Castro Rips Abbott for ‘Failed’ School Choice Voucher Push

Texas Representative Joaquin Castro (D) ripped Texas Governor Greg Abbott’s (R) “failed” push for school vouchers over the last few years.

“Because @GovAbbott and Texas Republicans put all their energy into their failed school voucher push, Texas schools are about to lose more than $300 million in special education funding. Our most vulnerable kids are at risk because Abbott puts political stunts over people,” said Rep. Castro.

The bill would have allowed parents to send their children to schools outside their assigned public school. School choice could’ve taken the form of open enrollment policies, magnet schools, and charter schools. Furthermore, for those wanting to attend private schools, the program would have provided vouchers.

The funding for teacher pay raises also failed to get passed. The bills are not technically tied. However, Gov. Abbott stated that he would not sign a teacher pay raise bill without a school choice bill being passed.

Castro has been very vocal about disapproving of Abbott's various legislation. After the Supreme Court ruled in favor of the Biden administration in its lawsuit against  Abbott,  Castro blasted the governor for his attempt to “obstruct” operations at the border.

“Governor Greg Abbott is using the Texas National Guard to obstruct and create chaos at the border. If Abbott is defying yesterday's Supreme Court ruling, @POTUS needs to establish sole federal control of the Texas National Guard now,” said Castro.

The Texas Representative’s comments were in response to Abbott’s tweet in which he posted a photo of the National Guard standing at the border. The provocative tweet highlighted the governor’s continued efforts to prevent migrants from crossing the border.

“The Texas National Guard continues to hold the line in Eagle Pass. Texas will not back down from our efforts to secure the border in Biden’s absence,” tweeted Abbott after the Supreme Court ruling.