The Texas House on Thursday passed Gov. Greg Abbott’s school voucher bill after a yearslong campaign by the governor and his allies, the Austin American-Statesman reported. Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick, who presides over the Senate, announced Friday he recommended that chamber accept the House version, which prioritizes children with special education needs for vouchers.
The Senate version, which is less restrictive, passed in early February.
In addition to passing the voucher legislation, the House passed a $7.7 billion school finance package, which will increase the base-level funding per student by almost $400 — to $6,555 — and pays for teacher raises and increases in special education funding. The Senate’s version is considerably different, so the two school finance bills will have to be reconciled.
