BEAUMONT, Texas — Governor Greg Abbott wants lawmakers to pass legislation on a bill that will enable a parent's right to fund their children's education at the school of their choice.
Governor Abbott called state lawmakers to Austin on October 9, 2023 to pass legislation on four priorities: border security, public safety, ending COVID restrictions and making education savings accounts available to all Texas students.
Education savings accounts are a type of voucher.
This proposal would set aside $8,000 in taxpayer dollars for each student so that parents can fund their education.
"I'm not focused on moving tax dollars around, propping up a certain type of educational system over another. It's about what's best for the children's education because you're only as strong as your next generation and education is the bedrock principle of moving your next generation to being productive citizens," Beaumont native, Texas House Speaker Dade Phelan said.
Phelan told 12News passing Senate Bill 1 is a steep hill to climb. However, he ultimately supports quality education options for children.
He believes legislatures need to address other issues.
"You'll have to talk about not just school choice, but school finance and if there's a robust investment in public education as well as ESAs, and investment in teacher pay increase and an investment in school safety," Phelan said.
On October 9 another option for parents was presented. It is called the Educational Savings Account (ESA).
"A voucher, typically in other states has been you know, 'here's a check go educate your child'. An ESA, the money actually held in trust by a third party and the parent or guardian does not get an actual check," Phelan said.
It takes 76 majority house votes for this school voucher bill to reach the Senate before heading to the Governor's desk.
"I've said this from the beginning of session, if you ask 149 of my house colleagues what is school choice you can get 149 different answers. Everyone has a different opinion on how it should look or how it should not look at all," he said.
Last week, 12News spoke with educators in Southeast Texas who say they are against this bill.