Opinion

Gov. Greg Abbott, just hours after the Senate initially approved a school voucher measure, said he would add teacher raises and increased public school funding to the ongoing special session agenda if the Texas Legislature passes his voucher plan, the Texas Tribune reported.

ardinals

How many more apartment complexes do we need on the river?

I am a Texas retired public school teacher with the honor of teaching 7,000 students throughout 25 years via Physical Education and Special Education.

“Are ya haaawngry?”

Scouring Senate Bill 1 for private school vouchers I didn’t find: requirements for private schools to report student performance or school financial accountability; acknowledgment that voucher money could otherwise be used for public schools; recognition that the $8000 voucher allowance isn’t adequate (The average price in Texas for private schools is $10,666); provisions for transportation or meals, even though priority would be given to low-income students (up to 500% of poverty); realization that the program administration would require a huge bureaucracy; appreciation for America’s seminal value of the separation of church and state.

When I read a news piece about the passing of longtime California senator Dianne Feinstein a few weeks ago, some of the comments left at the bottom of the online article made me sad.

Education is once again going to be the topic at the Texas Capitol. At Gov. Greg Abbott’s behest, the Legislature will convene in a special session Monday to debate school vouchers.

For the 30th consecutive month Texas showed job growth, reaching just under 14 million jobs and outpacing the nation in its annual rate of employment growth, according to the Texas Workforce Commission.

“Where’s your Bayer?”

If you like butterflies, consider yourself lucky to live in Texas.

COVID-19 is a powerful enemy, its threat rendered more potent by an unlikely accomplice–ourselves.