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

• ATPE outlines the looming changes for public education at the federal and state levels
• H.R. 82, the Social Security Fairness Act, advances from the U.S. House to the U.S. Senate
• Republicans on video brag about going for “the whole enchilada” on vouchers
• Apply for ATPE state committee service by Nov. 17
• Be an advocate for public education by enrolling in ATPE-MAP
• Nominate a colleague for an ATPE award by Dec. 1

U.S./TEXAS PUBLIC EDUCATION: ATPE Governmental Relations Director Monty Exter spoke with CBS Austin Tuesday about a video that has been circulating on social media of President-Elect Donald Trump detailing his plans to reform Education including his campaign promise to “shut down the Department of Education (DOE) and return that responsibility to the states.” Although Exter points out that the majority of policymaking and regulatory power already exists at the state level, questions remain about what would happen to federal dollars that fund Title I schools and special education programs, as well as federal requirements around accountability for testing.  

In another interview with NBC DFW, Exter discussed the upcoming legislative session taking place here in Texas, where Gov. Greg Abbott (R) says he now has the votes necessary to pass a voucher. Because public schools are already cutting back and closing due to lack of funding, Exter says the best case in the days ahead is the Legislature passing a school funding bill even if the House, Senate and the Governor cannot agree on the details of the school choice voucher provision. Their worst-case scenario is if lawmakers pass their school choice measure without a big chunk of new public school money.  

SOCIAL SECURITY: After House Resolution (H.R.) 82, the Social Security Fairness Act, was temporarily killed on election night, the bill was brought back to the U.S. House floor for a vote Tuesday evening. The bill passed the House with bipartisan support and advanced to the U.S. Senate, where it likely faces a more difficult path.  

The ATPE-supported bipartisan bill aims to fully repeal the Windfall Elimination Provision (WEP) and the Government Pension Offset (GPO), both of which lower Social Security benefits for those who worked at least part of their careers in jobs where they paid into a government pension, such as the Texas Teacher Retirement System (TRS), in lieu of paying into Social Security.   

ATPE has been encouraging members to contact U.S. Senators John Cornyn (R) and Ted Cruz (R) to urge the repeal of the WEP/GPO.  

After reaching out to her senators, one ATPE member shared Cornyn’s response back to her in which he makes clear he does not support repealing the WEP and GPO.

VOUCHERS: In a video posted to X (formerly Twitter) last Friday, former Republican Party Chair Steve Munisteri was seen talking to supporters about what Abbott’s voucher proposal will look like next session. In the video, a supporter encourages Munisteri and the governor to “ask for the whole enchilada, universal ESAs,” to which Munisteri responded that it’s “just going to be whatever you can push it up to.”  

Gov. Abbott’s “small voucher” proposal from the previous legislative session had $500 million devoted to it, with far more being given to public schools through the provisions in HB 1. However, Munisteri’s comments in the video suggest that the concerns raised by pro-public school groups, including ATPE, are true: Once the voucher is passed, $500 million will soon no longer be enough, and Abbott’s advisors have every intention of going back and asking for more. If the state were to fund every current private/homeschool student, the cost would be closer to $15-$20 billion. Read more in this blog post by ATPE Lobbyist Tricia Cave. 

ATPE COMMITTEES: The deadline to apply for ATPE state committee service is Sunday, Nov. 17. If you did not apply or were not selected to serve on a standing or special committee this fall, you have another opportunity to participate in spring committee meetings. Sign up here to be considered for service on the Public Information, Resolutions, ATPE-PAC, Educator of the Year, or Leader of the Year Committee.   

ATPE-MAP: Are you wondering what you can do to advocate for public education now that the election is over? Try enrolling in the brand-new ATPE Member Advocate Program (ATPE-MAP). This program will give you the tools necessary for you to make a difference for your students as a public education advocate. To get started, log in to atpe.org/cpe to access the ATPE Professional Learning Portal. Then, select “Browse Catalog” and then search for “Member Advocate Program” under the Advocacy & Legislation category to enroll in Introduction to Advocacy. 

ATPE AWARDS: Do you know an educator who is going above and beyond? Recognize a colleague who inspires excellence by nominating them for an ATPE Educator of the Year Award. Highlight the work of your local unit by applying for Local Unit of the Year, or nominate a dedicated ATPE volunteer for Campus Representative of the Year. Award winners will be recognized at the 2025 ATPE Summit. Nominations must be received by Sunday, Dec. 1. Learn more and submit your nominations.