State of Texas Archives: on Education
Andrew White:
Close $5 billion property tax loophole to aid schools
Our kids are getting the 43rd ranked education in the country. Not acceptable. Today, we pay for our schools using an algorithm that no one understands. Let's simplify it.
I'll ask a civic leader to lead a panel to research and determine the best path forward. Where does the money come from? I'll pay for it by closing a $5 billion property tax loophole that mainly benefits out-of-state commercial property owners.
Source: 2018 Texas Gubernatorial campaign website AndrewWhite.com
Feb 22, 2018
Beto O`Rourke:
Vouchers funnel public school $ into private schools
Q: Help parents send their children to private schools with public money?Ted Cruz (R): Yes. Called "civil rights issue of our time." Introduced bill to allow tax deduction for costs of private & religious schools.
Beto O'Rourke (D):
No. It funnels public school $ into private schools. "Ted Cruz's private school give-away will cost taxpayers $500 million to subsidize wealthy."
Source: 2018 CampusElect.org Issue Guide on Texas Senate race
Oct 9, 2018
Brian Babin:
Amendment for moment of silence in schools
Q: Do you support amending the United States Constitution to allow voluntary prayer and/or moment of silence in public schools?A: Yes.
Q: Do you support funding the National Service Program (Ameri-Corps) in which young people receive money from the federal government for college in return for performing community service
A: No.
Babin adds, "Americans still believe in the principles that made our country great: principles like right and wrong, personal responsibility, the strength of the family and faith in our Creator,
but those principles are no longer reflected in our federal government. Washington has gotten off track because it has strayed from those values."
Source: Texas Legislative 1996 National Political Awareness Test
Nov 1, 1996
Brian Babin:
Vouchers for public, private or religious schools
Babin indicated the following positions concerning education.- Provide parents with vouchers to send their children to any participating school: public, private or religious.
-
Eliminate the Department of Education, thereby giving state and local government greater control over educational issues.
Source: Texas Legislative 1996 National Political Awareness Test
Nov 1, 1996
Chad Prather:
Encourage strong support of 4-H and FFA programs
?Farming and Ranching: A strong agricultural base leads to healthy thriving communities:- Create initiatives that give more young people the opportunity to thrive as farmers and ranchers in Texas.
- Encouraging strong support of 4-H and FFA [Futu
- Increase shared-learning opportunities among universities, technical programs, and high schools for ag education and skills training.
Source: 2021 Texas Gubernatorial campaign website Prather2022.com
Jun 1, 2021
Chad Prather:
Reject Common Core; expand civics, US/Texas history programs
Education: When it comes to raising kids, family is better than government:- Reject Common Core and federal overreach.
- Robustly reward performance driven teachers and celebrate their successes
- Work to expand civics,
U.S. and Texas history programs and encourage schools to include the citizenship test as part of their graduation criteria.
- Provide career counseling and information regarding in-demand jobs beginning at the middle-school level.
Source: 2021 Texas Gubernatorial campaign website Prather2022.com
Jun 1, 2021
Cristina Tzintzun Ramirez:
Make Universal Childcare and Pre-K a guaranteed right
Currently, the average Texas family pays $9,324 a year just for childcare for an infant child. On average, that's $777 per month.
With universal childcare and Pre-K as a guaranteed right, Texans won't have to choose between work and family, and every child will have better education and care.
Fully funding our education system and tackling the crisis of student debt is just basic common sense and sound economic policy. It means we invest in our greatest asset: our people. Cristina will make sure our kids go to great schools with great
teachers by fully funding the Elementary and Secondary Education Act, which currently does not adequately meet the needs of our students and ensuring that teachers are compensated and trained like the professionals they are.
Source: 2020 Texas Senate campaign website CristinaForTexas.com
Dec 19, 2019
Cristina Tzintzun Ramirez:
Cancel student debt; make public universities tuition free
Cristina supports canceling student debt for millions of Americans that are struggling to pay back their loans.
Cristina also supports efforts to make public universities and community college tuition-free. We'll continue building the strongest economy in the world by investing appropriately in education.
Source: 2020 Texas Senate campaign website CristinaForTexas.com
Dec 19, 2019
David Alameel:
Quality education for ALL children, not just privileged few
As a father, David Alameel believes that the best investment we can make is in a quality education for ALL children, not just the privileged few. That is why he has been part of numerous non-profits that provide scholarships to young Texans who work
hard in school. As a Senator, David Alameel will continue to fight for education funding to make sure that our children get the world class education they deserve in order to compete in the increasingly global economy.
Source: 2014 Texas Senate campaign website
May 15, 2014
Deirdre Gilbert:
Invest in the state's education system
Deirdre Gilbert, 60, is an educator from the Houston area who has never held elected office but seeks to become the first Black woman to serve as governor of Texas--or any other state in the U.S.
