CORPUS CHRISTI, Texas — The battle for 'school choice' continues this week as Texas legislators are less than one week away from the end of their third special session regarding the public education issue.
More than five million students across the state would be eligible for the education savings accounts, which would give parents access to money to help pay for private school tuition.
The Texas Senate is willing to move on the issue, but the House continues to balk at the idea.
Gov. Abbott said he reached a deal with speaker Dade Phelan to increase the amount set aside for students who want to attend an accredited private school to $10,400 a year.
In an effort to push the deal forward, Abbott later included an increase in funding for public schools and a significant raise for all classroom teachers – something he had previously said he would not do.
The governor spoke about his efforts at a press conference, saying, "When they see all the details of what we've been able to put together, I think that rural republicans, democrats and others across the entire state -- representatives and senators -- will realize this package really does address almost all concerns that have been raised."
Republicans representing rural areas where there are not many options for private schools, and where the school district is often the largest employer have been firmly against any kind of voucher system.
Political reporter Jason Whitely told 3NEWS that hasn't changed.
"Earlier this week, as you mentioned, Gov. Abbott did tell the house and everyone across the state that he did reach an agreement with House Republicans, but 3NEWS talked to those rural Republicans, and they say there never was a deal on this."
To get anything done on school choice, the House must vote on the proposal by next Tuesday.
If the governor has misread support for this plan in the house, he will likely call yet another special session for lawmakers, which could convene on Wednesday.
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