Texas’ School Voucher Program Could Be “Unrecognizable, If Not Extinct,” Says Democratic Lawmaker
The post Texas’ School Voucher Program Could Be “Unrecognizable, If Not Extinct,” Says Democratic Lawmaker appeared first on ProPublica .
Democratic lawmakers in Texas have vowed to dismantle Gov. Greg Abbott’s highly controversial school voucher program, describing it as "unrecognizable, if not extinct," following the party’s decisive victory in the recent midterm elections. The new Democratic governor-elect, Gina Hinojosa, pledged to fire Education Commissioner Mike Morath and reverse the public school takeovers initiated under Abbott’s administration.
Hinojosa’s promise to eliminate the voucher program hinges on legislative action, as Democrats have the power to restrict certain aspects of the initiative but cannot eradicate it entirely without the support of lawmakers. Despite the challenge, Democrats are optimistic about their prospects, with Rep. Diego Bernal forecasting that the program will undergo significant changes, potentially leading to its demise.
The program, which allowed roughly 110,000 students to use taxpayer funds for private education, has been a source of contention, particularly in rural areas where voters expressed dissatisfaction with Abbott's focus on vouchers over other pressing issues.
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