Hundreds of public education advocates showed up at the Texas Capitol yesterday to reject vouchers as the Texas House Public Education Committee heard public testimony on House Bill 3, legislation that would establish a school voucher program.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
March 12, 2025
CONTACT: Emily Witt (she/her), [email protected]
AUSTIN, Texas — The Texas House Public Education Committee yesterday heard public testimony on House Bill 3, legislation that would establish a school voucher program and redirect state funds to help pay for private and religious school tuition.
The hearing began around 8 AM on Tuesday, March 11, and lasted until approximately 6 AM on Wednesday, March 12, due to the high volume of Texans giving public testimony.
Texas Freedom Network Political Director Rocío Fierro-Pérez’s testimony can be viewed here, and a transcript is available here.
Texas Freedom Network Deputy Director Carisa Lopez (she/her) issued the following response:
“We’re incredibly proud of the Texans who stayed at the Capitol nearly 24 hours to boldly demand that our lawmakers focus on fully funding our public schools, instead of attacking them. This reckless voucher scheme would gut funding from our neighborhood schools to subsidize private tuition for wealthy families. Instead of solving the real crises in Texas classrooms—chronic underfunding, overcrowding, and a worsening teacher shortage—this legislation would create a policy that weakens the schools that serve the vast majority of Texas students.
“Public tax dollars must fund public schools, schools that welcome and educate every child, regardless of their background. Private institutions, on the other hand, can pick and choose their students, shutting out kids based on disability, religion, LGBTQIA+ identity, or any other reason. Rural communities would be hit hardest, with local schools left behind while taxpayer dollars are funneled to private institutions that, in many cases, don’t even exist in their area. It’s clear to us – this is about dismantling Texas public schools for political gain. Texans refuse to let Governor Abbott and anti-public education lawmakers sacrifice our public schools in the culture wars.”
The committee left House Bill 3 pending at the time of this sending. If the committee passes the bill, it will move to the full Texas House for debate and a vote. If the House approves it, it will then go to the Texas Senate, where it must pass through committee review and a full floor vote. If both chambers pass the same version, Governor Greg Abbott will then either approve or veto it.
The Texas Senate passed Senate Bill 2, another voucher bill, in February. This legislation must pass through the Texas House before reaching the governor’s desk.
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The Texas Freedom Network (tfn.org) is a grassroots organization of religious and community leaders and young Texans building an informed and effective movement for equality and social justice.
