School Choice in Texas Faces Opposition from Sen. Ted Cruz

In a recent development surrounding the contentious issue of school choice in Texas, Senator Ted Cruz is calling on Governor Greg Abbott to veto what he deems a “watered-down” school choice bill.

Expressing his dissatisfaction with the school choice in Texas, Cruz took to Twitter to convey his concerns. (Photo: San Antonio Express-News)

School Choice in Texas Faces Opposition

The measure, which seeks to implement private school vouchers for Texas public school students, experienced a rollercoaster ride over the weekend, dying and subsequently resurfacing on Monday when it was attached to different legislation.

He urged Governor Abbott to veto the “watered-down” School Choice in Texas package, emphasizing the importance of passing comprehensive school choice legislation for all Texas children and parents.

According to San Antonio Express-News, earlier this year, Cruz had sent letters to Texas House Republicans, urging them to support legislation that would make every child in Texas eligible for state-funded education savings accounts, enabling them to attend private schools.

This clash over School Choice in Texas is not the first between Governor Abbott and Senator Cruz. Last year, Cruz openly supported candidates in down-ballot races who favored robust school choice policies, opposing Abbott’s preferred candidates.

At the time, Cruz stated that he was endorsing candidates who advocated for stronger school choice measures.

A spokesperson for Cruz clarified that his tweet did not refer to any specific bill but rather the overall effort to promote School Choice in Texas. The senator’s letters to Republican members of the Texas House emphasized the need to expand educational opportunities by granting state-funded education savings accounts to all children in Texas.

The proposal aims to allow parents to withdraw their children from public schools and enroll them in private schools, receiving funding of $8,000 or more for doing so.

READ ALSO: Michigan’s Revenue Will Be Less Due To 2023 Tax Cuts But Surplus Remains High

School Choice in Texas Prioritized by Gov. Abbot

Throughout the legislative session this year, Governor Abbott has prioritized School Choice in Texas, personally lobbying House members and delivering speeches across the state in support of the policy.

However, the School Choice in Texas bill’s fate has been volatile in recent weeks.

After a symbolic vote on the House’s draft version of the budget, it became evident that voucher policies faced significant challenges in that chamber.

However, a key House member, Public Education Committee Chair Brad Buckley, began advocating for his own voucher plan, raising hopes for a potential compromise.

However, a dramatic showdown on the House floor resulted in Buckley being prevented from advancing the School Choice in Texas bill through a committee meeting. Eventually, he proposed a revised version of the bill that made fewer children eligible for the program, possibly in an effort to gain support from House members who have historically not backed voucher bills.

Since 2005, no voucher bill has received a floor vote in Texas. Despite these challenges, Governor Abbott made it clear that he would veto any legislation that did not make a majority of the state’s 5.5 million public school children eligible for vouchers.

Consequently, the School Choice in Texas bill appeared to be killed, as the House failed to meet a crucial deadline for advancing the measure through committee.

READ ALSO: The Minnesota Senate Passed Legislation That Included What DFL Lawmakers Called A Historic Tax Cut