She is the only Democratic candidate who has officially filed so far. Gilbert says if elected, she plans to expand health care and invest in the state's education system.
Source: Houston Chronicle on 2022 Texas Gubernatorial race
Nov 29, 2021
Don Huffines:
Vouchers decrease growth and help public schools in long run
The programs proposed in Senate Bill 3 would offer money to public school students to leave the system for private schools or homeschooling.
Sen. Van Taylor, R-Plano, who voted for the measure, argued that would help school districts, especially those growing so quickly that they are having trouble funding the additional enrollment. "There actually will be more money per child in the
public education system in Texas," he said.Legislative Summary:CSSB 3, Relating to the establishment of an education savings account program and a tax credit scholarship and educational expense assistance program.
Legislative Outcome:The motion prevailed; State Sen. Huffines voted YES.
Source: Texas Tribune on Texas legislative voting records: SB3
Mar 23, 2017
Don Huffines:
Require evaluation of schools with A-F grades
House Bill 2804 revises the evaluation of public school performance, based on five domains of indicators. The bill requires the commissioner of education to assign each public school district and campus an overall A-F performance.
When the measure originally passed the House, both Democrats and Republicans rose to oppose the change. State Rep. Sylvester Turner, said moving to the letter grades would be a "horrendous mistake. That places more of a stigma on kids who are trying to
rise above their circumstances," he said.
In a particularly fiery speech, Rep. Larry Phillips (R) urged his colleagues to "stand up for sanity in schools" & vote for his amendment to strip the A-through-F ratings from the bill. "You think just because
you rate someone A through F they are going to do a better job? No," Phillips said.
Legislative outcome:Passed Senate 30-1-0 on May/29/15; Sen. Huffines voted YES; passed House 119-17-2 on May/31/15; signed by Gov. Abbott Jun/19/15.
Source: Texas Tribune on Texas legislative voting records: HB2804
May 29, 2015
Don Huffines:
Supports school choice and teaching creationism
In the Senate, Huffines was known as a conservative firmly in his party's right wing.
In a 2014 interview with KERA, Huffines said he supported term limits in the Texas senate, cutting taxes, school choice and teaching creationism.
Source: Houston Public Media KERA News on 2022 Texas Governor race
May 11, 2021
Emily Sanchez:
Supports parents choosing schools via vouchers
Q: Do you support or oppose parents choosing schools via vouchers?A: Support.
Q: Do you also support charter schools? and homeschooling?
A:
Absolutely. I myself would prefer home schooling for my children, but as a single mother that is an impossibility.
Source: E-mail interview on Texas 2014 Senate race with OnTheIssues
Sep 21, 2014
George W. Bush:
Teach values and moral responsibility in schools
Our children must also be educated in the values of our civil society. Some people think it's inappropriate to make moral judgments anymore. Not me. We must be willing to draw a clear line between right and wrong. Those clear lines must be supported by
political leaders, public schools and our public institutions. Educating our children about their moral and civil responsibilities will serve them-and the nation-every bit as well as the academic learning they require.
Source: Powell Lecture Series, Texas A&M Univ.
Apr 6, 1998
George W. Bush:
No-nonsense basic curriculum focusing on results
Our legacy must be to have the best public education system in the world. Our system must be based on high expectations and high standards for every child. It must be a system that focuses on no-nonsense, basic curriculum; a system that aligns authority
and responsibility at the local level, a system that is flexible and encourages educational entrepreneurship. A system that focuses on results, not process. And a system that first and foremost teaches all our children to read.
Source: Powell Lecture Series, Texas A&M Univ.
Apr 6, 1998
George W. Bush:
Set clear goals, use early tests
We set clear goals: excellence in a core curriculum of reading, math, science, and social studies. We developed a diagnostic tool to help kindergarten through second grade teachers detect and correct reading problems early. We created a rigorous core
curriculum that is knowledge-based, back-to-basics, and phonics-driven. A child who does not pass the reading portion of the TAAS test in the 3rd grade must receive appropriate intervention & instruction before moving to regular classes in the 4th grade.
Source: Texas Educators Conf., Austin TX
Jan 27, 1998
Greg Abbott:
Additional funding for schools to adopt high-quality Pre-K
[Since the 1980s], the State of Texas has been mired in litigation about school funding. I think we can all agree it's time to put school finance litigation behind us. It's time to stop fighting about school finance and start fixing our schools.
To improve our schools we must begin by building a strong foundation at the very beginning. Our goal should be to ensure all Texas students are performing at grade level in reading and math by the time they finish the 3rd grade.
