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Texas Legislature 2023

How Gov. Greg Abbott lost a yearlong fight to create school vouchers

The governor projected confidence throughout 2023 that vouchers would pass. But his insistence on universal eligibility ensured his failure to convince 21 House Republican holdouts.

Gov. Greg Abbott speaks on the north steps of the State Capitol to supporters at a Texas Public Policy Foundation Parent Empowerment rally on March 21, 2023. Abbott has called lawmakers to Austin for a special session Monday targeted at passing private school vouchers.

A hopeful spring

The summer slump

Vouchers get a vote 

Abbott’s dealbreaker

Primary season

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Politics Public education Abel Herrero Brad Buckley Cody Harris Dade Phelan Greg Abbott John Raney Ken King Travis Clardy