Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick Statement: School Choice Is My Top Policy Priority

November 8, 2024

AUSTIN - Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick issued this statement today:

"With the general election over, Texans are now looking ahead to the upcoming legislative session beginning in January.

"Every legislative session, the Texas Senate and the Texas House take turns introducing the state budget. This session, it is the Senate's turn. Accordingly, Senate Bill 1 will be the state budget.

"To underscore its importance, Senate Bill 2 will be the Senate's school choice legislation. Thirty-two states, both Republican and Democrat, have enacted some form of school choice legislation. There is absolutely no reason why Texas children and parents should be left behind.

"A one-size-fits-all approach to education in a state with a population of 30 million, 254 counties, 1,200 school districts, and over 8,000 campuses simply cannot possibly meet the needs of every student.

"Many Texas schools are striving to be great, and are great, and most are good. Unfortunately, no matter their effort, some schools struggle to meet the unique educational needs that some students require. Parents should be empowered to place their child in the best learning environment, whether that is a public or private school.

"Texans across the political spectrum agree that parents must have options to choose the school that best fits the needs of their child to ensure their success. Voters have spoken clearly during the primary and general elections; the time for school choice in Texas is long overdue.

"Texas can have school choice without undermining the public school system. In 2023 (last session), the legislature appropriated $39 billion per year on public education. Last session, the school choice bill the Senate passed three times was $500 million. It died in the House every time. The school choice fund was completely separate from public education funding. It would have provided for 60,000 students out of 5.5 million students in public schools. School choice is clearly not a threat to public education.

"In addition to naming school choice Senate Bill 2, it is my hope Gov. Abbott declares school choice one of his emergency items for this session. Under the Constitution, the legislature cannot pass legislation during the first 60 days of session, unless the governor declares it an emergency item. If Gov. Abbott names school choice an emergency item, the Senate will take up and pass school choice in the early weeks of session, instead of having to wait 60 days until March.

"Since 2015, the Senate has passed school choice five times. It died in a Republican-controlled House each time. That is unacceptable and inexcusable. With an expanded Republican majority in the Texas House, there is no reason Texas students should be left behind. Parents must be able to make the best decisions for their children, so they can receive the education that fits their unique needs."

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