AUSTIN –  Tempers flared Friday during a Senate committee hearing on school vouchers, and at the heart of the debate is what the bill might mean for students in public schools.

Kara DeRocha is the mother of a 13 year-old special needs student. She said navigating public education hasn’t been easy.   

"Because of the nature of my son’s disability there is only one private school in the entire Houston area that is a suitable placement for him," she said.

To DeRocha, that wasn’t an option. It was too expensive and any extra help from the state wouldn't have gone far enough. Instead she wants to see more money put into public schools to help other students like her son.

“We were able to switch schools partially because of the magnet program. They were able to understand him and what he was going through,” said DeRocha.

She showed up to the Capitol on Friday to testify against a proposal that would create a tax credit scholarship for students with special needs. 

“If it looks like a duck, and it quacks like a duck then call it a duck. This is a school voucher bill,” said DeRocha.

Democrats and rural Republicans have repeatedly opposed any plans they say would hurt traditional public schools. But supporters say only about 30,000 students would qualify. In addition, they say, it will give parents more options. 

“It’s a win for parental choice. It’s a win for the taxpayers. It’s a win for the public schools and the schools of choice for wherever the parents of these special needs kids take them,” said republican Sen. Paul Bettencourt of Texas Senate District 7.

However, DeRocha said her child is happy in public school and that's where lawmakers should be focusing their attention. 

"I despise the fact that you are using my child and other special ed children as an avenue to push your voucher agenda. Do not use the backs of these very special children as pawns for your political schemes," she said.

An issue that failed in the regular session and again faces an uncertain future in the special session. 

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