A bill to implement school vouchers in Texas sailed through the Senate largely on party lines last week and now awaits consideration in the House, the Austin American-Statesman reported. House Speaker Dustin Burrows, R-Lubbock, said he believes there are enough votes in that chamber to pass the legislation, which was defeated a half-dozen times in 2023 by a coalition of Democratic and rural Republican members.
“As Speaker, I’m committed to ensuring the agenda of the Texas House remains truly member-driven this session,” Burrows said in a statement. “I support empowering parents to decide the best educational option for their children.”
The bill’s supporters, which include Gov. Greg Abbott, Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick and other top elected officials, say it would give students access to more school choices. Opponents fear the $1 billion program will siphon funding and students away from public schools already facing budget deficits.
