AUSTIN - Governor Greg Abbott has announced that he has reached an agreement with Texas House leaders to advance his school choice plan, as the third special legislative session approaches its end. The agreement, however, has yet to be confirmed by the Speaker's office.

Under the agreement, Gov. Abbott and House Speaker Dade Phelan have expanded the special session agenda to include additional public school funding and teacher pay raises. Additionally, the proposed amount of money that families could receive through an education savings account program will be raised. The governor stated that participating students could receive approximately $10,400 per year, a higher amount than previously proposed by both the House and Senate.

According to Cassi Pollock, the Speaker's press secretary, Speaker Phelan worked closely with Gov. Abbott to expand the special session agenda. Pollock expressed Speaker Phelan's thanks to the governor and mentioned his anticipation of robust discussions on school funding, teacher pay, and other critical education issues with his House colleagues.

In a statement released by Abbott's office, the governor highlighted the key aspects of the legislation to expand school choice in Texas. The plan includes universal eligibility for all K-12 schoolchildren in Texas, voluntary participation for parents, students, and schools, and providing students with approximately $10,400 per year in their Education Savings Accounts. Importantly, the legislation also aims to phase out the State of Texas Assessments of Academic Readiness (STAAR) Test and implement an improved assessment system.

The governor emphasized that this agreement is the next step in the legislative process to deliver school choice to Texas parents and students, granting them the freedom to choose the education that best fits their learning needs. Abbott expressed his eagerness to work with both chambers of the Texas Legislature to have the legislation signed into law.

Abbott's previous remarks indicate his determination to see a school voucher bill passed. He has stated his intention to call lawmakers back for more special sessions if necessary and even suggested potential involvement in certain Republican primaries next year for House members who continue to oppose the measure.

The expanded special session proclamation, issued by Gov. Abbott's office, outlines the various elements of the legislation to expand school choice in Texas, including the funding of billions of dollars for Texas public schools, teacher pay raises, and school safety measures.

As the special legislative session enters its final week, all eyes are on the progress of the school choice plan and whether it will find sufficient support to become law.