ATPE’s 2025 Legislative Priorities

Protect the State’s Educational Safety Net

ATPE urges the Legislature to consider the substantial pitfalls of creating a taxpayer-funded entitlement for private schools, including the experiences of other states where vouchers have proven to be costly and, in some cases, budget-busting programs unpopular with voters. A Texas voucher entitlement could easily amount to over $7 billion annually. Any voucher should be considered as standalone legislation and not be tied to public school funding or teacher compensation. The Legislature should prioritize funding for traditional school districts, the state’s educational safety net, now and into the future, over supplemental educational pathways.

Related ATPE Legislative Program positions: Charter schools; vouchers, home schooling, and private schooling

How can you help advocate for ATPE’s legislative priorities?

ATPE’s TeachtheVote.org, our advocacy blog and voter education website, is your go-to source for the latest Texas public education news, both during the legislative session and during the interim. Between now and sine die—the last day of the regular legislative session—on June 2, ATPE members have many opportunities to help advocate for ATPE’s legislative priorities:

• ATPE’s Advocacy Central is an online tool you can easily use to communicate with state (and federal) lawmakers about the issues that matter most to you, including ATPE’s legislative priorities. Visit atpe.org/advocacy-central to participate in advocacy campaigns pre-established by ATPE Governmental Relations, or use the tool to send your own messages. We will also send members alerts when their action is critical at key junctures in the session.
• The ATPE Member Advocate Program (ATPE-MAP) is a brand-new member benefit that empowers you to become a stronger advocate for public schools both locally and at the state level. ATPE-MAP will allow you to earn three hours of continuing professional education (CPE) credit as well as the ATPE Member Advocate Program Microcredential with either a Local Advocacy or State-Level Advocacy focus. You can also earn both microcredentials, if you like, which means you’ll earn additional CPE credit. Those who complete the state-level microcredential unlock the ability to attend Capitol Expeditions, which are replacing ATPE at the Capitol/Lobby Day starting with this legislative session. Learn more about ATPE-MAP and enroll today.

How can you help shape the ATPE Legislative Program?

ATPE is a member-governed association, which is the foundational principle underlying all of ATPE’s operations, including how our professional lobbyists advocate for Texas public education.

You have several opportunities to be involved in shaping the ATPE Legislative Program:

• If you would like to make a recommendation to the 2024-25 ATPE Legislative Committee, which is preparing recommendations for the 2025 ATPE House of Delegates, you may send that feedback to government@atpe.org.
• The 2025 ATPE House of Delegates (HOD) will meet during the 2025 ATPE Summit, July 7–9 at the JW Marriott Austin Downtown. All members except public category members are eligible to serve as voting delegates, but you must be certified as a delegate by your local unit president (or region president, if you are an at-large member). Summit registration will open in February, and delegate certification will open in April. If you are interested in volunteering as a delegate, we recommend contacting your local unit or region president now to let them know of your interest. Stay tuned for further details about the ATPE Summit.
• In late summer, ATPE will open a call for members who are interested in serving on one of ATPE’s member committees, including the ATPE Legislative Committee, which reviews and makes recommendations to the ATPE House of Delegates for changes to the ATPE Legislative Program. Sign up to be notified when the next committee application period opens.