Gov. Greg Abbott has signed the $1 billion controversial school choice bill into law, allowing taxpayer funds to help qualified students pay for private school tuition.
“Today is the culmination of a movement that has swept the state and our country,” Abbott said Saturday.
President Trump supported him after last month’s vote and posted a social truth, “Congratulations to my friends, Gov. Greg Abbott, Lieutenant and Speaker Dustin Burrows, and Texas lawmakers, who finally passed the school choice, and I strongly acknowledge that—a huge victory for the great Texas students and parents!
"We will soon send education back to all states in all states," he added. In January, President Trump said. Issuing an executive order This frees up funds for the federal Choice program.
The governor also said Saturday that it would be impossible without “the fearless commitment of House members and the Senate, putting families first.”
Governor Lieutenant Dan Patrick, Governor Dustin Burrows, State Senator Brandon Creighton and State Rep. Brad Bickley signed the bill in the governor's mansion. A familiar source said there were expected 1,400 people.
"Texas parents and elementary school students have achieved a significant victory. This popular school choice bill is a historical step to ensure students are free to seek out the right educational options for their right, rather than being trapped in schools that fail to meet their academic needs."
Texas lawmakers passed the legislation 19-12 votes on April 24. It was approved about a week ago Texas homes with historical tickets.
This is the first time a Texas home has given a green light to a private school voucher. this The Senate has approved similar legislation many timesincluding earlier this year, with similar margins of 19-12.
As part of the $1 billion bill, most students attending accredited private schools will receive $10,000 per year. Students with disabilities will earn up to $30,000 a year, and students with family education will receive $2,000 a year.
Democrats say they believe that by the end of the day, most of the students participating in the program will be wealthy students who are now attending private schools.
“We are looking at $1 billion in a system that is already underfunded to help a small number of Texas schoolchildren who are already in private schools,” said state Sen. Sarah Eckhart (D-Austin).
State Senator Joe Landa "Joe" Brown, who opposes the bill, said in a statement that the bill is "not related to choice."
"Texas has officially sold its students with Gov. Greg Abbott signs Senate Bill 2 (Voucher Act)," Brown's statement reads. "This is not a reform of the school, but a benefit to the rich. Paydays for private schools come at the expense of children in public schools. Betrayal betrayal of buzzwords."
government Abbott has repeatedly stated that he believes the bill will pass This legislative season.