A Rare Bright Spot in Texas

Early education advocates and practitioners across the country are viewing the coming state budget seasons with concern, as significant state budget deficits put pressure on lawmakers to cut state spending, threatening funding for pre-k and other early education programs.

A rare bright spot in this bleak landscape is Texas, where soaring oil prices earlier this year have generated a budget surplus estimated at over $10 billion. Pre-k advocates in the state, with support from the state’s business and education reform communities, are pushing to use some of that surplus to fund a $600 million increase in pre-k funding, to expand pre-k programs from half-day to full-day, lower class sizes and child:adult ratios, and support partnerships with community providers.

This effort got a boost earlier this week when it became clear that Rep. Joe Straus (R-San Antonio) will be the next speaker of the Texas House of Representatives, after his primary rival for the position, conservative Rep. John Smithee (R-Amarllo), dropped out of the race. Straus, a moderate, pro-business Republican, has a record of supporting quality early education, and in the last legislative session (Texas’ legislature meets only biennially) shepherded legislation to expand pre-k eligibilty to include all foster children in Texas. Straus, who has the strong support of Gov. Rick Perry, is likely to be an important ally for Texas early education advocates as they seek to increase pre-k funding when the legislature convenes later this month.

As the incoming Republican speaker of the House in a state known for its political conservatism, Straus is also a strong reminder that early education need not be–and in fact is not–a partisan issue. A growing number of Republicans–particularly at the state level, but also nationally–are recognizing the potential of high-quality early education as a sound investment to support families and improve long-term outcomes for children.

UPDATE: Ok, I admit it–One other thing I like about Straus? He’s a Vanderbilt Alum. Go ‘Dores!