Austin News

Governor Greg Abbott, alongside former Arizona Governor Doug Ducey, Lieutenant Governor Dan Patrick, and Speaker Dustin Burrows, expressed strong support for school choice during a media event at the Texas Capitol in Austin.

"School choice is important for parents and essential for students," stated Governor Abbott. He emphasized that Texas is on the verge of significant legislative changes and stressed the importance of prioritizing students' education. "As Governor, we will ensure Texas ranks No. 1 for educating our students. That starts by passing school choice this session."

Governor Ducey highlighted the non-partisan nature of the issue, saying, "This is not a partisan issue, this is an American issue." He noted that no state as large or influential as Texas has yet passed school choice legislation and expressed his full support for the initiative.

Lieutenant Governor Patrick remarked on the state's educational funding levels: "Texas is funding education at one of the highest levels ever." He dismissed claims that school choice undermines education as false and argued that it would enhance competitiveness and quality in schools.

Speaker Burrows discussed legislative efforts: "We can fully fund public education and do school choice at the same time." He mentioned House Bill 2 and House Bill 3 as key components of their strategy to advance school choice legislation.

The event included members from both the Texas Senate Committee on Education and the Texas House Committee on Public Education. Governor Abbott asserted that passing school choice would position Texas as a leader in student education and help maintain its competitive edge in industries such as artificial intelligence, semiconductors, and aerospace. He also thanked his colleagues for their leadership in promoting parental empowerment through school choice.