Texas Republicans deliver Trump, Abbott major win on education

The Texas House of Representatives voted to give initial approval to a $1 billion program that will see taxpayer money fund private school fees, a top priority of Gov. Greg Abbott and one he says will improve choice for parents and children.

Under the bill, if a family sends their child to an accredited private school, they will receive a voucher worth $10,000 per year, rising to $11,500 if the student has a disability.

The bill was approved by 86-63, with all present Democrats voting against, arguing that it will take vital money from public education. Just two Republicans joined them.

President Donald Trump had called Republican legislators in Texas before the vote, urging them to vote for the “forward-thinking” reform.

It comes as the Trump Administration moves to shutter the federal Department for Education in order to pass responsibility entirely back to the states.

The private school voucher program faces one final vote for approval in the state House before it moves back to the Senate, where it started. Both chambers will then reconcile certain differences before it goes to Abbott, the Texas Tribune reported.

“For the first time in Texas history, our state has passed a universal school choice bill out of both chambers in the Texas Legislature,” said Abbott, a Republican, in a statement.

“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 vowed to “swiftly sign this bill into law” when it hits his desk, “creating the largest day-one school choice program in the nation and putting Texas on a pathway to becoming the best state in America for educating our kids.”

Austin Democrat Rep. Gina Hinojosa said she felt “cursed by this bill,” which will be “the interest of big money prevailing over the interests of Texans,” the Austin American-Statesman reported.

After Trump called Republican legislators, Abbott shared a video of the moment on X.

“Texas, I love it, it’s a great state. It’s leading because of a lot of the things that we’ve done together. Leading in energy, leading in jobs, and now we’re going to be leading in education too,” Trump said on the call.

“I just think it’s a really forward-thinking vote…I just want to let you know that I appreciate it…This is a big vote today and I hope you’re able to vote in a positive manner.”

This is a developing story and more information will be added shortly.