2 weeks Ago
HOUSTON, Texas — After years of debate and previous failures, the Texas House of Representatives voted overnight to advance Senate Bill 2 . "There being 85 ayes and 63 nays, Senate Bill 2 is passed to engrossment," said Speaker Dustin Burrows after slamming his gavel early Thursday morning. The measure would create a school voucher program and essentially free up public money to help cover private school tuition or homeschooling expenses.
"Of course, even I have considered leaving my local public school," said HISD parent Adam Chaney. But like many who physically showed up at the capitol in opposition of SB2, Chaney does not believe vouchers offer an equitable solution for all families. "I've got friends who are absolutely looking at the voucher system, but guess what?" said Chaney.
"$10,000 isn't even enough to cover the majority of private schools in the state of Texas." Various issues with her son's middle school in Aldine ISD previously had Veronica Granados at her wit's end. "When he got out of middle school, I was going to homeschool him," said Granados.
She said a dual-credit program with Lone Star College helped her son, but she would have definitely entertained vouchers had they been available. "No parent really wants their kids to go to a school that has issues or problems," Granados said. She believes everyone should study both sides amid what's been a lot of back and forth while Chaney cannot help but consider what might become of his neighborhood school.
"The only people in my school who are supporting them is me," Chaney said. "So, if I take a voucher and leave, who's going to be there for that teacher?" Of course, this is not yet a done deal. The measure will be further hashed out by both chambers in Austin before ever going to the Governor's desk.
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