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Texas Gov. Greg Abbott has signed legislation creating the 1836 Project to promote awareness of the state's history, prosperity and democratic freedom.
"To keep Texas the best state in the nation, we can never forget why our state is so exceptional,” Abbott said on Twitter. “I signed a law establishing the 1836 project, which promotes patriotic education and ensures future generations understand Texas values. Together, we'll keep our rich history alive."
The law, named for the year Texas gained independence from Mexico, creates an advisory committee to “promote patriotic education and increase awareness of the Texas values that continue to stimulate boundless prosperity across the state.”
The governor, lieutenant governor and speaker of the House each appoint three members to the commission.
“Under this law, every newcomer to Texas who gets a driver’s license will also get a pamphlet that outlines Texas’ rich history, as well as the principals that make Texas, Texas,” the governor said on Twitter.
The project will be funded and administered by the Texas Education Agency, according to the state's House Research Organization.
It would cost about $2.3 million through Aug. 31, 2023, the research organization said.
Critics of the bill say it “could be an unnecessary and costly effort to raise awareness of Texas history when public school students in the state already are required to study the subject in grades four and seven,” the research organization said. “Because the bill would create an advisory committee that was appointed by the governor, lieutenant governor and House speaker, the 1836 Project could include members who all came from one political party and policy perspective.”
The project would highlight “all aspects of Texas history, including contributions made by indigenous peoples, the state's Spanish and Mexican heritage, and the significance of Juneteenth were part of the Texas 1836 Project's public awareness campaign,” the research organization said.