Texas House Committee Hosts 23-Hour Hearing on Controversial School Voucher Bill

The Texas House Public Education Committee held a lengthy hearing on House Bill 3, a proposed universal school voucher program that would allocate state funds for private school tuition, with a projected cost of nearly $10 billion by 2030. Proponents, including Governor Greg Abbott, argue that the bill promotes educational choice and prioritizes low-income and special needs students, while critics, such as Democratic Representative James Talarico, claim it may disproportionately benefit families already sending their children to private schools. Testimonies highlighted concerns regarding the accessibility of private education for lower-income families and the potential economic impact on public schools. Despite the bill's intentions, opponents argue that its structure may create barriers for those it aims to assist and fear it could lead to further defunding of public education. The committee left the bill pending after receiving extensive public input, with further debate expected before a potential vote. The bill represents a significant shift in educational policy in Texas, echoing similar debates occurring in other states.