Texas Catholic Voice Feb. 24, 2025

Last week, House Public Education Chairman Brad Buckley filed two bills which we are supporting that improve education in Texas. We are excited both bills have been designated as priorities of the House Speaker and emergency items of the Governor, which should pave the way for early passage.  

The bills are HB 2, which increases public school funding, and HB 3, which establishes an Education Savings Account (ESA) program. By supporting both public and private options, these two pieces of legislation complement each other and demonstrate that we are improving funding for public education while also ensuring that families needing another option have access.  

The Texas bishops have long supported increased funding for public education as the vast majority of Texas children attend public schools, which are vital for the success of our state. The bishops also believe that non-public options are critical for children who need an alternative educational environment. HB 3 will be a lifeline for those families who cannot afford private school. 

HB 2 provides nearly $8 billion additional funding for public education, including increased teacher pay, investment in teacher training, expanded pre-Kindergarten, reducing achievement gaps, and increasing special education funding. 

HB 3 provides $1 billion in funding for ESAs. Applications will be prioritized for children with disabilities and children who live in a household earning less than 200% of the federal poverty level, which for a family of four is $64,300. The amount of the ESA is 85% of the state funding allotment, about $10,000 a year. Special education students are eligible to receive the full amount for which they would be entitled in public school. While we continue to support SB 2, the House bill is in closer alignment with our priorities on prioritization for the poor and accountability through accreditation, so it is the version that we prefer. Click here for our HB 3 review 

Bills in Committee Feb 24-28  

Senate State Affairs, Monday, 2 p.m.  

SJR 34 by Sen. Bryan Hughes proposes a constitutional amendment protecting the rights of parents to exercise care, custody and control of their children and prohibits state interference unless it is essential to further a compelling government interest and narrowly tailored to accomplish that interest. The TCCB supports this bill to recognize the natural right of parents to direct their children's upbringing. 

Prayers for Pope Francis

Please pray for the Holy Father that his health improves and he will be able to return home from the hospital soon. 

Blessings for the Diocese of Tyler and Bishop Gregory Kelly

Today, Bishop Kelly was installed as the fifth bishop of Tyler. Please join with us in congratulating him and in praying for him and the diocese, as they begin this new chapter in the life of their local church.

Bishop Gregory Kelly, Diocese of Tyler