Texas Scorecard by Brandon Waltens November 17, 2023
Republicans and Democrats voted to remove the school choice proposal from a massive education spending bill. After being brought to the floor for a vote for the first time in decades, school choice was killed by members of the Texas House, leaving the fate of the fourth special session uncertain.
House Bill 1 by State Rep. Brad Buckley (R–Salado) included billions of dollars in teacher pay raises and additional school funding. The omnibus legislation also included a school choice element.
The legislation as it was brought to the House would create an education savings account of approximately $10,500 available to any child. A child who is homeschooled would qualify for $1,000.
The plan also included teacher pay raises. In year one, full-time teachers, nurses, counselors, and librarians would earn a $4,000 bonus, while part-time employees would earn $2,000. In year two, the continuation of pay increases would be set by local districts using the state’s basic allotment process.
Despite being a priority of the Republican Party of Texas and Gov. Greg Abbott, the House has repeatedly rejected school choice programs. This vote was no different, as members voted to strip the school choice element out of the bill entirely.
More:
https://texasscorecard.com/state/texas-house-votes-to-kill-school-choice-proposal/
