Capitol Action Report- 10/13/23
Joleen E Smith | Published on 10/13/2023
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The third special session of the 88th Legislature started on Monday. The legislature will be considering educational savings accounts which did not pass during the regular session, the creation of a new criminal offense aimed at undocumented migrants crossing the border, and prohibiting private employers from requiring COVID vaccinations for their employees. LWV Texas will be following public education and immigration during this special session.
As long as the session lasts, we will work to send a Capitol Action Report on Thursday or Friday of each week.
Educational Savings Accounts
The Governor’s bill is SB 1 which would create a fund out of general revenue to provide parents of children eligible to attend public school in Texas with up to $8,000 per child for private school tuition or private tutoring. Unlike SB 8, the bill that failed to pass in the regular session, this bill allows parents of children who already attend private school to participate. Provisions in the bill favoring low income and disabled students seem to apply only if the number of applicants exceeds the funds available and then, only up to certain percentages in three different categories. Any funds not used by students in those categories remain available to any applicant. In other words, the bill, as structured, is likely to follow the familiar pattern of subsidizing tuition of students already attending private school.
As a sweetener, the Senate Finance Committee passed SB 2 which increases public school funding and provides raises for teachers. Whether this bill is within the scope of the Governor’s call for the special session remains to be seen. If SB 2 passes both houses, the Governor may be able to hold this bill hostage pending the outcome of SB 1.
Please respond to the Action Alert below or click here to take action now and tell your legislator to oppose vouchers.
Immigration
The Governor’s call for a special session was specific as to border security: the creation of an offense for improper entry, increased penalties to smuggling persons and stash houses, more funding border barriers, and public safety, environmental quality, and property ownership in areas like Colony Ridge. SB 4 increases penalties as directed. SB 11 creates a new offense of Improper Entry from a Foreign Nation. The first offense is a Class A misdemeanor, the second is state jail felony, and the punishment increases with the number of convictions.
The League of Women Voters of Texas has issued a statement regarding Operation Lone Star and the border barriers. We encourage Governor Abbott to immediately end Operation Lone Star and work to support US immigration policies, procedures, and laws. All citizens, residents, migrants, and asylum seekers must be treated equally in the eyes of the law and be treated with dignity and respect.
In League, |
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The League of Women Voters of Texas continues to work tirelessly to advocate for all Texans this legislative session. Donate today to support our mission of empowering voters and defending democracy!
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Tell Your Legislator to Oppose Vouchers
In the third special session of the 88th legislature, SB 1 would create taxpayer-funded educational savings accounts to subsidize private schools. Use our Action Center to write a letter to your legislators and ask them to oppose vouchers.
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League of Women Voters of Texas
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