The Texas State's political rodeo shows no signs of slowing, as Texas lawmakers have once again left Capitol chambers without firm action on school choice, a saga that's been volleying back and forth faster than a high-stakes ping-pong match. The Texas Legislature's recent Fourth Special session wrapped up with more sizzle than steak, leaving the hot-button issue of education savings accounts in a holding pattern. Gov. Greg Abbott, with his eye firmly on the prize, has hinted at the possibility of yet another legislative round-up, but details are as sparse as water in a Texas drought. "I don't think there's enough time, and I don't think there are enough votes," Democratic Rep. James Talarico lamented, with a nod to both doubt and defiance, according to CBS Austin.
Abbott, who isn't one to back down from a political duel, had previously declared his readiness to call as many hootenannies—or special sessions—as needed to push through school choice legislation. The House, however, clearly not reading from the same script, has stripped education savings accounts from their bill, a significant blow to voucher proponents. "Texans on both sides of the aisle don't want voucher scams," Talarico was quoted as saying—they want lawmakers to "fully fund our neighborhood public schools." But on the other side of the fence, Rep. Brad Buckley, who's taken the reins on the bill, claims there's a big misunderstanding. "You can support public schools like I do, but also support a parent's God-given right to be the primary decision maker," Buckley insisted during a chat with Fox News, reported by CBS Austin.
Across the aisle, opponents of school vouchers raise the specter of uncharted consequences for this legislative rodeo. Analyzing the pushback, concerns mount over the lack of accountability for private schools, no-show improvements in student achievement, and what looks to be a raw deal for rural communities. They've certainly roped in some valid arguments, as conveyed by the folks, as stated in Herald-Zeitung.
