Advocates Call on Texas Legislature to Make a Bold Investment in Special Education

Media Contact:
Sabrina Gonzalez Saucedo
Director of Public Policy & Advocacy, The Arc of Texas
sgonzalezsaucedo@thearcoftexas.org | 512-485-9755

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
March 18, 2025

Advocates Call on Texas Legislature to Make a Bold Investment in Special Education 

Press Conference to be Held at Texas Capitol on March 19 (House Press Room, CAP 2W.6)

AUSTIN, TX – Parents, educators, students, and disability advocates from across Texas will gather at the Texas State Capitol on Wednesday, March 19, at 2:00 p.m., to urge lawmakers to take bold action and invest in special education funding. Texas has the resources and the opportunity this session to transform its special education system, ensuring that every child has access to the services and supports they need to succeed.

“For too long, Texas has shortchanged students with disabilities, forcing families to fight for basic services and leaving school districts struggling to provide the education all children deserve,” said Sabrina Gonzalez Saucedo, Director of Public Policy & Advocacy for The Arc of Texas. “This session, we have a chance to change that. By investing in special education, Texas can fulfill its promise to students with disabilities and ensure they have the resources to thrive.”

Texas currently underfunds special education by $1.7 billion per year, putting immense financial strain on schools as they strive to serve all students to the best of their ability. Many districts are forced to divert general education funds to cover special education costs. Advocates are calling for the Texas Legislature to act with courage and commitment by fully funding special education, starting with closing the $1.7 billion annual state funding shortfall.

“This is our moment to lead,” said Dr. Andrea Chevalier, Director of Governmental Relations with the Texas Council of Administrators of Special Education. “A fully funded special education system is not just an investment in our children—it is an investment in Texas’ future. Our state has the power to create real change this session, and we are calling on lawmakers to seize this opportunity.”

The press conference is hosted by State Representative Mary González, who is Vice Chair of the House Appropriations Committee and was a member of the Texas Commission on Special Education Funding.

The press conference will take place at the Texas State Capitol House Press Room 2W.6 and will feature speakers from leading advocacy organizations and families sharing personal stories about the urgent need for increased special education funding.

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MEDIA ADVISORY

WHO:
Statewide disability advocates 

The press conference is co-hosted by The Arc of Texas, Texas Council of Administrators of Special Education, The Autism Society of Texas, Coalition of Texans with Disabilities, Texas Parent to Parent, Texas Dyslexia Coalition, and Texans for Special Education Reform.

WHAT:
A press conference calling on the Texas Legislature to fully fund special education and close the $1.7 billion annual state funding shortfall. Speakers will highlight the barriers students with disabilities face due to chronic underfunding and the urgent need for legislative action this session.

WHEN:
Wednesday, March 19, 2025, at 2:00 p.m. 

WHERE:
Texas State Capitol, House Press Room, CAP 2W.6

WHY:
Texas has not updated its special education funding formula in decades, leaving schools and students struggling to keep up with growing needs. The funding shortfall has reached $1.7 billion, forcing districts to divert funds from general education and putting a strain on programming for all students. Advocates will outline why now is the time for bold action and emphasize that a fully funded special education system benefits all Texas students.

MEDIA AVAILABILITY:
Speakers will be available for photos and interviews immediately following the press conference.

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About The Arc of Texas

The Arc of Texas is a statewide advocacy organization that promotes, protects, and advocates for the human rights and self-determination of Texans with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD). We envision a world where Texans with intellectual and developmental disabilities are included in their communities with quality support and services that meet their needs and choices. The Arc of Texas focuses on four policy pillars impacting Texans with IDD: 1) quality of life (community supports and services), 2) inclusive education, 3) integrated employment, and 4) civil rights and justice.