Lawmakers in Texas were called on by Governor Abbott to pass a school voucher plan.
Gov. Greg Abbott speaks during a rally in support of school choice in January on the steps of the Texas Capitol (Source: Fort Worth Star-Telegram/Eric Gay from AP News).
Abbott’s School Voucher Plan
Governor Greg Abbott urged Texas legislators to pass a program at the start of the year, that would grant all children in the state the opportunity to participate in a school voucher-like program. Under this program, families would receive public funds to contribute towards private school tuition.
Despite the failure of a voucher proposal supported by Abbott during the regular legislative session, he intends to convene a special session later this year to address the issue, according to the Fort Worth Star-Telegram.
However, the prospects of a successful voucher plan becoming law remain uncertain, with both sides displaying a reluctance to compromise. This raises the possibility of a prolonged standoff between the governor and rural Republicans in the House of Representatives, according to Yahoo News.
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Gov. Greg Abbott speaks during an event held by the Parent Empowerment Coalition at Annapolis Christian. Abbott said he’ll call lawmakers back to Austin if they don’t pass a program that provides tuition to private school for most Texas families. Credit: Angela Piazza/Corpus Christi Caller-Times via Texas Tribune).
Abbott and Lieutenant Governor Dan Patrick have prioritized education savings accounts, which would allow families to use taxpayer funds for private school tuition and other educational expenses.
Despite efforts to incorporate a voucher proposal into an education funding bill, along with provisions for teacher pay raises and increased school district funding, the bill failed due to the House’s unwillingness to accept vouchers.
Following the conclusion of the regular session, Abbott immediately called for a special session to address property tax reform and border issues. He has also indicated his intention to convene an additional special session to tackle school funding matters and the voucher proposal.
