(AP) --  AUSTIN, Texas (AP) -- Hundreds of teachers and students from school districts around Texas have rallied at the state Capitol to denounce $5.4 billion in education cuts approved by the Legislature last summer.

U.S. Democratic Representative Lloyd Doggett joined state legislators from his party and some members of the Texas Board of Education for a march and series of speeches.

A booming high school percussion section made sure Saturday's demonstration stayed loud.

The Legislature does not reconvene until January and Republican majorities control both houses, but Democrats have promised to make increased spending on education a priority.

Texas' growing population means its public school enrolment increases an average of about 80,000 students per year.

That growth plus budget cuts has made the state's spending per pupil decline by more than $500 since the last budget.

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