Texas public schools are one step closer to receiving new state money after the Senate on Friday unanimously approved an $8.5 billion funding package, a deal born out of lengthy negotiations with the House.

Governor Greg Abbott praised the Texas Legislature for passing House Bill 2, which provides a record-setting $8.5 billion investment in public education across the state.

It comes as Texas public schools have been struggling with budget deficits. Gov. Greg Abbott made teacher pay raises an emergency item this session.