Texas House Passes Controversial School Voucher Bill
In a historic decision, the Texas House approved a contentious bill early Thursday morning that will enable families to utilize public funds for private school tuition. This school choice legislation, known for its divisive nature, passed with a vote of 85-63 after nearly 11 hours of discussion, with two members absent.
Overview of the School Voucher Program
The newly approved measure introduces taxpayer-funded education savings accounts, commonly referred to as school vouchers, for eligible students currently enrolled in public schools. This program allows families to seek private educational institutions if their child is accepted into the state’s program.
Eligibility and Funding Provisions
Under the legislation, the financial assistance stipulates that:
- Students attending private schools will receive $10,000 annually.
- Students with disabilities may receive up to $30,000 each year.
- Home-schooled students will be eligible for $2,000.
Governor Greg Abbott hailed the passage as a significant victory for parents advocating for increased educational choices, stating, “This is an extraordinary victory for the thousands of parents who have advocated for more choices when it comes to the education of their children.” He commended the lawmakers who supported the bill, reflecting the sentiments of many Texans supportive of school choice.
A Historic Vote
The legislation marks a pivotal moment for Texas, being the first instance since 1957 that the Texas House has authorized the use of state funds for private education. Following the deliberations, House Speaker Dustin Burrows remarked on the bill’s implications for educational opportunities, referring to the vote as a historic chapter for education in Texas. He further emphasized that this legislative session also coincides with the largest increase in public school funding in state history.
The vote occurred just after 2 a.m. following consideration of 43 amendments, all of which were rejected. The vote predominantly fell along party lines, with a couple of Republicans joining the Democrats in opposition.
Concerns from Opposition
The Democrats expressed major concerns about the potential impact of the voucher program on public school funding, labeling the initiative as “welfare for the rich.” Texas Democratic Party Chair Kendall Scudder criticized the bill, asserting that working families would essentially be covering the costs of the voucher program, which he referred to as a “voucher scam.”
Next Steps for the Legislation
The Texas House is scheduled to take a final vote later today on the bill before it moves to the Texas Senate. There, lawmakers will have the opportunity to either accept the House’s provisions or amend them further.
Support from National Figures
Prior to the vote, Governor Abbott announced that former President Donald Trump had expressed his support for the school choice initiative, emphasizing its importance for Texas families. Trump celebrated the bill’s passage on social media, declaring it “a gigantic Victory for students and parents in the Great State of Texas!”
Related Legislative Developments
In conjunction with the voucher bill, the Texas House also recently passed HB 2, a public school funding bill that aims to provide a historic increase in educational funding. The bill was approved with a significant majority of 144-4 and aims to inject $9 billion into public education, raising the basic allotment for schools and allocating funds for teacher pay raises amongst other enhancements.
While Republican leaders contend that Texas is already investing more into public education, Democrats argue that the state lags behind in comparison to other regions. As local school districts grapple with budget deficits exacerbated by inflation and declining enrollment, the evolving educational landscape remains a focal point of contention within the state.