Press Releases
Bastrop Chamber Supports Fund Schools First
| FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE March 12, 2025 Contact: Becki Womble, CCE, IOM President & CEO (512) 303-0558 bwomble@bastropchamber.com www.bastropchamber.com |
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BASTROP CHAMBER OF COMMERCE SUPPORTS
FUND SCHOOLS FIRST
A statewide initiative advocating for increased funding for Texas public schools
Bastrop, Texas – The Bastrop Chamber of Commerce is proud to announce its official support for Fund Schools First, a statewide initiative advocating for increased funding for Texas public schools. Amid rising inflation and increasing student needs, the Bastrop Chamber is joining hundreds of business, community, and education leaders in urging lawmakers to prioritize sustainable and meaningful investment in Texas public schools.Since 2020, inflation has wreaked havoc on school district budgets, mirroring the challenges faced by businesses and families across the state. The buying power of the basic allotment, the foundation of public school funding, has decreased $1,340, limiting access to essential educational resources. Without increased funding, the quality of education is at risk, affecting students, educators, and the future of our local workforce.
“The financial pressure on Texas schools has never been greater,” said Becki Womble, President & CEO of the Bastrop Chamber. “Our local businesses and communities depend on a strong, educated workforce, and we recognize that investing in public education is a direct investment in our future. We are proud to stand with other Chambers of Commerce and education leaders across the state in calling for lawmakers to prioritize the funding our students need to succeed.”
Fund Schools First advocates for an increase to the state’s basic allotment, which would trigger additional funding for key educational programs and ensure that all students—regardless of background—have access to the resources they need to excel. Increased funding would provide teacher pay raises, address rising costs in critical areas, such as special education and safety and security, and provide local communities with the resources they need to meet their unique needs.
In 2019, the legislature made an historic investment in public education when it nearly unanimously passed House Bill 3. However, inflation has completely eroded that progress and as student needs have grown, Texas public schools are trying to do more with less. To secure the Texas miracle and our future workforce, the legislature must step forward to provide a substantial investment in public schools that allows locally elected school boards to address the unique needs of their own communities.
“As local business leaders, we understand that a thriving economy starts with a well-educated population,” said Womble. “It is critical that we work together to ensure our schools have the necessary resources to help students thrive and prepare for the future workforce.”
About the Bastrop Chamber of Commerce:
The Bastrop Chamber of Commerce is Accredited with Four-Star Distinction by the U.S. Chamber of Commerce. Our mission is “To improve business prosperity and, thereby, the quality of life in Bastrop County, through leadership, advocacy, and collaboration.” Currently, the Chamber serves a membership of nearly 800 members throughout Bastrop County and Central Texas and is consistently ranked in the Top 10 Largest Chambers by the Austin Business Journal. To learn more and/or join the Bastrop Chamber of Commerce, please visit www.bastropchamber.com.
About Fund Schools First:
Fund Schools First is a collaborative initiative of urban, suburban, and rural school districts, the business community, and other organizations across Texas. This initiative is designed to provide consistent and accurate information regarding school funding and the impact of inflation to lawmakers, business leaders, and the community at large.
For more information about Fund Schools First visit www.fundschoolsfirst.org and follow @FSFTexas on Facebook, Instagram, and X for updates.
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Becki Womble President / CEO
- March 12, 2025
- (512) 303-0558
- Send Email
