Gov. Greg Abbott said he's optimistic his plan to spend tax dollars to send some students to private school will make it through the Texas Legislature this year. On Wednesday, the Senate is widely expected to pass its version of a school choice bill,

Gov. Greg Abbott said a universal, school choice voucher program that gives parents public dollars to spend on private school tuition will help Texas lead

Texans also heard from their fellow citizens as part of the Democratic Party’s response to Abbott’s speech, with state Democrats enlisting a public school educator, an OB/GYN, electricians’ union representative and the state’s Democratic chair to represent what the party hoped to project as the voice of everyday Texans.

The Texas Senate has passed SB 2, which now awaits approval from the House. Here's what lawmakers say about the proposed school voucher program.

Texas Gov. Greg Abbott said he's optimistic his plan to spend tax dollars to send some students to private school will make it through the Texas Legislature this year.

AUSTIN – The Texas Senate is expected to approve a “school choice” bill Wednesday that would let families use taxpayer dollars for private school education – the first major step for Gov. Greg Abbott’s top legislative priority.

Once passed in the Senate, the school choice bill will head to the House. Governor Abbott said he remains very confident that school choice will pass in the chamber, even though Democrats promise a fight.