Using state funds to send children to private schools is a top priority of Gov. Greg Abbott. The Senate proposed creating an education savings account program, which would help parents pay for private school tuition, books and more if they pull their children out of public school. But those measures failed multiple times in the House.
The formation of the new committee suggests that the House may be ready to reconsider the issue.
The House Select Committee on Educational Opportunity and Enrichment includes lawmakers with years of experience with education and related legislation, including a charter school superintendent, a former public school teacher and the head of the House Public Education Committee.
Phelan asked the committee to make recommendations to:
- Ensure all Texas children have “equal educational opportunity and the freedom to obtain a quality education, regardless of circumstance”
- Improve outcomes for public school students while “meaningfully supporting educators and educational institutions”
- “Modernize assessment and accountability measures” for public schools
They are also similar to remarks made by Abbott, who told reporters during a June 12 bill signing ceremony that lawmakers would put together a similar proposal during a future special session.
“We need to deliver on the promise to parents, that parents will have the ability to choose the educational pathway best for their child,” Abbott said. “We all know we're going to be coming back into another special session at the appropriate time after we complete property tax reform.”
Phelan announced the new committee less than an hour after Abbott’s comments. The committee will issue a report highlighting the ways to provide “additional educational opportunities” to public school students by Aug. 11.
“With a special session all but certain, the select committee will begin working immediately to closely examine this subject matter and develop a workable roadmap for legislation in the House,” Phelan said in a news release. “Each of these members brings to the table a deep knowledge of and commitment to promoting educational excellence, and I am confident that their collective expertise will guide us toward effective solutions.”
The 15-member committee includes:
- Rep. Brad Buckley, R-Killen
- Rep. Barbara Gervin-Hawkins, D-San Antonio
- Rep. Trent Ashby, R-Lufkin
- Rep. Keith Bell, R-Forney
- Rep. Harold Dutton, D-Houston
- Rep. James Frank, R-Wichita Falls
- Rep. Cody Harris, R-Palestine
- Rep. Cole Hefner, R-Mt. Pleasant
- Rep. Gina Hinojosa, D-Austin
- Rep. Ken King, R-Canadian
- Rep. Oscar Longoria, D-Mission
- Rep. Will Metcalf, R-Conroe
- Rep. Matt Shaheen, R-Plano
- Rep. James Talarico, D-Round Rock
- Rep. Gary VanDeaver, R-New Boston
