During a visit to Kingdom Life Academy, a small Christian private school in Tyler, the governor Greg Abbott expressed his optimism and announced that the House currently has 79 “hardcore school choice proponents.” This number surpasses the simple majority required by the 150-member chamber to pass legislation.
During the same visit, Abbott expressed his commitment to fully funding Texas’ public schools, ensuring that teachers receive pay raises, and improving career training options for students. These were areas that he had previously neglected when vouchers faced obstacles in the Texas Legislature last year.
Last year, a provision to establish education savings accounts, a voucher-like program that would have allowed parents to use tax dollars for private schooling and other educational expenses, was removed from a major education funding bill by House lawmakers. The vote was voted 84-63, with twenty-one Republicans, mostly representing rural school districts, joining all House Democrats in opposing the legislation. Their concern was that this proposal would undermine the funding that public schools depend on.
During the March primary election cycle, Abbott made a strong commitment to campaign against the rural Republicans who played a role in obstructing his plan. He received support from individuals like Pennsylvania billionaire Jeff Yass, who have been using their wealth and influence to support advocates of school vouchers nationwide.
Last legislative session, Abbott’s refusal to fully fund public education, despite having a record $32 billion budget surplus, resulted in numerous public school districts starting the current school year with deficit budgets in the millions. Adding to their financial woes are the increasing costs of living, the expiration of federal pandemic relief funds, and legislative mandates for school security that are not adequately funded.
After successfully backing 11 out of the 15 pro-voucher candidates he endorsed earlier this year, Governor Abbott expressed confidence in addressing the funding needs of public schools and passing school voucher legislation during the upcoming legislative session.
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“I spent more than 20 years as a public school teacher in Tyler,” said Enge, an educator with a strong commitment to providing quality education. “Throughout my career, I witnessed students who felt disconnected from traditional schooling and ultimately dropped out, feeling like they didn’t belong. As someone who is Black, I truly understand the importance of offering alternative educational options. It is with immense gratitude that we embrace the opportunity to advocate for school choice, as it has the potential to open doors for countless students and families in need of a different approach to education.”