It’s Game Time!
Moms and Dads,
The time is now. We are there. Education Savings Accounts are almost fully within our grasp.
Last month, at the Parent Empowerment Leadership Summit, Governor Abbott said that we were first and goal at the 1 yard line—we just need to not fumble the ball. He called legislators back for a third special session this year, and we’ve made some significant progress. The Chairman of the House Public Education Committee proposed a very strong ESA bill — but we haven’t broke though the unions’ defensive line just yet.
A few hours ago, Governor Abbott called the Legislature back for a record-breaking fourth special session.
That should tell you how dedicated the Governor is—and the opponents of parents are starting to get the message too. Their defensive line is failing, and we have plenty of plays in the playbook.
This Thursday, November 9th at 9:00 am and Friday November 10th at 9:00 am—there will be two committee hearings on Education Savings Accounts—another record broken to have TWO school choice hearings in the House in one year!
And that is our winning play—the 180 page bill that Chairman Buckley will be taking testimony on has been carefully crafted, meticulously researched, and is the best shot we have at scoring a touchdown for the parents of Texas’ 6.2 million school children.
What’s in the bill? Pay raises for our teachers, improvements for their working conditions, reworking the state’s standardized test, but most importantly:
Universal Education Savings Accounts.
Yes, all of Texas’ 6.2 million children are eligible.
And, moms and dads, let me tell you—this is a great ESA program.
Strong protections for the autonomy of private schools.
Money for homeschoolers.
Immediate aid to people who need it most—especially families with children in special education or families below or near the federal poverty line.
The biggest dollar amount in the nation—$10,400 for each student.
The freedom for participating private schools to choose the standardized test they want to take—from the Iowa Test of Basic Skills to the STAAR, parents and private schools get to choose.
Moms and dads, this is awesome news.
But it’s not over yet—we have the winning play, but we need YOUR support and help.
Cheer on the legislators who are standing up for you and millions of other parents.
Cheer on the Governor, Lieutenant Governor, and Speaker who are all helping to make this happen.
Show up to the committee hearing on Thursday, November 9th and / or Friday, November 10th and speak for ESAs. To help you, we are offering a Guide to Prepare to Speak and a detailed summary of the ESA in HB 1. As mentioned in the Guide, you need to sign-up to speak. The Texas Capitol opens at 7am and if you are able, we recommend you arrive early to get one of the first spots in line.
Don’t let union reps, school administrators, and naysayers be the only people who show up.
Make your voice heard! Join us in standing for parents this Thursday, November 9th and / or Friday, November 10th.
Even if you can’t make it to Austin—and I know you lead busy lives raising and providing for your children—you can still make your voice heard. Call, email, mail, and tweet at your legislators to let them know that you stand with millions of other parents for Education Savings Accounts. We’ve made it easy for you—just input your information at this link, double check our pre-written letters, and hit send!
To find out more about Education Savings Accounts or other ways to get involved, please visit txparentsmatter.com.
For the children of Texas!
Mandy Drogin