House committee to revive private school subsidies debate in Texas

AUSTIN (KXAN) — An upcoming committee hearing could provide a preview of what’s to come during next year’s regular legislative session and the long-running debate over whether Texas could finally implement a plan to allow families to pay for their children’s private education using public dollars.

The Texas House of Representatives Committee on Public Education is set to meet on Aug. 12 at 9 a.m. According to an agenda posted online Tuesday , members will in part look into “the use of education savings accounts in other states and make recommendations for a Texas program, including suggestions on eligibility and prioritization of applicants.”

It’s unclear which states could possibly serve as models for Texas or how quickly lawmakers will compile information about other programs, but the fact this early discussion is happening will set the stage for consideration of what could be contentious legislation.

Texas Gov. Greg Abbott pushed unsuccessfully last year for the creation of an education savings account system, which critics often call school vouchers. The Texas Senate approved the establishment of private school subsidies in the state. However, the measure kept stalling in the House of Representatives because of unwavering opposition from every Democratic lawmaker and some Republicans who represent more rural areas.

Abbott set out during this year’s Republican primary elections to unseat incumbents who helped block these so-called “school choice” measures , and the challengers he backed largely came out successfully. Following the May runoffs, he declared victory in this 18-month-long fight. He ultimately defeated 11 out of the 15 incumbents he challenged by endorsing their opponents, and now it appears he has a majority in the House to pass his priority.

The public education committee will meet on the same day that the state’s largest school district, the Houston Independent School District, will welcome back students and staff members for the start of a new school year. The Texas Education Agency announced a state takeover last year of Houston’s nearly 200,000-student public school district, acting on years of threats.

State lawmakers will return to the Capitol for the 89th legislative session in January.

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