Some of the key topics expected to be tackled by legislators this session include COVID-19 response; redrawing congressional maps based on the results of the 2020 U.S. Census; public and higher education; health care; and public safety, particularly as it relates to racial justice. Among Paxton’s top priorities are continued funding for public education, which saw historic gains during the last session with the passage of House Bill 3, which guaranteed increased state funding for public schools. “I will work very hard to make sure we protect the gains we made with HB 3,” she said. The most pressing item on the state’s agenda is approval of the biennial budget, which is likely to be extremely contentious this year given the fiscal strain imposed by COVID-19, according to state Rep. Angie Chen Button, R-Richardson.