars where they'll make the greatest impact for students and teachers. Under this bill's proposals and others, the House will inject $9 billion in new money. That includes raising the basic allotment to school districts by $395. Forty percent of the new funding will go toward teacher pay raises and salary increases for other staff. The basic allotment would increase every two years. Democrats have said the state doesn't spend enough money on public education when compared to other states. Republicans, though, said they have continued to spend more money on schools. As lawmakers debate the bills, various local school districts across North Texas have passed deficit budgets because of record inflation and after Republican lawmakers left $4.5 billion for schools on the sidelines. The districts have also faced declining student enrollment, which has cost them funding as well.
Yahoo
11-03-2025
- General
- Yahoo
Texas Lottery Powerball, Lotto Texas results for March 10, 2025
The Texas Lottery offers multiple draw games for those aiming to win big. Here's a look at March 10, 2025, results for each game: 17-40-47-50-55, Powerball: 06, Power Play: 2 Check Powerball payouts and previous drawings here. 06-10-27-30-41-43 Check Lotto Texas payouts and previous drawings here. Morning: 1-5-4, FIREBALL: 3 Day: 9-2-2, FIREBALL: 8 Evening: 4-3-3, FIREBALL: 6 Night: 6-5-5, FIREBALL: 5 Check Pick 3 payouts and previous drawings here. Morning: 6-4-6-0, FIREBALL: 8 Day: 7-5-4-3, FIREBALL: 7 Evening: 9-9-2-6, FIREBALL: 2 Night: 7-7-4-8, FIREBALL: 7 Check Pick 4 payouts and previous drawings here. Morning: 01-02-04-07-10-11-14-15-19-22-23-24 Day: 01-02-04-05-06-07-09-14-15-17-21-24 Evening: 03-06-07-08-09-11-12-13-15-18-19-23 Night: 01-02-05-08-10-15-16-19-20-21-23-24 Check All or Nothing payouts and previous drawings here. 10-28-31-34-35 Check Cash Five payouts and previous drawings here. 06-10-15-33, Bonus: 32 Check Texas Two Step payouts and previous drawings here. Feeling lucky? Explore the latest lottery news & results This results page was generated automatically using information from TinBu and a template written and reviewed by a Statesman editor. You can send feedback using this form. This article originally appeared on Austin American-Statesman: Texas Lottery Powerball, Lotto Texas results for March 10, 2025
