From Texastribune · · 1m 50s
Texas Voucher Program Faces Reversal Under New Governor
Texas Gov.-elect Gina Hinojosa pledges to end school vouchers, threatening Abbott's education reforms.
In brief
Texas Gov.-elect Gina Hinojosa pledges to end school vouchers, threatening Abbott's education reforms. Texas Gov.-elect Gina Hinojosa vows to eliminate the state's school voucher program, which allowed 110,000 students to attend private schools using taxpayer funds. Originally reported by Texastribune.
Texas Voucher Program Launch
Texas launched a voucher program allowing 110,000 students to attend private schools using taxpayer dollars this year.
Abbott's Education Agenda
Gov. Greg Abbott's education reforms included a state takeover of public schools and a new social studies curriculum focused on Texas and the United States.
Hinojosa's Pledge
Texas Gov.-elect Gina Hinojosa pledged to fire Commissioner Mike Morath and end public school takeovers.
Voucher Program Reversal
Hinojosa vowed to erase one of Abbott's biggest accomplishments: the school voucher program.
Democratic Support
Democrat Sarah Eckhardt, who will lead the state office running the program, said she would push for more accountability and transparency.
Rural Backlash
Rural Texas Republicans who opposed vouchers lost to Democrats after Abbott spent millions to oust them.
Voter Sentiment
Polls showed two-thirds of Texans supported vouchers but an equal number believed they hurt public schools.
District Shifts
In Bell County, Republican Rep. Hillary Hickland conceded to Democrat Amelia Rabroker after vouchers sparked voter concerns.
Voucher Impact
Voucher supporters in the Senate said the program helped students in other states but needed review for Texas outcomes.
Program Threat
Private school leaders warned of a 'hot mess' if state funding for vouchers disappears entirely.
Next Steps
State comptroller Sarah Eckhardt plans to audit voucher program spending and report to lawmakers.
Voter Concerns
Voters in rural and suburban areas said vouchers hurt public schools and were a top concern.
Program Fate
Texas Gov.-elect Gina Hinojosa's pledge to end vouchers could lead to the program's elimination or major overhaul.
What to remember
Texas Gov.-elect Gina Hinojosa vows to eliminate the state's school voucher program, which allowed 110,000 students to attend private schools using taxpayer funds.
