By CLARICE SILBER and PAUL J. WEBER
Associated Press

AUSTIN, Texas (AP) - Texas Gov. Greg Abbott says $1.6 billion in teacher raises are coming in a deal driven by classroom unrest and Republicans who sharply changed course on public education ahead of 2020.

The announcement Thursday would make Texas the latest state - and now the largest - to pour more money into schools in wake of teacher revolts across the U.S. and years of cost-cutting.

Teacher never went on strike in Texas. But Republicans who absorbed heavy losses in the 2018 elections returned to the Capitol newly committed to a public school system that was declared barely constitutional just three years ago.

Lawmakers said the raises amount to roughly $4,000 for experienced teachers. Teacher unions met the news with caution, saying they needed to see details.

Texas' legislative session ends Monday.

Copyright 2019 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.