School Voucher Vote Will Be Vetoed Per Gov. Abbott, Texas Education Fight Continues
Hello SAISD Parents and San Antonio Community,
This past week, SB1, the bill with many layers of school funding to include ESA (Education Savings Account), moved to the House Floor for a vote. Now, when any bill goes to the floor for a vote, it is a time when other members can ask for amendments to the bill, and that’s what happened. It was Republican John Raney-R for College Station that asked to remove the provision of allowing tax dollars to pay for private or religious schools. As he stood his ground, there were others who questioned his amendment, but he said our Texas Constitution stipulates that no taxpayer money can be used to pay for private schools. Then Raney said,
“I believe in my heart that using tax paper dollars to fund an entitlement program is not conservative, and it’s bad public policy,” and “the idea of us paying for a “choice program” without accountability is not constitutional.”
Lastly, he reminded them that elected officials have a moral duty to educate the children of Texas. After a three-hour debate, the House took a vote, and Raney’s amendment passed with a vote of 84-63 in favor of removing the ESA’S. We have made history in this session as this is the first time in 176 years that we have had so many memorable sessions, and because both parties agreed, they don’t want ESAs or vouchers.
Abbott, in a statement Friday evening, did not concede defeat.
“Today’s vote is just another step on the path to provide school choice for parents and students across Texas,” the governor said. “I will continue advancing school choice in the Texas Legislature and at the ballot box… until all parents can choose the best education path for their child. I am in it to win it.”
This has been a long session, but as some politicians say, our public schools are broken, and that’s because our Governor has not taken the time to help our schools. Now we all know that the fight is not over, as our Governor has stated above.
In his statement he took a dig at the “pro-union Republicans in the Texas House who voted with Democrats.”
As we all get ready for this Thanksgiving holiday, I pray that everyone has a blessed time with your families. If anyone has any questions or concerns, please email at lena.lopez@saoberver.com.
Have a Blessed Week,
Lena
SAISD Holiday School Schedule
All SAISD will be closed from the 20th – 25th and students return on the 28th.
