Abbott Discusses School Safety and Funding

As Texas students prepare to return to school, Governor Greg Abbott has announced a new initiative aimed at enhancing safety across the state’s educational institutions. In an exclusive interview, Abbott revealed that every school district will receive a complimentary safety system designed to protect students, teachers, and staff. This initiative follows the tragic mass shooting at Robb Elementary School in Uvalde, prompting the Governor to implement stricter guidelines to prevent unauthorized access to school buildings. Abbott emphasized the importance of monitoring compliance with these safety measures, stating, "We will be able to better monitor whether or not schools across the state are following the best practices that have already been put into place by law in the State of Texas." The Governor's remarks come on the heels of a successful primary season for Republican candidates who supported his school choice agenda, although this has led to a setback in securing additional funding for public schools. When questioned about future funding for education, Abbott expressed support for a previous plan that proposed an additional $5 billion for public schools, alongside teacher pay raises and the elimination of the STAAR test. However, he refrained from committing to a standalone bill focused solely on increasing school funding, indicating a preference for a comprehensive approach that includes school choice. In related political news, Congressman Lloyd Doggett shared insights from his recent meeting with President Biden, discussing the evolving dynamics of the presidential race and the implications of Vice President Kamala Harris's candidacy.