The Texas House on April 17 passed Gov. Greg Abbott’s school-voucher bill after a years-long campaign by the governor and his allies, the Austin American- Statesman reported.
Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick, who presides over the Senate, announced the next day he recommended that chamber accept the House version, which prioritizes children with special-education needs for vouchers.
The Senate version, which is less restrictive, passed in early February.
In addition to passing the voucher legislation, the House authorized a $7.7 billion school-finance package, which will increase the base-level funding per student by almost $400 — to $6,555 — and pays for teacher raises and increases in special education funding. The Senate’s version is considerably different, so the two school finance bills will have to be reconciled.
House cuts Lottery Commission budget to zero The budget for the Texas Lottery Commission was reduced to zero in the 20262027 budget passed by the House, the Statesman reported.
The commission has been under fire for not aggressively curtailing third-party “courier companies” that broker ticket sales for players online.
In one instance, a single player bought enough tickets to guarantee a winning ticket for a $95 million jackpot, according to the Houston Chronicle.
The Senate has already passed a bill outlawing courier companies. It is uncertain whether the Senate will go along with the House measure to end all lottery commission funding.
The lottery brings about $2 billion a year to the state treasury.
Middleton jumps into Texas AG’s race
Republican state Sen. Mayes Middleton, R-Galveston, has jumped into the race to replace Paxton, who is pursuing a primary challenge to U.S. Sen. John Cornyn. The Chronicle reported that Middleton will self-fund his campaign with $10 million.
“I am running for Texas attorney general to continue the fight for our shared conservative values that keep the ‘Texas Miracle’ alive,” Middleton said in a statement. “As attorney general, I will join President Trump in his efforts to return America and Texas to common sense and to fight to secure the border, ensure law and order, and be tough on crime.”
Middleton was elected to the Senate in 2021 after previously serving in the House. Former U.S. Attorney John Bash declared earlier he also was seeking the position.
Borders is a veteran award-winning Texas journalist. He published a number of community newspapers in Texas during a 30-year span, including in Longview, Fort Stockton, Nacogdoches, Lufkin and Cedar Park. Email: [email protected]
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