To begin that process, my budget provides additional funding for schools that adopt high-quality Pre-K programs. My plan also provides Pre-K through 3rd grade teachers with world-class literacy and math teacher training.
To begin the process of building a better education system in Texas, we must improve early education. This is why I'm declaring early education as my first emergency item as governor. Our children and their future have no time for delay.
Source: State of the State address to 2015 Texas Legislature
Feb 17, 2015
Greg Abbott:
Ensure having the best teachers by saying NO to Common Core
An essential ingredient to better schools is ensuring we have the best teachers in our classrooms. In part, that means saying no to common core. We can bring out the best in all of our teachers by getting rid of the one-size-fits-all mandates and
trusting our teachers to truly educate our students. My budget invests in more STEM teachers and in teachers who serve our most disadvantaged students.We must also return genuine local control to our schools.
This book contains all the education-related laws in Texas. It's absurd to micromanage educators with all of these laws. Let's cut it down to size by allowing school districts to opt out of parts of the education code so they can design an education plan
that best fits their community needs.
Local control, however, doesn't end at the school district level. Real local control rests with parents. The ultimate parental involvement is giving parents more choices in their child's education.
Source: State of the State address to 2015 Texas Legislature
Feb 17, 2015
Greg Abbott:
Fully fund GURI: Governor's University Research Initiative
While so many colleges are competing for 5-Star recruits to athletic programs, Texas is leading the way to attract 5-Star recruits to our academic programs. The Governor's University Research Initiative you funded last session brought internationally
renowned researchers to Texas. As one example, Dr. Richard Miles--a member of the prestigious National Academy of Engineering--is leaving Princeton to join the Aerospace Engineering Department at Texas A&M.
His work places Texas A&M and the State of Texas at the forefront of laser and optical technology that can enhance national security. Research like this spurs economic development and helps create jobs.
We must continue our mission to do more than just prepare Texas for the next two years. We also need to put our state on the path for national and international prominence for the next 20 years. GURI does just that. And must be fully funded again.
Source: 2017 State of the State address to Texas Legislature
Jan 31, 2017
Greg Abbott:
Increase teacher pay, with best earning six figures
We must target education funding to help our students achieve in school. That starts with teachers in the classroom. Texas must recruit and retain the best and brightest teachers to educate our students. This session, we must pay our teachers more.
We must provide incentives to put effective teachers in the schools and classrooms where they are needed the most. And we must create a pathway for the best teachers to earn a six-figure salary.
Source: 2019 State of the State address to the Texas legislature
Feb 5, 2019
Greg Abbott:
Focus on mental health for safer schools
Texas must act now to make our schools safer. After the horrific shooting at Santa Fe High School, I held roundtables with parents, students, educators, law enforcement, and mental health experts. One solution everyone agreed on was the need to address
mental health in our schools.Programs like the telemedicine wellness project at Texas Tech. It partners with school districts in West Texas to identify and remove students who pose a potential threat. And it provides students the help they need.
Source: 2019 State of the State address to the Texas legislature
Feb 5, 2019
Greg Abbott:
Require evaluation of schools with A-F grades
House Bill 2804 revises the evaluation of public school performance, based on five domains of indicators. The bill requires the commissioner of education to assign each public school district and campus an overall A-F performance. When the measure
originally passed the House, both Democrats and Republicans rose to oppose the change. State Rep. Sylvester Turner, said moving to the letter grades would be a "horrendous mistake. That places more of a stigma on kids who are trying to rise above their
circumstances," he said.
In a particularly fiery speech, state Rep. Larry Phillips (R) urged his colleagues to "stand up for sanity in schools" & vote for his amendment to strip the A-through-F ratings from the bill. "You think just because you rate
someone A through F they are going to do a better job? No," Phillips said.
Legislative outcome: Passed Senate 30-1-0 on May/29/15; passed House 119-17-2 on May/31/15; signed by Governor Greg Abbott Jun/19/15.
Source: Texas Tribune on Texas legislative voting records: HB2804
Jun 19, 2015
Greg Abbott:
Teach students what it means to be American & to be a Texan
If we expect the next generation of Texans to keep Texas the best state in the nation, we must teach them why we are so exceptional. We must educate them what it means to be an
American and what it means to be a Texan. We must bolster civics education in our classrooms and ensure that every child learns the values of freedom, good governance, and patriotism.
Source: 2021 State of the State Address to the Texas legislature
Feb 2, 2021
Jake Ellzey:
Don't force teachers to comply with radical indoctrination
Our schools should be places to equip the next generation of leaders, not run social experiments on our children. Here in Texas, we have some of the best teachers in the world.
I want to see them supported and given the resources they need to help our kids succeed. We must stop the efforts at forcing teachers to comply with radical indoctrination and get the focus back on education.
