The school choice news in Texas gets better. This is the story:

The Texas House gave final approval Thursday to a bill that would create a $1 billion private school voucher program, crossing a historic milestone and bringing Gov. Greg Abbott’s top legislative priority closer than ever to reaching his desk.

The lower chamber signed off on its voucher proposal, Senate Bill 2, on an 86-61 vote. Every present Democrat voted against the bill. They were joined by two Republicans — far short of the bipartisan coalitions that in previous legislative sessions consistently blocked proposals to let Texans use taxpayer money to pay for their children’s private schooling.

“This is an extraordinary victory for the thousands of parents who have advocated for more choices when it comes to the education of their children,” Abbott said in a statement, vowing that he would “swiftly sign this bill into law” when it reached his desk.

The initial vote came more than 10 hours after the chamber gave preliminary approval to its sweeping $7.7 billion school funding package, which would give local districts more money per student and raise teacher salaries. House Bill 2, which received final passage Thursday on a 142-5 vote, also aims to improve the quality of special education services by allocating funding based on the individual needs of children with disabilities.

Image by Pixlr AI.

Lt. Governor Patrick supports the House version, clearing the way for its Senate approval. Over at the Governor’s Mansion, Governor Abbott said that he is ready to sign the legislation.

The bill will create education savings accounts for private school tuition and school expenses.

The Democrats will argue that the bill helps the rich. In fact, it will give low-income families options to find better schools. So, power to the parents, and Happy Easter Sunday.

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