AUSTIN (December 7, 2012)--Texas House Speaker Joe Straus said Friday lawmakers will fund public schools this session enough to keep up with booming enrollment growth, a $2 billion proposition.

The San Antonio Republican also told The Associated Press Friday that he hopes the Legislature will restore $4 billion in cuts to schools its members approved in 2011.

Texas' fast-growing population means enrollment in its public schools increases by over 150,000 students per year, requiring an additional $2 billion in the state budget to keep up.

"The good news is we're dedicated to doing that,” he said.

The Legislature reconvenes Jan. 8.

In 2011, lawmakers voted to cut $4 billion from the state's school funding formula.

Straus refused to commit to restoring that money, but he said, "I hope we can.