Source: 2021 TX-6 House campaign website EllzeyForTexas.com
Jul 30, 2021
Joaquin Castro:
More funds for schools, teachers, and college
Castro indicates support of the following principles regarding education.- Support national standards and testing of public school students.
- Increase state funds for school capital improvements (e.g. buildings and infrastructure).
-
Increase funds for hiring additional teachers.
- Provide state funding to increase teacher salaries.
- Increase funding for Head Start programs.
- Provide state funding for tax incentives and financial aid to help make college more affordable.
-
Support sexual education programs that include information on abstinence, contraceptives, and HIV/STD prevention methods.
- Allow undocumented immigrant high school graduates to pay in-state tuition at Texas public universities.
-
Support Texas' school funding equalization system (share-the-wealth).
- Castro adds, "We need to rely less on property taxes and, once & for all, break the geographic link between collection and distribution of funds. It has led to territorialism."
Source: Texas 2006 Congressional National Political Awareness Test
Nov 1, 2006
Julian Castro:
Take "Race to the Top" Funds despite governor's refusal
San Antonio Mayor Julian Castro rejected Gov. Rick Perry's rationale for refusing to apply for Race to the Top education grants, which could have been worth $700 million to the state's schools. "I would have taken the Race to the Top money if I was mayor
dogcatcher, or whatever," Castro said. He shrugged off the notion that the potential windfall came with too many strings attached because, he said, "all federal money comes with strings attached."Castro's advice to cities and communities that want
federal funding but, due to friction between the state and the federal government, might find it hard to come by it was to cut out the middle man. "You need to make a direct pitch to the administration," he said.
Of course, another option is to change
the middle man. The San Antonio mayoralty may be non-partisan, but Castro is a Democrat--and he thinks his party might have a shot in at least one statewide race this year: "With Gov. Perry," said Castro, "that's a race that will be very close."
Source: Reeve Hamilton in Texas Tribune, "Race to the Top"
Feb 17, 2010
Lupe Valdez:
The right education starts with fixing school finance system
The Texas we pass on to the next generation all come back to how we prepare our people to address challenges ahead. This means expanding access to everything from early childhood education to college readiness programs, to vocational training aimed at
producing a skilled workforce. First, we must fix our broken school finance system. It is past time for the state to pay its fair share and stop placing the burden on local communities and homeowners, which has caused property taxes to skyrocket.
Source: 2018 Texas Gubernatorial campaign website LupeValdez.com
Oct 9, 2018
MJ Hegar:
Investment in public school is investment in nation's future
Every child, regardless of where they come from or how much money their family makes, should have access to an affordable and quality education. I will advocate for Texas public schools and teachers, because I believe an investment in strong public
schools is an investment in our nation's future. Teachers, educators, and school staff deserve to be treated with respect and to be paid salaries worthy of the critical service they provide to society.
Source: 2020 Texas Senate campaign website MJforTexas.com
Jan 20, 2020
MJ Hegar:
Lower interest rates on student debt, ensure affordability
Far too many Texans struggle from crippling student loan debt. We must put an end to the government profiting off loans by lowering interest rates on student debt, while also ensuring all higher education is more affordable for current and future
students. Every student loan should have a grace period of at least several months during which the loan does not accrue interest.
Source: 2020 Texas Senate campaign website MJforTexas.com
Jan 20, 2020
MJ Hegar:
Government should not profit off of student loan interest
Hegar said that student loans should be reevaluated so that the government "is not profiting off of student loan interest," and
more options to pay back student loans, such as community service, can be given to students.
Source: The Texan on 2020 Texas Senate race
Jun 8, 2020
Republican Party:
School choice: public, private, charter, or homeschool
Platform Section 101. School Choice: Texas families should be empowered to choose from public, private, charter, or homeschool options for their children's education, and the funding should follow the student. We also support tax credits and exemptions
for education and choice within the public school system.Platform Section 102. No Regulation of Homeschooling or Private School Curriculum: We oppose any attempt to regulate homeschooling or the curriculum of private or religious schools.
Platform Section 103. Parents Rights in Education: Parents are the primary educators and disciplinarians of their children, to which all other entities are inferior. The fundamental rights of parents to make decisions regarding the upbringing and
control of their children in all aspects, but especially in all aspects of the Texas education system shall be recognized, affirmed, and protected. No public service entity nor its agents shall infringe upon these rights.
Source: Texas Republican Party: Final Report from Platform Committee
Jun 16, 2022
Sylvia Garcia:
Oppose vouchers for students to leave public schools
The programs proposed in Senate Bill 3 would offer money to public school students to leave the system for private schools or homeschooling. Sen. Van Taylor, R-Plano, who voted for the measure, argued that would help school districts, especially those
growing so quickly that they are having trouble funding the additional enrollment. "There actually will be more money per child in the public education system in Texas," he said.
