AUSTIN, Texas — The House Democratic Caucus on Monday gathered at the same Pflugerville ISD elementary school where the governor signed the last school funding bill in 2019. The school previously faced closure because of on a lack of increased pupil funding. Democrats believe the situation will worsen if vouchers are passed.  

What You Need To Know

  • Texas House Democrats are unhappy with Gov. Greg Abbott's plan for school vouchers

  • The Texas Senate is expected to pass a bill on to the House this week that will allocate up to $11,500 per student for private school use

  • Abbott also wants to the expand the state’s diversity, equity and inclusion ban from public universities to K-12 public school classrooms

  • DEI positions and initiatives are already banned from public universities and government agencies

“Is it OK to take our hard-earned tax dollars and give it to rich people who didn’t even ask for it?” asked caucus chair Rep. Gene Wu, D-Houston.

The Texas Senate is expected to pass a bill on to the House this week that will allocate up to $11,500 per student for private school use.

“Government-mandated schools simply cannot meet the unique needs of every student,” Gov. Greg Abbott said during his the State of the State address Sunday night. 

The national education advocacy organization yes. every kid. aired a campaign to support vouchers after Abbott’s address.

“This is not an us versus them, public school versus other school option. This is about what is best for every family and every kid,” Tiffany Barfield, government affairs director for yes. every kid., said.

Abbott also declared teacher pay increase as an emergency item.

“We must reward the best teachers by putting them on a path to earn a six-figure salary,” he said.

Democrats are wary of this announcement. Abbott specifically called for $750 million investment in the Teacher Incentive Allotment, a merit pay program.

“We’re all for raising the ceiling for our best teachers. But what’s more important is raising the floor for every teacher,” said Rep. James Talarico, D-Round Rock.

Abbott also wants to the expand the state’s diversity, equity and inclusion ban from public universities to K-12 public school classrooms.

“Any educator who tells students that boys can be girls should be fired on the spot,” said Abbott.

DEI positions and initiatives are already banned from public universities and government agencies. Advocates worry about the impact further erasure will have on the state.

“While the governor cited the state’s excellent research, universities and job growth as successes, banning DEI and undermining public education will destroy our universities and weaken our workforce,” said Chloe Kempf with the ACLU of Texas.

Democrats may not like everything the governor proposed, but Republicans control both chambers. Texas House Speaker Dustin Burrows, R-Lubbock, says he “looks forward to working with members across both chambers to pass these items into law before the Legislature adjourns sine die.”