Aaron Pena Official Website

Austin -- State Representative Aaron Pena has once again filed legislation that would provide teachers in the state of Texas a $3000 across the board pay raise. HB 57 would provide teachers, counselors, librarians and nurses in public schools a much needed salary increase. Governor Rick Perry has called the legislators in a second special session to address the issue of public school finance.

"We have been fighting this pay raise for years," said Pena. "If anything comes out of this special session it will likely be a much needed teacher pay raise."

On Wednesday July 20th, Governor Perry issued an official proclamation calling for a second special session to consider legislation to fund Texas public schools. Among the charges issued by the Governor is the stipulation that asks legislators to consider legislation that addresses educator compensation.

"We have drawn a line in the sand," said Pena. "Teachers are tired of the political promises during every campaign season. If you believe in teachers and the future of Texas you will stand and fight for the future of our children and the future of Texas."

Representative Pena says that with only 18 days left in the special session it is still possible to achieve this victory

State Representative Aaron Pena has filed legislation in the 78th and 79th regular sessions authorizing a teacher pay raise. Pena was also a co-author of an amendment to HB 2 during the regular legislative session which would have raised teacher pay by about $3000 per year. HB 2, the school finance bill, failed to pass the House but the Senate is holding committee hearings and is hoping to bring up a new education bill later this week.