Legislative Summary: CSSB 3, Relating to the establishment of an education savings account program and a tax credit scholarship and educational expense assistance program.
Legislative Outcome: The motion prevailed by the
Source: Texas Tribune on legislative voting record CSSB3
Mar 23, 2017
Rick Noriega:
Scrap "No Child Left Behind"
Q: Do you favor scrapping "No Child Left Behind?"A: Yes. Bush left the education community of Texas in a shambles of testing & failed accountability schemes; now we see his Administration doing the same to the nation's schools. The best accountability
is providing the federal funds to ensure quality teachers and staff and adequate materials, books and technology. Local school districts in Texas must be unfettered from the pressures of teaching the test and only worrying about arbitrary test scores.
Source: Democracy for Texas Questionnaire Response
Mar 1, 2008
Rick Perry:
No "Race to the Top" funding; too many strings attached
Perry today announced that Texas will not submit an application for federal Race to the Top education funds. Despite tremendous education successes, Texas' application would be penalized by the US Department of Education for refusing to commit to adopt
national curriculum standards and tests."Texas is on the right path toward improved education, and we would be foolish and irresponsible to place our children's future in the hands of unelected bureaucrats and special interest groups thousands of
miles away in Washington, virtually eliminating parents' participation in their children's education," Gov. Perry said. "If Washington were truly concerned about funding education with solutions that match local challenges, they would make the money
available to states with no strings attached."
Through Race to the Top funding, the US Department of Education seems to be coercing states like Texas to abandon their own locally established curriculum standards in favor of adopting national standards.
Source: 2010 Texas Gubernatorial press release
Jan 13, 2010
Ronny Jackson:
K-12 education should have local and state control
I am in favor of reforming our education system. The primary education of our children should be a local and state issue.
The federal government should not be able to mandate and promote the liberal agenda of other parts of the country on our schools in the state of Texas and the 13th Congressional District.
Source: 2020 TX-13 House campaign website RonnyJacksonForTexas13.com
Jul 27, 2020
Royce West:
Free community college, not sure about student debt
Q: What about student debt?A: One of the things I will be doing is working on figuring out how students can at least get a community college degree without having to pay for it.
Q: Do you support calls to completely eliminate student debt for
everyone and make college free for all?
A: If we can do it in a realistic manner, and tie that into the other priorities we have like health care. The question becomes if you only have a finite amount of money, then which one do you prioritize?
Source: The Dallas Morning News on 2020 Texas Senate race
Jul 28, 2019
Royce West:
Offer debt relief & free tuition for low income students
Tuition is too high and student loan interest rates make it nearly impossible to even pay off your debt. We must offer debt relief programs for the millions of Texans who are unable to invest in buying a home or vehicle due to the burden of their debt.
We need to invest in Community Colleges, offering free tuition for low income students. The path from a Community College into a 4-year institution is complicated and uneven, and it is imperative to make that pathway easier to navigate.
Source: 2020 Texas Senate campaign website RoyceWest.com
Dec 19, 2019
Royce West:
Investing in public schools a top priority
Investing in K-12 education is one of my top priorities. One of the things we did was make sure funding followed our low-income students. Money would be given to schools based on the number of
low-income students in attendance. We also passed a statewide pay increase for teachers to ease the burden they face. Teacher's shouldn't worry about paying for their own school supplies out of pocket.
Source: 2020 Texas Senate campaign website RoyceWest.com
Dec 19, 2019
Royce West:
Oppose evaluation of schools with A-F grades
House Bill 2804 revises the evaluation of public school performance, based on five domains of indicators. The bill requires the commissioner of education to assign each public school district and campus an overall A-F performance. When the measure
originally passed the House, both Democrats and Republicans rose to oppose the change. State Rep. Sylvester Turner, said moving to the letter grades would be a "horrendous mistake. That places more of a stigma on kids who are trying to rise above their
circumstances," he said.
In a particularly fiery speech, state Rep. Larry Phillips (R) urged his colleagues to "stand up for sanity in schools" & vote for his amendment to strip the A-through-F ratings from the bill. "You think just because you rate
someone A through F they are going to do a better job? No," Phillips said.
Legislative outcome: Passed Senate 30-1-0 on May/29/15; Sen. West voted NO; passed House 119-17-2 on May/31/15; signed by Governor Greg Abbott Jun/19/15.
Source: Texas Tribune on Texas legislative voting records: HB2804
May 29, 2015
Sema Hernandez:
Opposes government funding of charter schools
Traditional public schools are the best and fairest means of providing all children with equal and equitable education. I oppose government funding of charter schools.
