The school choice controversy heads to Texas this week for a showdown between those who support failing government-run systems and those who would permit parents to find better educational opportunities for their most precious resource.
At issue are those lawmakers who led the defeat of a bill last fall that was supported by Republican Gov. Greg Abbott. It would have permitted taxpayer funds to be enjoined with each child, freeing them from being trapped in their local public school.
These education savings accounts would pay for everything from teaching to support materials.
"It's a school choice showdown." Tomorrow, 16 Texas lawmakers who voted against school choice initiatives are facing re-election. Will voters remove them from office? @deangeliscorey discusses on @foxnews. #SchoolChoice #SchoolChoiceNow pic.twitter.com/EH6IS40VyM
— American Federation for Children (@SchoolChoiceNow) March 4, 2024
And the children would be liberated from educational institutions that value indoctrination over learning.
But opposing this empowering of parents and students are the teachers’ unions. Everywhere this reform is attempted, including Texas, sweeping opposition comes from those who stand to lose their power over the next generation.
Blame for the school choice defeat was not cast on the Senate, which passed the measure. But Democrats and 21 House Republicans put the brakes on the advancement that would have benefited all.
This week’s elections could go far toward undoing that damage. School choice supporters hope to defeat those who stood in the way of expanding parental rights when voters go to the polls.
Such malfeasance is expected of Democrats — but not Texas Republicans.
Much energy has been expended by activists targeting these anti-school choice lawmakers. If Abbott is successful in unseating 10 of them, the numbers look good for school choice in the Lone Star State.
Democrats and educators are not taking Republican opposition lying down. Some candidates implored their local districts to intervene and urge their staff to get out and support them in the face of a wall of conservative opposition.
There’s just one small hitch.
Texas law prohibits school districts using their resources to influence local elections. State Attorney General Ken Paxton is suing one district for exactly that, and it would not be surprising to see more under scrutiny for illegally attempting to sway the vote.
And Abbott is fighting back. He launched a $6 million effort to unseat some of the 21 House Republicans who inexplicably voted against improving education. The governor is actively supporting 10 GOP challengers to incumbents this week, and the effects could be sweeping.
