Texas House and Senate Clash Over School Voucher Plans

Key differences in funding formulas, eligibility, and public school support define the competing proposals as lawmakers face mounting pressure to act.

• The Texas House has introduced its school voucher bill, offering universal eligibility but with funding tied to public education formulas, differing from the Senate's flat-rate approach.
• The Senate's plan provides $10,000 per student, while the House proposes a variable amount based on 85% of local public school funding, with higher allocations for students with disabilities.
• House Bill 2, a companion to the voucher proposal, seeks to increase public school funding by $220 per student and raise teacher pay, though critics argue the increase is insufficient.
• National figures like Donald Trump and Elon Musk have joined Governor Greg Abbott in applying pressure on House Republicans to pass a voucher program this session.
• Concerns persist among public school advocates and some lawmakers about the potential financial impact on public schools and the teacher retirement system if vouchers are implemented.

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