| Vote Recommendation | Economic Freedom | Property Rights | Personal Responsibility | Limited Government | Individual Liberty |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| No | Neutral | Neutral | Neutral | Negative | Neutral |
Relating to measures to prepare students to teach bilingual
education, English as a second language, or Spanish.
Estimated Two-year Net Impact to General Revenue Related
Funds for HB1744, As Introduced: a negative impact of ($6,904,241) through the
biennium ending August 31, 2023. The Higher Education Coordinating Board
indicates that the costs related to providing the financial incentives under
the provisions of the bill cannot be estimated, because it is unknown the
number of individuals who would qualify for participation and fulfill all
requirements of the program. The bill
would make no appropriation but could provide the legal basis for an
appropriation of funds to implement the provisions of the bill.
HB 1744 would require the Texas Education Agency to develop a program of study for use in career and technology
education programs that prepares and assists students in pursuing a
career teaching bilingual education and Spanish.
It would also require the agency to post on the agency’s internet website
information regarding the program of study and the financial incentive program to prepare
teachers to obtain certification to teach bilingual education.
Texas Action is opposed to HB 1744 on the principle of limited government. To the extent that there may be a shortage of bilingual teachers in Texas, independent school districts may institute their own recruitment strategies without the state spending millions more taxpayer dollars to create a new program for this purpose.