During a standing room-only hearing on Tuesday, the Texas Public Education Board, which lasted until 6:30am on Wednesday, discussed the Chamber of Commerce Education Savings Account Bill. If passed, the law creates plans like a voucher that allows parents to use state taxes to send their children to private schools.
The hearing was filled with passionate testimony from those who opposed and supported House Bill 3. In total, more than 700 citizens registered their opinions on the bill.
Passing the program has been a priority for Gov. Greg Abbott and other top Texas Republicans since Congress last met in 2023. Supporters like Abbott named it one of his emergency items for 2025, but said the “School Choice” bill would continue to give children the freedom to make the best educational choices and benefit from low-income families.
However, during Tuesday’s tense discussion on HB 3, the bill focused firmly on who would benefit the most. Rep. James Tarico (D. Austin) has now insisted on the plan before lawmakers did not achieve the results their supporters are promoting.
“This is happening in every state where we’re trying vouchers,” he said. “It disproportionately helps not only wealthy families, but also families who have already sent their children to private schools.”
Tallarico refers to Arkansas and Florida, where the majority of people using the programs in these states already have sent their children to private schools.
Unlike its Senate counterpart, HB 3 proposes setting up a tiered system, prioritizing students with disabilities and low-income families earning up to 200% of their poverty levels (approximately $62,400 a year for a family of four).
Brad Buckley, a Republican Salado lawmaker who sponsored the bill, responding to Tallarico’s claims, said the bill gives families the first dibs, less than $160,000 a year.
Buckley also responded to the argument that Texas should primarily focus on fixing current issues in state public schools. He said the approach excluded students currently enrolled in schools with issues.
“We want to have the best system of public schools we can have, but when it’s not working, parents have an understanding that they need options,” Buckley told the committee. “They don’t have to say, ‘Well, you know, it’ll be better five years from now when my child is gone.’ ” “
Meanwhile, outside the Capitol on Tuesday, the Texas Freedom Network held a press conference highlighting some of the same issues raised in its testimony against HB 3.
“I know firsthand the power of public schools,” said Felicia Martin, president of the group. “A school where every child belongs and there is an opportunity to learn and grow regardless of the postcode, skin color, or how much money their parents make.”
She added that the Texas Constitution states that the Texas Legislature is obligated to establish and maintain a system of public schools. She said that while she agrees that public schools need more money, the state is not fair to spend money on sending their children to private schools.
Tuesday’s hearing came soon after a Monday rally hosted by the Texas American Federation of Teachers. The coalition for teachers and employees of other schools across the state has raised about 200 people at the Capitol to oppose plans to divert public funds to private schools.
Several state legislators participated in the support, including Rep. Jolanda Jones, a Houston Democrat.
Wanda Longoria, secretary treasurer at Texas AFT, told the crowd that Texans needed fully funded public schools, not private public schools.
“Many of you are fighting the exact same battle. I want you to leave today knowing you’re not alone,” she said.
The Texas Senate already passed a version of Senate Bill 2, a voucher proposal, earlier last month.
