If bills now being considered pass, lawmakers will be left with $3.3 billion to take care of unforeseen costs over the next two years. Some experts worry that Texas can’t sustain its massive spending on the border and public education.
Texas GOP lawmakers’ border and education wishlist would expand state budget by $2.7 billion — and counting
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Texas Legislature 2023
These home-schooling moms want to create a “microschool” for Black kids. They need vouchers to make it happen.
The mothers, who are counting on state legislators to reach a deal on education savings accounts, say their public schools were not equipped to create a learning space that is safe for Black kids.
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Texas Legislature 2023
With time running out, House punts on taking action on school vouchers
Gov. Greg Abbott just announced he’d reached a deal with the House to advance school vouchers, but with less than a week before the Legislature must adjourn the lower chamber took no action on the governor’s priority legislation.
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Politics
Longtime Republican U.S. Rep. Kay Granger of Fort Worth won’t seek reelection
The chair of the powerful Appropriations Committee has held her seat since 1997. She was the first Republican woman from Texas elected to the U.S. House.
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Health care
A slow killer: East Texans are diagnosed with diabetes at a higher rate than the national average
Health care workers in East Texas said easier access to health insurance — such as Medicaid — could help drive down the number of people living with uncontrolled diabetes.
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Texas Legislature 2023
School leaders say Texas’ campus safety funding doesn’t cover new state mandates
A bill to increase the state’s support for school safety appears stalled in this month’s special legislative session. But even if it passes, superintendents warn it isn’t enough.
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Texas Legislature 2023
State Senate approves bill to spend $1.5 billion for border walls, more policing of Liberty County development
Along with the money to build more border barriers, Senate Bill 6 would devote $49 million to beef up law enforcement of the Colony Ridge development that’s become a target of far-right media.
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Texas Legislature 2023
Sweeping ban on COVID-19 vaccine mandates by private employers heads to governor
The legislation, which Republican lawmakers have been trying to pass since 2021, offers no exceptions for doctors’ offices, clinics or other health facilities.
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Texas Legislature 2023
Facing enrollment declines, Texas Catholic schools are leading supporters of school vouchers
The Texas Catholic Conference of Bishops has been one of the staunchest voucher supporters, arguing it would increase access to religious education regardless of income level.
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Texas Legislature 2023
Abbott touts school voucher deal with House leaders, but others reluctant to say if bill will pass
A deal between the governor and House would be a breakthrough after months of talks. But whether they actually have a deal is unclear.
