Advocacy Core Team Newsletter
The Power of Advocacy
Message from Dr. Libby Cohen
Watching the first 10 weeks of the legislative session, I’ve been reminded that the role of grassroots- and community-based advocates is to stretch the bounds of what is politically possible, not negotiate within the bounds of what is politically expected.
Going into the 89th Legislative Session, there was tremendous momentum behind ‘school choice’ and vouchers. Indeed, the day after the general election, Governor Abbott declared that having enough votes to pass a voucher bill was the key outcome of the election. Political observers in Austin declared such a bill all but passed as the session got underway.
Someone forgot to tell advocates across Texas that this was a done deal. At every step of the legislative process thus far, voucher opponents have made themselves heard in huge numbers. This culminated in a 23-hour hearing in the House Public Education Committee on House Bill 3, the House’s voucher bill.
Will some form of voucher pass this legislative session? Probably. But it’s not going to be nearly as smooth a ride as many observers anticipated–and that counts for how the program might be expanded or curbed in the future.
When we gather in Austin on April 3, we are also going to tug at the bounds of what is politically possible. As I write this, the highest proposed basic allotment increase is $220. The highest proposed pay raise is a more substantial $10,000, but that’s restricted to teachers with five or more years of experience teaching in districts with less than 5,000 students.
Texas boasts the eighth-largest economy in the world. There is no question of whether or not we’re able to do better by our students and teachers. I look forward to working with you all in the weeks ahead to shift some momentum toward legislative actions that will benefit every public school student in Texas.
Lege Outlook
Max Rombado, Legislative Director
The Texas Capitol is in full swing. So far, the Texas House Committee on Public Education has held four hearings on 11 education bills, including HB 2 (public school funding) and HB 3 (universal vouchers). Key topics like school discipline reform and early literacy have also taken center stage, with hundreds of Texans testifying.
These testimonies serve as a powerful reminder that storytelling is one of advocacy’s most powerful tools. A well-told story evokes emotions, changes minds, and drives action. While it’s not a silver bullet, it can shift the narrative in meaningful ways.
There was one moment in this session in which the power of storytelling really stood out. In just two minutes, Snyder ISD principal DeeAnna Blanton shaped how CBS Austin covered one of the most important hearings of the 89th Legislative Session. Speaking on HB 2, she didn’t read from a script—she brought a quarter.
“I brought this quarter because the inflation since 2019… is over 25%. We’re talking about a quarter on the dollar to try to get for our kids. And that means that the allotment has to go up more than $1,000…” – Blanton quoted in CBS Austin’s coverage of the HB 2 hearing.
Her simple use of a quarter made a strong point: schools aren’t asking for extra; they’re asking to survive. She ended her testimony by sharing how underfunding affects her teachers and students, making policy personal.
Blanton’s testimony was honest, credible, and clear—so much so that a major news outlet amplified her message. This is the power of storytelling in advocacy. It’s not just about facts; it’s about framing them in ways that resonate and spark change.
Listen to Blanton’s testimony here(timestamp: 19:19 – 21:25).
Here’s what you and your fellow Advocacy Core Team members across Texas have been up to over the last few months. Thanks for telling us why you are a passionate advocate for public education!
Brazoria County Advocacy Core Team
By Bobby Martinez – Alvin, TX
I joined my Advocacy Core Team to represent my community and support policy initiatives that benefit our students and staff. It has been engaging and meaningful to advocate alongside strong community leaders.
We recently held an event at a local restaurant, inviting other school and community leaders. Several policy initiatives were discussed. We are most excited about advocacy and learning when we come to Austin.
Parents for Public Education Advocacy Core Team
By Melanie Crocker – Friendswood, TX
I believe it is our responsibility to ensure every child has access to a quality education. It has been an amazing experience working with our Advocacy Core Team. We are a group of parents, current and former educators who want to use our knowledge and public education experience to advocate for students and teachers in Texas. And we have accomplished a great deal in a short time!
When we are in Austin, I am most excited to hear updates about SB 1722 and also learn how we can gain more support to ensure it passes and has a House sponsor.
Waco Advocacy Core Team
By David Cozart – Waco, TX
I am the son, brother, nephew, and uncle of Texas teachers. I may not teach, but I can advocate. Our team is still new, but it’s nice to see other people passionate about the needs of Texas public education. We have yet to have our event, but we hope to get it scheduled soon! When we come up to Austin, we are excited to be part of the process and lend our voices and support.
Brazoria County Advocacy Core Team
By Julie Petri – Pearland, TX
I am a strong advocate of public education and want to preserve the rights of our students. When we come to Austin, we are most excited to share and listen to other people’s thoughts and opinions regarding Texas public education as it is today. I’m also eager to learn about the financial implications that legislative decisions will have on our public schools.
West El Paso Advocacy Core Team
By Jacqueline Martinez – El Paso, TX
As a veteran educator, I believe teacher voices matter in shaping education policy. I feel like I found my people, and I can geek out on education issues for days! When I come to Austin, I’m excited for the opportunity to speak to lawmakers about how they can best support teachers and students across the state.
Parents for Public Education Advocacy Core Team
By Kelly Browning – Friendswood, TX
I joined an Advocacy Core Team to learn from experts on how to be an effective advocate for public education. Working with other advocates has been life-changing – I adore this work with this team!
When I come to Austin, I’m ready to meet with legislators to share stories about public education.
House District 5 Advocacy Core Team
By Michael Alphin – Big Sandy, TX
I joined an Advocacy Core Team to learn more about advocating and be informed of issues that will impact my community. So far, it has been outstanding!
Brazoria County Advocacy Core Team
By Jerry Adkins – Houston, TX
I joined an Advocacy Core Team so I could advocate for public education alongside fellow Brazoria County leaders. When we come to Austin, I’m most excited to advocate for our public schools with elected state officials and their staff, ensuring the priorities of Brazoria County’s elected school trustees are clearly known.
