A historic 19-12 vote in the Texas Senate paves the way for school choice to become law in the state.
A historic 19-12 vote in the Texas Senate paves the way for school choice to become law in the state. School choice is now almost over the finish line, with only a few signatures needed before it becomes law: Lieutenant Governor Dan Patrick, House Speaker Dustin Burrows, and then most importantly, that of Governor Greg Abbott.
"I'm so sorry," Houston Democratic Senator Molly Cook said. "I'm so sorry I couldn't protect you from this.""It's a joyous day today," Senator Paul Bettencourt said. "It's a joyous day." While Democrats like House Representative James Talarico expressed fear for the future of public education. "This is a dark day in the history of Texas." Talarico said. "I'm very concerned for Texas students, Texas parents and Texas teachers." Senate Bill 2 sets aside $1 billion to create education savings accounts, a voucher system which allows families to pay for private school tuition or other education-related expenses using taxpayer dollars. "We have choice," Talarico said. "We could fund even more choice, real choice, but instead, we are funding private education for the wealthy few at the expense of the rest of us." The bill's sponsor Senator Brandon Creighton says Texas is prepared to both support public education and the rights of parents. “We're going to keep that tragic manufactured narrative, that continues to be manifested separate from this day that we're all going to join together and celebrate. Because these kids deserve it.” Creighton said. "We have so much diversity among our students, they deserve for us to deliberate and produce policies and initiatives and supports that help all of them."Talarico says this doesn't expand choice at all. "They can pick and choose what kids they let in," Talarico said. "Private schools can reject students for any reason they want." The vote happened just hours after the Senate also passed a $7.7 billion public school funding package which gives local districts more money per student. It also will raise teacher salaries. Lieutenant Governor Dan Patrick had a back-and-forth with Senator Molly Cook on the point of school funding. “I know how devastated we will all be, but when we're done licking our wounds, we're going to put on our boots and get back out there." Cook said. "The dream to fully fund our public schools will not die, and I will work the rest of my life to make sure it happens." Patrick then said Cook was on the verge of making a political statement, which aren't allowed on the floor. "We do fully fund public education, and many of the people in your district support school choice," Patrick said. "You need to look at the polls.""Now we take that fight into the next election cycle," Talarico said. "We organize to elect more pro public education candidates to Office, Democrats and Republicans alike, because we need elected officials who will stand up to these billionaire mega donors."Before this bill reaches Abbot's desk, it must first be signed by both Lieutenant Governor Dan Patrick and House Speaker Dustin Burrows. Once signed by Abbott, the program will launch at the start of the 2026-2027 school year.
United States Latest News, United States Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Billions more for tax relief and border security under budget approved by Texas SenateNext step will be action in the state House, where budget writers have different plans for distributing property tax help.
Read more »
Texas DOGE bill passes Senate to streamline state regulationsTexas SB14, a DOGE-like bill, has passed the Texas Senate and now will be heading to the House for a Vote. The bill, if passed, will streamline state regulations.
Read more »
When Texas’ sky went dark: Looking back at the Total Solar EclipseHere’s when the next total solar eclipse will wow us again
Read more »
Do 'completely dark' dark matter halos exist?Every galaxy is thought to form at the center of a dark matter halo. Stars are formed when gravity within dark matter halos draws in gas, but astrophysicists don't know whether star-free dark matter halos exist. An Diego astrophysicist has calculated the mass below which halos fail to form.
Read more »
Matter-spewing 'singularities' could eliminate the need for dark energy and dark matterRobert Lea is a science journalist in the U.K. whose articles have been published in Physics World, New Scientist, Astronomy Magazine, All About Space, Newsweek and ZME Science. He also writes about science communication for Elsevier and the European Journal of Physics. Rob holds a bachelor of science degree in physics and astronomy from the U.K.
Read more »
How to Deal With Dark Circles on Dark SkinDermatologists and makeup artists share their most effective tips for getting rid of undereye shadows.
Read more »