The ATPE Governmental Relations team recaps the past week’s education news, legislative and election updates, and regulatory developments.

• Tomorrow is your last chance to vote in your local school board and bond election
• State Board for Educator Certification (SBEC) discusses pedagogy standards and performance assessments in latest meeting
• TRS Board meets to discuss and approve insurance program changes
• Texas Hispanic Policy Foundation (THPF) finds majority of Texas voters oppose vouchers
• Register for the May 16 Gen ATPE webinar: End-of-Year Essentials
• Happy Teacher Appreciation Week!

ELECTIONS: If you didn't get a chance to vote early, be sure to do so tomorrow, May 4. ATPE Lobbyist Heather Sheffield takes a deep dive into these local elections in this blog post and in this episode of The ATPE Podcast.   

If you live in a district with a primary runoff race, don’t forget to mark your calendar for May 28, when voters will decide which public education allies continue to serve in the Texas Legislature. Early voting takes place May 20–24, or you can vote Saturday, May 28.  

Six of 12 House Republicans who voted against vouchers in last year's legislative session were defeated in the primaries this March. Four more are among the pro-public education candidates engaged in a primary runoff. Because the Governor and his anti-public education mega donors are so close to getting the votes they need to pass vouchers, it's more crucial than ever to show up for these elections and support public education. You can find candidates’ and lawmakers’ profiles here on Teach the Vote and use this search tool from The Texas Tribune to see if there is a state- or federal-level primary runoff on your ballot.

SBEC: The State Board for Educator Certification (SBEC) met April 26, during which a lengthy debate ensued on “lesson design” vs. “lesson internalization.” The board also considered two proposals from TEA for a Texas-specific performance assessment. ATPE Lobbyist Tricia Cave recaps the meeting in this blog post.

TRS: The Teacher Retirement System (TRS) Board met May 2–3 in Austin for a legislative update, discussion of Medicare Advantage premiums, and approval of TRS-ActiveCare employer plan rates. A vote to lower TRS Medicare Advantage premiums is expected in July. Nominations are also open for at-large and retired board positions. Read more in this blog post by ATPE Lobbyist Heather Sheffield.

VOUCHERS: A new poll by the Texas Hispanic Policy Foundation (THPF) shows that the majority of likely Texas voters are opposed to vouchers. According to the poll, 57% of respondents oppose school vouchers while 36% support them. Additionally, 90% of respondents reported that they support legislation that would increase educator pay. Read the full report here. Despite the lack of voucher support, Gov. Greg Abbott called four special legislative sessions last year following the 88th Texas Legislature to push vouchers and backed several anti-public education candidates who defeated voucher opponents in the March primaries. Following the March primary election, he proclaimed the state is "closer than ever" to a voucher program.  

GEN ATPE WEBINAR: Join ATPE May 16 for the next Gen ATPE Webinar: End-of-Year Essentials. This Gen ATPE event is open to all ATPE members, and attendees will receive one hour of continuing professional education (CPE) credit. Register here.

TEACHER APPRECIATION WEEK: Teacher Appreciation Week is next week, May 6–10, and ATPE has rounded up over 25 discounts and freebies available to educators throughout the week and year-round. Visit the ATPE Blog for more details.