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School funding and voucher bills clear Texas House, but Senate approval is still needed

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School funding and voucher bills clear Texas House, but Senate approval is still needed


Houston, Texas (KTRK) — Two education bills passed the House this week, but there are still hurdles to clear before they become law.

Teacher candidates from across the Houston area came together at this job fair in Gulfton on Thursday. It’s a career, they say, that they’re interested in to help mold young minds.

But some are wondering if bills in Austin could impact their careers.

“The idea of vouchers makes it seem a bit commercial, doesn’t it?” Ansonia Jones explained. “Paying people to educate your child when it’s something that should be open to everyone.”

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“I grew up in public school,” Jasmine Morris said. “I never got the chance to be in a private school or charter school. So, it’s nice to know my kids could have that opportunity.”

On Thursday, the House passed two education bills. One would boost public schools by nearly $8 billion.

It would increase teacher pay and special education funding. Democrats argue it’s not enough, especially since Gov. Greg Abbott didn’t increase funding two years ago after a voucher bill stalled.

The education bill now heads to the Senate. When it comes to the voucher bill, it’s different from two years ago.

“The Senate bill and the House bill, while not identical, are pretty close together,” Rice University political science professor Mark Jones said. “So, it shouldn’t be too tough for the Senate and the House conferees, a group of Senators and a group of House members, to work together to work up a compromise.”

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The Senate passed its voucher version earlier this year, and the House just gave approval on Thursday.

There are differences between the two bills.

While the Senate’s version gives $10,000 per student to use on private schools, the House bill bases the amount on a funding formula, which could make that total even higher.

A big difference is how much to give students with disabilities: The House wants to give $30,000 per student, while the Senate’s version is $11,500.

The House version bases the amount on a funding formula, which could make that total even higher.

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If demand exceeds the budget, the Senate’s version would make 80% of the allocated budget income based. The House wants it to be 100%.

A big difference is how much to give students with disabilities. The House wants to give $30,000 per student, while the Senate’s version is $11,500.

“The Senate has an option to either approve this current option and send it to Gov. Abbott, which is unlikely, or more likely, they’re going to say, ‘No, we don’t like this version, we’re going to ask for a conference committee,’” Jones explained.

If lawmakers decide to work on a compromise bill, you won’t know what happens until a deal is reached, as they work in private in these situations.

If a deal is reached, though, the bill will become public, and lawmakers will debate it in each chamber before a vote takes place.

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For updates on this story, follow Nick Natario on Facebook, X and Instagram.

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Texas

Texas Football Opt-Outs: Who’s Likely Playing and Who’s Out for the Citrus Bowl

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Texas Football Opt-Outs: Who’s Likely Playing and Who’s Out for the Citrus Bowl


At this point in time, opting out of bowl games is nothing new, but Texas is going to have more opt-outs in the Citrus Bowl against Michigan than many—self included—expected. This problem pales in comparison to what’s going on in Ann Arbor, but the amount of lost experience will be something for Texas to overcome, primarily on defense.



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Latest in recruiting war for elite 2028 QB has Texas Football joyful

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Latest in recruiting war for elite 2028 QB has Texas Football joyful



Neimann Lawrence list the Longhorns as one school that is standing out

As the Longhorns continue to build for the future, one of their targets is four-star prospect Neimann Lawrence. The Miami native is one of the best quarterbacks in the 2028 class and is attracting interest from some of the nation’s top programs. On Monday, Lawrence revealed the schools that have stood out so far, including the Longhorns. 

While Mondays update was encouraging, Texas was not the only school Lawrence mentioned. He also highlighted Michigan, Miami, Ohio State, Texas A&M, and Tennessee. That is not an easy list of schools to go to battle with; the Longhorns have time to make themselves stand out. 

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Currently, the Miami Northwestern High star is ranked as the fourth-best quarterback in is class by 247Sports. They also rank him as the ninth-best player from Florida and the 39th-best player in the nation. With collegiate debut still over a year away, those rankings could change. 

At the moment, the Longhorns do not have a commitment in the 2028 class, but they have made offers to some of the top recruits. That includes Brysen Wright, Jalanie George, Jamarios Canton, Micah Rhodes, and King Pitts. Landing any of those players would give Texas a bright future. 

With a decision still months away, Lawrence will be a player to watch. A lot could change as his recruitment continues, but it is a good sign for Texas that they are standing out early on in the process. 



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Orange County wedding photographer deported on way to job in Texas

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Orange County wedding photographer deported on way to job in Texas


An Orange County photographer is speaking out after he was deported as he was heading to Texas to photograph a wedding.

What they’re saying:

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“I was trying to do it the right way, the legal way and it just feels like they don’t care about that,” said Adan Caceres.

Caceres came to the United States under asylum in 2014, fleeing a violent El Salvador.

“My mom’s sister was murdered and she was thrown in front of our house. She also was abused sexually before they murdered her and then my brother and I were threatened by the gangs,” said Caceres.

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He says he never received the deportation order that was issued in 2018 and only learned about it in 2023. He then started the process of reopening his case.

“I was paying my taxes. I’m a business owner, I’m a wedding photographer. I’m also married,” said Caceres.

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In October, Caceres was going through security at John Wayne Airport, heading to a job in Texas, when he was detained. He says from Santa Ana, he was sent to the Adelanto Detention Center then one in El Paso, Texas where he says the conditions were inhumane.

“We’re not even asking ‘hey let us out’ we’re asking for water, we’re asking for us to be able to use the restroom, these are basic human rights,” said Caceres.

He says now that he’s back in the country he once fled, he’s most concerned about his wife back in Orange County.

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“I was providing a lot of income for our household and now my wife has to take care of all of those things on her own; paying car insurance, the rent, all the bills,” said Caceres.

Caceres says he had no criminal history and feels he was on the path to citizenship when it was ripped away from him, leaving his future with his family uncertain.

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“I don’t know if I’m going to see them. I don’t know when I’m going to see them,” said Caceres.

The other side:

FOX11 reached out to the Department of Homeland Security asking about Caceres’ case but had not heard back at the time this story aired. 

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The Source: Information for this story came from an interview with Adan Caceres.

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