I will introduce or support federal legislation to increase funding for all public schools, but especially for poverty-stricken communities which lack textbooks and basic infrastructure.
Source: 2020 Texas Senate campaign website, Sema4Texas.com
Jan 12, 2020
Sema Hernandez:
Trade schools & public colleges should be tuition-free
Higher education is an essential component of any civilized and productive society. The right to pursue higher education should be available to all without burdensome student debt. We must pass legislation that makes trade schools, public colleges,
and universities tuition-free. Ensuring training and education to everyone is the best way to strengthen our economy and combat systemic poverty. Education and training should be a priority in our national budget.
Source: 2020 Texas Senate campaign website, Sema4Texas.com
Jan 12, 2020
Sylvia Garcia:
Require evaluation of schools with A-F grades
House Bill 2804 revises the evaluation of public school performance, based on five domains of indicators. The bill requires the commissioner of education to assign each public school district and campus an overall A-F performance. When the measure
originally passed the House, both Democrats and Republicans rose to oppose the change. State Rep. Sylvester Turner, said moving to the letter grades would be a "horrendous mistake. That places more of a stigma on kids who are trying to rise above their
circumstances," he said.
In a particularly fiery speech, state Rep. Larry Phillips (R) urged his colleagues to "stand up for sanity in schools" & vote for his amendment to strip the A-through-F ratings from the bill. "You think just because you rate
someone A through F they are going to do a better job? No," Phillips said.
Legislative outcome: Passed Senate 30-1-0 on May/29/15; Sen. Garcia voted YES; passed House 119-17-2 on May/31/15; signed by Governor Greg Abbott Jun/19/15.
Source: Texas Tribune on Texas legislative voting records: HB2804
May 29, 2015
Ted Cruz:
Private school vouchers is civil rights issue of our time
Q: Help parents send their children to private schools with public money?Ted Cruz (R): Yes. Called "civil rights issue of our time." Introduced bill to allow tax deduction for costs of private & religious schools.
Beto O'Rourke (D):
No. It funnels public school $ into private schools. "Ted Cruz's private school give-away will cost taxpayers $500 million to subsidize wealthy."
Source: 2018 CampusElect.org Issue Guide on Texas Senate race
Oct 9, 2018
Van Taylor:
Vouchers decrease growth and help public schools in long run
The programs proposed in Senate Bill 3 would offer money to public school students to leave the system for private schools or homeschooling. Sen. Van Taylor, R-Plano, who voted for the measure, argued that would help school districts, especially those
growing so quickly that they are having trouble funding the additional enrollment. "There actually will be more money per child in the public education system in Texas," he said.
Legislative Summary: CSSB 3, Relating to the establishment of an education savings account program and a tax credit scholarship and educational expense assistance program.
Legislative Outcome: The motion prevailed by the
Source: Texas Tribune: 2018 Congress TX-3 election voting record SB3
Mar 23, 2017
Van Taylor:
Require evaluation of schools with A-F grades
House Bill 2804 revises the evaluation of public school performance, based on five domains of indicators. The bill requires the commissioner of education to assign each public school district and campus an overall A-F performance. When the measure
originally passed the House, both Democrats and Republicans rose to oppose the change. State Rep. Sylvester Turner, said moving to the letter grades would be a "horrendous mistake. That places more of a stigma on kids who are trying to rise above their
circumstances," he said.
In a particularly fiery speech, state Rep. Larry Phillips (R) urged his colleagues to "stand up for sanity in schools" & vote for his amendment to strip the A-through-F ratings from the bill. "You think just because you rate
someone A through F they are going to do a better job? No," Phillips said.
Legislative outcome: Passed Senate 30-1-0 on May/29/15; Sen. Taylor voted YES; passed House 119-17-2 on May/31/15; signed by Governor Greg Abbott Jun/19/15.
Source: Texas Tribune on Texas legislative voting records: HB2804
May 29, 2015
Vicente Gonzalez:
Fight for pre-kindergarten and Head Start
Education is our society's greatest equalizer. I will fight for the education our children need to get ahead.-
Fully fund pre-kindergarten and local Head Start programs.
- Help our college students graduate debt free.
- Support the new medical school at UTRGV and expanding engineering programs.
Source: 2016 Texas House campaign website VicenteGonzalez.com
Nov 8, 2016
Greg Abbott:
Schools should not push woke agendas, period
Let's be clear: Schools are for education, not indoctrination. Schools should not push woke agendas. Period. We must reform curriculum, get kids back to the basics of learning, and we must empower parents. Parents deserve access to curriculum, school
libraries, and what their children are taught. We will do that with our Parental Bill of Rights.Parents also deserve education freedom. Without it, some parents are hindered in helping their child succeed.
