School choice is a big issue impacting families in Texas and the Senate will vote next week on a voucher plan. FOX 26's Denise Middleton has details on what is being considered.
The leader of the Texas Senate revealed his top 25 priorities for the legislative session and said more will come.
A proposal to create a school voucher-like plan for Texas was advanced by the Texas Senate Education Committee on Tuesday night, giving voucher supporters like Gov. Greg Abbott their first major win of the legislative session.
There's also about $6.5 billion in additional money for property tax relief on top of what was passed two years ago. That may include what the Senate has proposed, which is an increase in the homestead exemption from $100,000 to $140,000 for most homeowners. For seniors, the exemption would rise from $110,000 to $150,000.
The Texas Senate revealed a bill on Friday to create an education savings accounts program, a top priority for Gov.
Texas lawmakers debate a bill that would let families use public funds for private and home schools, raising concerns over equity and legality.
Proponents of school choice in Texas argue it lets students attend schools that fit their specific needs, while critics claim it weakens already struggling public schools.
The Senate education committee will hear public testimony on Senate Bill 2, which would establish education savings accounts.
Senate Bill 2 would set aside $1 billion in taxpayer money to give some parents $10,000 vouchers to spend at private schools.
President Donald Trump’s sweeping education orders could embolden Texas efforts to reshape the way millions of children learn and educators teach,
House Bill 1 and Senate Bill 1, Jan. 22. The proposals include billions of dollars for border security, property tax cuts, public school funding, water infrastructure and private school vouchers.