Legislative Update: School Choice Dead…For Now
Texas House Speaker Dade Phelan
November 1, 2023 | Austin, Texas
Hot off the presses, Texas Scorecard again gives us the up-to-date scoop on Texas Legislative antics. After days of posturing and haggling, the result it seems is that School Choice is dead… at least for now.
For the past two days, the House of Representatives has failed to reach a quorum to conduct business and word at the capitol is that Speaker Dade Phelan was holding Governor Gregg Abbott’s priority legislation hostage in exchange for budget-busting additional spending for public schools.
But as the deal was struck and the House planned to convene tonight, Texas Scorecard reported that the Senate had not been consulted on the deal and that many in the House were expressing opposition.
Then, after another wasted day, the House gaveled in at 6 p.m. Does Phelan slur because he talks so fast? Who knows? After a series of memorial resolutions and congratulatory resolutions, Phelan rose again to put the House at ease until the Senate finishes work on House bills going through that chamber.
It is debatable whether the death of the governor’s priority bill is a good or bad thing. Truth is that many were opposed to the bill for fear that it would be used to impose government regulations on homeschooled students and expand government.
Like many great ideas designed to free us from the heavy hand of government, the political system tends to transform a great idea into a half-hearted, burdensome effort.
Nevertheless, we again see the dictatorial nature of our sitting Speaker, and it ain’t pretty.
This third special session is due to end on Tuesday. There are discussions afoot that there may be a fourth special session and while it is needed to attend to unfinished, urgent business, what is the point? As long as this Speaker rules the House with his friends in the minority party, nothing will change.
Rep. Cecil Bell (HD 3)
(512) 463-0650 (Austin office)
(281) 259-3700 (District office)
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Rep. Steve Toth (HD 15)
(512) 463-0797 (Austin office)
(346) 220-0300 (District office)
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Rep. Will Metcalf (HD 16)
(512) 463-0726 (Austin office)
(936) 539-0068 (District office)
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Rep. Ernest Bailes (HD 18)
(512) 463-0570 (Austin office)
(936) 628-6687 (District office)
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