The way to do that is with school choice through state-funded Education Savings Accounts. I created Education Savings Accounts for special needs students.
It worked so well that a bipartisan super-majority passed it into law and now wants to increase funding for it. Now, it's time to provide every parent with the ability to choose the best education option for their child.
Source: 2023 State of the State Address to the Texas legislature
Feb 16, 2023
Greg Abbott:
Reward community colleges that produce employable Texans
I met Ariel Aguilar, a young graduate who was so grateful for the program. Instead of studying subjects irrelevant to his career, the job skill program gave him the ability to study what he needed. It also quickly landed him a good-paying career.
Our goal is to ensure that every Texan is prepared to succeed in high-demand industries like, technology, healthcare, and energy. That's why this session we will reward community colleges that produce skilled, employable Texans.
Source: 2023 State of the State Address to the Texas legislature
Feb 16, 2023
Roland Gutierrez:
Don't require evaluation of schools with A-F grades
House Bill 2804 revises the evaluation of public school performance, based on five domains of indicators. The bill requires the commissioner of education to assign each public school district and campus an overall A-F performance.When the measure
originally passed the House, both Democrats and Republicans rose to oppose the change. State Rep. Sylvester Turner, said moving to the letter grades would be a "horrendous mistake. That places more of a stigma on kids who are trying to rise above their
circumstances," he said.
In a particularly fiery speech, Rep. Phillips urged his colleagues to "stand up for sanity in schools" & vote for his amendment to strip the A-thru-F ratings from the bill. "You think just because you rate someone A thru
F they are going to do a better job? No," Phillips said.
Legislative Outcome: Passed Senate 30-1-0 on May/29/15; passed House 119-17-2 on May/31/15; State Rep. Roland Gutierrez voted NO; signed by Governor Greg Abbott Jun/19/15.
Source: Texas Tribune on Texas legislative voting records: HB2804
May 31, 2015
Ted Cruz:
School choice is the civil-rights issue of the 21st Century
Sens. Cruz, Scott, Rep. Moolenaar Lead National School Choice Week Resolution: Sen. Ted Cruz (R-Texas) joined the co-chairs of the Congressional School Choice Caucus, Sen. Tim Scott (R-S.C.) and Rep. John Moolenaar (R-Mich.), in introducing a
resolution designating January 21st-January 27th, 2024, as National School Choice Week.
Upon joining the resolution, Sen. Cruz said, "For over a decade, I have been the leading advocate for school choice in the U.S. Senate because
I firmly believe that school choice is the civil-rights issue of the 21st Century. Every single child deserves access to an exceptional education regardless of their zip code, race, ethnicity, or socio-economic status.
I will continue to stand up for our students in Texas and across the country because building a stronger America starts in our K-12 classrooms."
Source: Senate press release on 2024 Texas Senate race
Jan 25, 2024
Carl Sherman:
Public schools are the foundation of our education system
Sherman is committed to supporting the foundation of our education system, our great public schools. That support begins first with improving the wages and benefits of those teachers on the frontline of the public school system to be commensurate
with the profession. From rural kindergarteners to urban high schoolers, Sherman will prioritize student well-being, and foster an inclusive learning environment that sets every child up for success, regardless of their background or zip code.
Source: 2024 Texas Senate campaign website CarlSherman.com
Feb 15, 2024
Colin Allred:
Reduce and forgive student loan debt
Student Financial Aid : Support lowering interest on student loans and/or forgiving them?- Colin Allred (D): Yes. Supports reducing and forgiving loans. "Too many Texans are burdened by student loan debt."
Supports Biden's SAVE plan to cut monthly repayments.
- Ted Cruz (R): No. "Biden's decision to 'cancel' student loan debt is illegal." People getting loans canceled are "slacker baristas." Voted to repeal loan payment suspension.
Source: Guides.vote candidate survey on 2024 Texas Senate race
Aug 8, 2024
Ted Cruz:
Cancelling student loan debt is illegal
Student Financial Aid : Support lowering interest on student loans and/or forgiving them?- Colin Allred (D): Yes. Supports reducing and forgiving loans. "Too many Texans are burdened by student loan debt."
Supports Biden's SAVE plan to cut monthly repayments.
- Ted Cruz (R): No. "Biden's decision to 'cancel' student loan debt is illegal." People getting loans canceled are "slacker baristas." Voted to repeal loan payment suspension.
Source: Guides.vote candidate survey on 2024 Texas Senate race
Aug 8, 2024
Greg Abbott:
Schools are for education, not DEI indoctrination
Schools must focus on the fundamentals--reading, writing, math, science, and of course, our country's founding documents. We want to ensure every child is prepared for college or a good-paying career. However, schools must not push woke agendas on our
kids. Schools are for education, not indoctrination. We must ban DEI in grades K-12.We must pass school choice this session.
