Gov. Greg Abbott’s prized school voucher bill faces new roadblock in Texas House

Texas Gov. Greg Abbott’s signature school voucher bill appears to face long odds in the Texas House of Representatives, where a budget amendment could limit the state’s ability to funnel money to public schools.

Last month, the Texas House Appropriations Committee approved a two-year $300 billion spending plan, which includes allocating $5 billion for public schools, $3.5 billion to cover cost-of-living adjustments for retired teachers and $3 billion for enhancing mental health services, the Texas Tribune reports.

What the spending bill might not include — at least per a pre-filed budget amendment — is public money for private schools.

An amendment filed by Rep. Abel Herrero, D-Robstown, would ban the state from issuing the $8,000 school vouchers that are the centerpiece of Senate Bill 8, a controversial proposal being championed by Abbott and Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick.

Even without that amendment standing in the way, SB 8 looks to be struggling in both chambers of the Texas Legislature, according to recent news reports.

Although bill made it out of the Senate Education Committee last week, it still needs more support to pass the Senate, independent news site Reform Austin reports. Further, the measure appears to be 20 votes short in the House, according to Texas State Capitol insider Harvey Kronberg.

SB 8 and its potentially disastrous consequences for public schools, especially rural ones, has been a hot topic for Lone Star State educators.

Last week, San Antonio’s Northside ISD voted in favor of denouncing the legislation. Superintendent Brian T. Woods called it “the single biggest threat to public schools.”

Coming soon: SA Current Daily newsletter. We’ll send you a handful of interesting San Antonio stories every morning. Subscribe now to not miss a thing.

Follow us: Google News | NewsBreak | Instagram | Facebook | Twitter

Related Stories

GOP Texas senators pull their support for allowing some transgender kids to keep receiving puberty blockers and hormone therapy

The Senate also gave initial approval to Senate Bill 14, which would ban transition-related care for transgender kids. Republicans had previously voted to allow kids currently receiving such care to continue doing so.

After Nashville shooting, San Antonio lockdowns, parents beg NISD board for more security

At least three San Antonio schools have been placed under lockdown since the mass shooting in Nashville on Monday.

Facing financial crisis, San Antonio’s Harlandale ISD votes to close 4 elementary schools

Harlandale ISD is the second local district to shutter schools this year, following behind South San Antonio ISD.

Abbott’s voucher plan may win with some GOP voters, but experts say it’s a loser for Texas students

Education scholars say the voucher bill will lead to lower test scores, a deterioration of public schools and a rise in substandard privates ones.

Despite the governor’s voucher pitch, the answer to better Texas schools is more public funding

‘It’s impossible for a state to, in the long term, stand up and maintain two education systems,’ said Michigan State University Professor Joshua Cowen.

This article appears in Mar 22 – Apr 4, 2023.