AUSTIN, Texas — On Tuesday afternoon, 31 Texas state senators took their oaths of office for the 89th legislative session, including three new members.
Shortly after, Gov. Greg Abbott reminded senators of the importance of their duties over the next 140 days, with passing a school voucher proposal still a top priority.
Vouchers would allow Texas families to use public tax dollars to pay for private education. The Senate has already passed school vouchers five times, but the issue has always died in the House.
Last year, Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick expressed his frustration with the House for failing to pass vouchers. In a statement, he wrote that it was “unacceptable” and “inexcusable” that a Republican-led House has failed to pass so-called “school choice” each time.
During Abbott’s address to senators on the first day of session, the governor urged lawmakers to once again pass school choice this year.
“I can testify for a fact to the urgent pleas of thousands of Texans to please use your voice and use your vote this session to expand the opportunity for every parent to choose the school that’s best for their child,” Abbott said.
But on Monday, House Democrats refuted Abbott’s claims, saying school vouchers are only a priority of the governor and do not reflect the sentiment of the majority of Texans.
“Vouchers are the priority of Governor Abbott and out-of-state billionaires,” State Rep. Gina Hinojosa (D-Austin) said. “Until I see a groundswell of Texans voice that they want vouchers, I think it will be an uphill battle.”
Lt. Gov. Patrick has been hoping that Abbott will declare school vouchers as an emergency item. If that happens, lawmakers will be allowed to pass it sooner. During the first 60 days of the legislative session, they can only pass bills on topics that the governor has designated as emergency items.
“The Senate is organized, as always, and we’re ready to begin this,” Patrick said Tuesday. “You give us the direction, we’re ready to go. We’re waiting for those emergency orders.”
The governor will announce his emergency items in his State of the State address, but his office has not confirmed yet when that will be.
Some of Patrick’s other priorities for this legislative session include bail reform, securing the Texas-Mexico border, additional property tax relief and banning Delta 8 and 9.
On Tuesday afternoon, senators also chose State Sen. Brandon Creighton from Conroe to serve as the Senate President Pro Tem. He will preside over the Senate when Patrick is absent.