Government-mandated schools cannot meet the unique needs of every student. But Texas can provide families with choices to meet those needs. The majority of Texans support school choice.
More than 30 states already have a form of school choice. We will continue to fully fund public schools and raise teacher pay, while also giving parents the choice they deserve.
Source: 2025 State of the State Address to the Texas legislature
Feb 2, 2025
Craig Goldman:
Oppose evaluation of schools with A-F grades
House Bill 2804 revises the evaluation of public school performance, based on five domains of indicators. The bill requires the commissioner of education to assign each public school district and campus an overall A-F performance. When the measure
originally passed the House, both Democrats and Republicans rose to oppose the change. State Rep. Sylvester Turner, said moving to the letter grades would be a "horrendous mistake. That places more of a stigma on kids who are trying to rise above their
circumstances," he said.
In a particularly fiery speech, state Rep. Larry Phillips (R) urged his colleagues to "stand up for sanity in schools" & vote for his amendment to strip the A-through-F ratings from the bill. "You think just because you rate
someone A through F they are going to do a better job? No," Phillips said.
Legislative outcome: Passed Senate 30-1-0 on May/29/15; Rep. Goldman voted NO; passed House 119-17-2 on May/31/15; signed by Governor Greg Abbott Jun/19/15.
Source: Texas Tribune on Texas legislative voting records: HB2804
May 29, 2015
Sylvester Turner:
Require evaluation of schools with A-F grades
House Bill 2804 revises the evaluation of public school performance, based on five domains of indicators. The bill requires the commissioner of education to assign each public school district and campus an overall A-F performance. When the measure
originally passed the House, both Democrats and Republicans rose to oppose the change. State Rep. Sylvester Turner, said moving to the letter grades would be a "horrendous mistake. That places more of a stigma on kids who are trying to rise above their
circumstances," he said.
In a particularly fiery speech, state Rep. Larry Phillips (R) urged his colleagues to "stand up for sanity in schools" & vote for his amendment to strip the A-through-F ratings from the bill. "You think just because you rate
someone A through F they are going to do a better job? No," Phillips said.
Legislative outcome: Passed Senate 30-1-0 on May/29/15; passed House 119-17-2 on May/31/15; Rep.Turner voted YES; signed by Governor Greg Abbott Jun/19/15.
Source: Texas Tribune on Texas legislative voting records: HB2804
May 29, 2015
Ken Paxton:
Parents should have the right to choose the best school
[On School Choice]: "Texas parents should have the right to choose the best school for their kids, and every Texas child deserves the opportunity to attend a good, safe school where they can learn and thrive," said A.G. Paxton. "Today I issued a legal
opinion which informs the Texas Legislature that there are no constitutional barriers to enacting school choice in Texas. It's time to empower Texas parents and provide additional educational opportunities so every Texas child can reach their dreams."
Source: KFYO, "School Choice," on 2026 Texas Senate race
Mar 21, 2025
Greg Abbott:
Threatens Texas A&M president for violating DEI ban
Gov. Greg Abbott threatened Texas A&M University President Mark Welsh III's job over claims the university broke the state's ban on diversity, equity and inclusion programs. The threat came after conservative activist
Christopher Rufo shared a university email inviting some staffers and PhD students to attend a conference that limited participation to people who are Black, Hispanic or Native American.
Source: Texas Tribune, "A&M," on 2026 Texas Gubernatorial race
Jan 14, 2025
Gina Hinojosa:
Voucher scam drains billions from public schools
Back-to-Basics Education: Every child deserves a strong neighborhood public school, but Greg Abbott's elite donors want to suck the money out of them to turn a profit. They would turn off Friday night lights to make an extra buck.
Greg Abbott's voucher scam is set to drain billions of taxpayer dollars from our schools and Teacher Retirement System to fund private education for the wealthy few. We need to invest in school safety and teacher pay, not corporate profits.
Source: 2026 Texas Gubernatorial campaign website GinaForTexas.com
Apr 19, 2025
James Talarico:
Reject voucher scams being pushed by billionaire mega-donors
- Stand up to Big Money and fight private school voucher scams: Reject the voucher scams being pushed by billionaire mega-donors that defund public schools to subsidize private education for the wealthiest Americans.
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Secure universal early childhood education and affordable childcare: Establish universal Pre-K for every 3- and 4-year-old, make strong investments in childcare for children under 3, and protect Head Start.
Source: 2026 Texas Senate campaign website JamesTalarico.com
Feb 17, 2026
Page last updated: Mar 14, 2026