Texas public schools are about to see a major cash infusion. Gov. Greg Abbott on Wednesday signed an $8.5 billion funding bill that delivers sweeping investments in teacher pay, early learning and campus security.

“Texas should be number one in educating our children,” Abbott said. “The foundation is now in place for Texas education to begin the upward climb."

HB 2, one of the most closely watched bills of this year’s legislative session, includes a historic $4.2 billion for teacher and school staff raises. The new law will dedicate nearly $2 billion to revamping the state’s special education system and expanding access to full-day pre-K and early learning interventions, along with career and technical education programs. Another $430 million is set aside for school safety upgrades.

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