Texas Governor Greg Abbott asserts he has the votes to pass school vouchers in the upcoming legislative session, despite opposition from some lawmakers. The debate is expected to be a major focus of the session, with supporters arguing for parental choice and opponents raising concerns about the impact on public education.
When the Texas Legislature gavels in a new session this January, we will see another round in the battle over school vouchers . Earlier this month, Texas Governor Greg Abbott held a news conference claiming victory on the issue. Abbott says he has the votes to pass vouchers, which has become one of his legislative priorities. Abbott actively campaigned against rural Republicans who opposed his school voucher plan in the previous legislative session.
'There was a tidal wave of support for those House candidates that I supported,' the governor said. 'We will ensure that every parent has the right to choose the school that is best for their child.' Gov. Abbott says he has 79 solid votes for school vouchers. A bill needs 76 votes to pass the Texas House. Voucher opponents, like State Rep. James Talarico, D-Austin, are not giving up the fight. Talarico talked with FOX 7's Rudy Koski about the upcoming debate and if compromise on the issue is possible. State Rep. James Talarico: 'I think the fight to save public education will be the number one issue in the next legislative session. A majority of the counties in the State of Texas don't have a single private school in them and the cost of the voucher doesn't even cover the full cost of tuition at most private schools in Texas, so working class families, like the ones in my district, or my former students on the west side of San Antonio, they can't take advantage of this voucher scam, and so instead the vast majority of the money will end up going to wealthy families who are already sending their kids to private school.' Rudy Koski: 'The governor has spent the last several months doing what some would describe as a revenge tour, going after rural Republicans who were part of this pro-education, bipartisan blocking coalition. They are gone. You have lost them. He says he has the numbers. Are you throwing up the white flag?' Rep. Talarico: 'Not at all
Education School Vouchers Texas Legislature Greg Abbott James Talarico
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