In a significant development during the third special session at the Texas Capitol, Governor Greg Abbott has broadened the legislative agenda to encompass critical education issues, including public school funding and teacher pay raises.
Governor Abbott’s decision marks a notable shift in his approach. Initially, he had stated that issues like public school funding and teacher raises would only be addressed after the legislature passed a bill providing taxpayer subsidies for private school attendance. However, this strategy did not garner the necessary support, prompting the governor to reverse his stance and expand the special session’s agenda.
The governor’s announcement, following discussions with Lieutenant Governor Dan Patrick and Speaker Dade Phelan, was aimed at fostering collaboration and progress on these key education issues. Abbott expressed his anticipation of working with both chambers on this legislation, intending to sign it into law. Speaker Phelan’s press secretary, Cassi Pollack, echoed these sentiments, emphasizing the importance of robust discussions on school funding, teacher pay, and other pivotal education topics within the House.
The newly expanded agenda proposed by Governor Abbott calls for significant investments in public schools, including billions of dollars for general school funding, teacher pay raises, and enhanced school security measures. Additionally, the governor proposes introducing universal eligibility for all K-12 students in Texas to attend private schools. This would involve voluntary participation, with selected students receiving $10,400 per year from taxpayers in their education savings accounts. Moreover, the state plans to phase out the STAAR test and replace it with a new student assessment system.
Representative Brad Buckley, who introduced House Bill 1 on October 19, highlighted the importance of addressing teacher pay, school safety, increasing the basic allotment, and reforming the accountability system to better inform parents.
Despite these proposals, the idea of school choice remains contentious, particularly among some rural House Republican lawmakers who fear it could detrimentally impact public schools. Democrats, including Representative James Talarico, are also firmly opposed, viewing the move as an attempt by Governor Abbott to push through his private school voucher initiative, potentially undermining public education.
In the Senate, the previously approved Senate Bill 1 aligns with the governor’s school choice agenda, providing taxpayer subsidies for private school attendance. However, it has not yet been heard in a House committee. Senate Bill 2, which proposes increased funding for public schools and additional teacher payments, has also not been referred to a committee.
House Republican leaders have accused Democrats of avoiding the full session to prevent a quorum, necessary for accepting the governor’s expanded agenda. However, Democrats like Talarico deny this, pointing out that some Republicans were also absent. The House is scheduled to reconvene at 6 p.m. on Wednesday, where the future of these education reforms will be further debated.
