Texas budget writers prioritize school vouchers, teacher raises and border security in early drafts

The Texas State Capitol on Dec. 5, 2024 in Austin. (Credit: Eli Hartman/The Texas Tribune)

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Texas lawmakers are looking to spend billions of dollars over the next two years to create a school voucher-like program, cut property taxes, raise teacher pay, shore up water infrastructure and continue the state’s border crackdown, according to initial state budget drafts House and Senate leaders filed Wednesday.