All eyes on education in crucial day at Texas legislature

AUSTIN (Nexstar) — In a split-screen legislative affair expected to last late into Thursday night, Texas lawmakers are set to vote on a pair of proposals that may spell out the future of Gov. Greg Abbott’s ambitious plans for education.

In the Senate, Abbott’s “Parental Bill of Rights” is set to pass. That’s what top Republicans are dubbing Senate Bill 8, a novel bill for Texas’ public education system that would create “education savings accounts” (ESAs).

Through those accounts, the state would spend half a billion dollars over the next two years to subsidize some families’ educational costs. Parents who wish to transfer their children from public school to private school would be eligible to receive $8,000 from the state to do so.

Abbott has traveled around the state advocating for the “school choice” initiative, expending significant personal capital and betting the session on the issue.

That bill passed out of the Senate Education Committee on a partisan 10-2 vote. It will pass on the Senate floor.

Critics argue the plan would harm public education and not go far enough to enable lower-income families to send their children to private schools. The House is home to far more of those critics.

The lower chamber is set to level a more serious challenge to the governor’s plan. Of the almost 400 amendments filed for consideration on the state’s budget, one has drawn attention as a possible foil to the ESA push.

Robstown Democrat Abel Herrero filed an amendment to the budget that would prohibit state money from funding “a school voucher, including an education savings account, tax credit scholarship program, or a grant or other similar program through which a child may use state money for non-public primary or secondary education.”

Last session, the House passed a similar amendment of his 115-29.

This coverage is ongoing and will be updated as news breaks throughout the day.

 

(KXAN File Photo)
(KXAN File Photo)  Read Less

AUSTIN (Nexstar) — In a split-screen legislative affair expected to last late into Thursday night, Texas lawmakers are set to vote on a pair of proposals that may spell out the future of Gov. Greg Abbott’s ambitious plans for education.

In the Senate, Abbott’s “Parental Bill of Rights” is set to pass. That’s what top Republicans are dubbing Senate Bill 8, a novel bill for Texas’ public education system that would create “education savings accounts” (ESAs).

Through those accounts, the state would spend half a billion dollars over the next two years to subsidize some families’ educational costs. Parents who wish to transfer their children from public school to private school would be eligible to receive $8,000 from the state to do so.

Abbott has traveled around the state advocating for the “school choice” initiative, expending significant personal capital and betting the session on the issue.

That bill passed out of the Senate Education Committee on a partisan 10-2 vote. It will pass on the Senate floor.

Critics argue the plan would harm public education and not go far enough to enable lower-income families to send their children to private schools. The House is home to far more of those critics.

The lower chamber is set to level a more serious challenge to the governor’s plan. Of the almost 400 amendments filed for consideration on the state’s budget, one has drawn attention as a possible foil to the ESA push.

Robstown Democrat Abel Herrero filed an amendment to the budget that would prohibit state money from funding “a school voucher, including an education savings account, tax credit scholarship program, or a grant or other similar program through which a child may use state money for non-public primary or secondary education.”

Last session, the House passed a similar amendment of his 115-29.

This coverage is ongoing and will be updated as news breaks throughout the day.

Copyright 2023 Nexstar Media Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

<article class="article-list__article" data-article-id="1712201" data-context="headline_list_one_col_image_branded" data-index="0" data-collection="article-list1" data-anvato-params=" Thursday, April 6 morning headlines

7 hours ago

San Antonio Spurs help refurbish 5 basketball courts …

8 hours ago

Several rescued from east Austin apartment fire

9 hours ago

Austin Pets Alive! seeks fosters, ‘bottle baby’ volunteers …

16 hours ago

Austin Pets Alive! seeks fosters, ‘bottle baby’ volunteers …

16 hours ago

Austin Junior Forum’s Teddy Bear Program making help …

16 hours ago

DPS investigating incident after Uvalde mom shoved …

16 hours ago


More Videos


BestReviews


9 best epoxy resin starter kits

/ 2 hours ago


Best bonsai tree starter kit

/ 3 hours ago


Best tape measure

/ 3 hours ago


10 best buffalo plaid shirts

/ 4 hours ago


9 things you can do with a food processor

/ 4 hours ago


Best women’s probiotic

/ 4 hours ago


More reviews


More from KXAN Austin


National Burrito Day deals


PHOTOS: Lightning, hail from Wednesday storm


Climate change is changing what plants can grow where


San Antonio Spurs to play at Moody Center Thursday


New TSA scanners being added at AUS


Pick-up driver killed in Monday crash ID’d


APD identifies man killed in April 2 crash


Donated stuffed animals help kids cope with trauma


More from KXAN Austin




`;

// –>

Tracking the Coronavirus


What is the current COVID risk in your county?

/ 6 days ago

Austin Weather

Current

49°

Rain

Tonight

49°

Thunderstorms

Precip: 90&percnt;

Tomorrow

54°

Thunderstorms

Precip: 90&percnt;

Trending Stories


Expert says Daniel Perry slowed down during turn


Report: AUS executive director had conflict of interest


Widespread rain over the next 48 hours


Man charged in arson of Austin synagogue to give …


Tallest building in Austin set to open in fall

Don’t Miss


KXAN’s beloved Kaxan dies after brain cancer battle


VOTE: Help us choose the best viewer photo of March


Which areas of Texas are growing the fastest?


2023 already off to a record start at Austin airport


KXAN launches new news podcasts



Latest weather conditions from the KXAN First Warning Weather team