Abbott’s Voucher Gamble Looms As $20B Awaits In 2025 Session

As Texas lawmakers gear up for the 89th Legislative Session in January 2025, they have approximately $20 billion in unspent funds at their disposal, according to Texas Comptroller Glenn Hegar.

Speaking at an Austin Chamber event on December 12, as first reported by ABC13, Hegar emphasized the potential for addressing key state needs.

“The Legislature will have a lot of tools in the toolbox next session to deal with issues, whether it’s road infrastructure, water infrastructure, electrical grid infrastructure, public education, higher education,” Hegar said.

The comptroller will release an official biennial revenue estimate before the session begins on January 14.

During the 88th session, lawmakers approved a $321 billion budget for the 2024-2025 biennium, fueled by a historic $32.7 billion surplus. However, despite allocating $4.5 billion for teacher pay raises and public education, the funds remain untouched, tied to a failed $500 million private school voucher proposal.

After multiple special sessions in 2023 failed to resolve the issue, Gov. Greg Abbott has expressed confidence that vouchers will pass in 2025.

“We can have the best public schools in America and also have school choice at the very same time,” Abbott said on November 6.

Legislative Priorities for 2025

Lawmakers are expected to focus on road and water infrastructure, the electrical grid, and public education.

“My big concern is that we are not putting the money into public education that we need to,” Rep. Donna Howard, D-Austin, said. “I realize that there are reasons that people want to look at different education choices. We have some choices, but please understand we have got to fund our schools, and that is much more than what we’re doing right now. If we want to have an educated workforce throughout the state, we have got to fund our public schools.”

With $20 billion in unspent funds and a growing list of pressing issues, Texas lawmakers have a significant opportunity to make impactful investments in the state’s future.