Texas Legislature

Lt. Gov. Patrick Charts Course for Teacher Pay Raises, Despite Vouchers Being Dead

The contentious issue of education vouchers appears to be shelved for the current session.

Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick, displaying a keen understanding of legislative dynamics, has redirected the spotlight toward prioritizing teacher pay raises before the special session concludes, as first reported by The Quorum Report. 

Throughout the year, tensions within the public education community have simmered due to Gov. Greg Abbott’s insistence on tying the state’s record budget surplus to education vouchers. These vouchers, aimed at supporting private schools, faced widespread opposition, leading to a legislative impasse.

Lt. Gov. Patrick’s move to shift the focus towards teacher pay raises reflects a pragmatic approach to finding common ground in the legislative process. According to Scott Braddock from the Quorum report, Patrick knows how to play “legislative chess better than either of his negotiating partners.”

Patrick’s decision to separate school finance and vouchers, finally acknowledges the urgency of addressing immediate concerns within the education system, especially in the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic.

While the fate of education vouchers remains uncertain for now, Braddock reminds us that it is “fatalist to think that nothing can be accomplished even if Abbott’s priority of vouchers is dead for now.”

Abbott has said in the past that he will continue to fight four vouchers, campaigning against all the legislators who voted against his proposal during the next election season.

RA Staff

Written by RA News staff.

Recent Posts

House Passes School Prayer Bill in Second Reading

The Texas House on Thursday afternoon passed…

8 hours ago

Texas House Approves Full THC Ban, Pushing Hemp Industry Toward Shutdown

A sweeping ban on all THC products…

11 hours ago

House Sends Ten Commandments Bill Back to Committee

During floor debate on Wednesday, the Texas…

1 day ago

Patrick Reportedly Unwilling to Back Any Basic Allotment Increase

Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick is reportedly unwilling…

1 day ago

Controversial Firearms Bill Moves Forward Without Public Input

The controversial Senate Bill 1065 aimed at…

1 day ago

HISD Expands Armed Officer Coverage, Eyes 100 Campuses Next Year

Houston Independent School District Superintendent Mike Miles…

2 days ago

This website uses cookies.