Last week, HISD proposed budget cuts to close their multi-million dollar deficit which would have a devastating impact on students, staff and communities of color. The proposed cuts include reducing bus routes and cutting janitorial services in schools.

"I have been a proud advocate for unions and working-class families since I was first elected to the Texas Legislature. The cuts HISD proposed will have a direct impact on these very families, especially in black and brown communities. Cutting bus routes will put an added burden on families who are already struggling. Limiting custodian services will increase the workload on our hardworking janitors and eliminate the jobs of others.

"Balancing the budget on the backs of underserved poor and communities of color needs to end. These working-class families are still struggling and putting their lives back together after Hurricane Harvey.

"I will continue to support legislation to fully fund our public education system and fight against devastating cuts that the Republican state leadership enacted years ago. I will always stand with unions and working-class families and stand with them today and against these budget cuts."