Our nation is rooted in the belief that all Americans deserve an equal opportunity to achieve the American dream. In today’s world, a quality education is crucial to the realization of that dream. We are blessed to live in a country that promises every child access to a free public education, and we should be proud that Texas universities are regarded as some of the finest in the world. However, despite the great achievements of the past, our state can still do better.

I strongly believe that a quality education begins at home, which is why it is also important to involve parents in their children’s education. Our schools and policymakers need to make use of the indispensable resources that parents can provide their children. I am committed to ensuring that parents are supported in their efforts to make certain their children receive the quality education they deserve.

This 89th Legislative Session, in a historic win for Texas public education, I was proud to vote for a record $8.5 billion funding increase for schools statewide, following years of persistent advocacy. The legislation includes permanent teacher pay raises, robust funding to strengthen special education services, and increases in funding to school operations. House District 40 school districts will receive $170 million in funding. However, even with this increase, there are still gaps in education funding. The Texas Legislature must continue to work hard to meet the needs that teachers and school districts require to educate our children. 

While we work to strengthen our K-12 educational system, the Texas Legislature cannot ignore that a college education is becoming cost-prohibitive and therefore difficult to afford. A college degree is one of the most important factors in determining the long-term future of both individuals and our state as a whole. Therefore, a college degree should be accessible to anyone who desires to attain it. More grants and low-interest student loans should be made available to our next generation of teachers, scientists, and business entrepreneurs. 

Within my district is the University of Texas - Rio Grande Valley, the premier learning institution of the RGV, and one of the finest universities in the country. I was extraordinarily proud to be one of the legislators leading the establishment of UTRGV and I am committed to ensuring that UTRGV continues to receive robust state funding so it can continue its vital mission of providing a post secondary education to the future leaders of our region and this state. 

Furthermore, with the understanding that a college degree is not the only pathway to financial success, I have been a proud advocate for expanding access to and reinforcing our state’s career-technical education and career readiness options. Because of legislation I passed in 2015, South Texas College was directed to expand its career-technical education programs in the Delta area, opening programs for Edcouch-Elsa ISD this school year. Students in these programs gain practical, hands-on experience that leads to high-paying jobs and strengthens the RGV economy. Community colleges and career-technical institutes offer affordable pathways to rewarding careers and ensure that the Valley remains competitive in attracting businesses from around the state and nationally that rely on a well-trained workforce.

From K-12 and beyond, I will always advocate to ensure that our community and our region is not only well represented but also receiving the funding it deserves.