Last night the House voted 86-52 for the amendment against school vouchers. The amendment, brought by Rep. Abel Herrero, D-Robstown, prohibits the use of state funds for “school vouchers or other similar programs.” The amendment specifically named education savings accounts.
This report is intended to give you an overview and highlight of the discussions on the various topics taken up. It is not a verbatim transcript of the discussions but is based upon what was audible or understandable to the observer
- FA 45 Herrero – Pg 199, funds appropriated for public schools will remain as such; prohibits use for school vouchers or other related programs; open-enrollment charter schools are a part of the public school system
- Buckley – Speaks against the amendment; on Tuesday will be six pieces of legislation in the Education committee that could give options to parents/schools
- Buckley – Move to table this amendment
- Motion to table this amendment fails (64-71)
- Harrison – Speaks against the amendment; majority of Texans support education freedom
- Schatzline – Speaks against the amendment; is not actually a rural divide on this issue
- Frank – Speaks against the amendment; want to at least discuss the bills on the floor/committee
- Harris, Buckley, and Smithee discuss that the budget is not the place for this debate
- Smithee – Have always voted against voucher proposals in the past, and would likely do it again, but needs to go through the process
- Herrero – Would not be the first time this amendment has been added to the budget; amendment ensures these public funds are going to public schools; the amendment does nothing to negatively impact grants
- FA 45 adopted (86-52)
For comparison, last legislative session the Herrero amendment was adopted with 115 ayes and 29 nays.
