Talarico Urges Abbott's Donor Testify Over School Choice

Many Republicans in Texas have passionately supported school choice, but state Rep. James Talarico (D) now suggests there are other factors at play. The Democrat congressman has accused Texas Governor Greg Abbott (R) of supporting the effort because of his donors, specifically a Mr. Jeffery S. Yass, who has donated $12 million to Governor Abbott.

State Rep. Talarico alongside his colleagues Dr. Alma Allen (D), John Bryant (D), and Gina Hinojosa (D), have sent a letter to Pennsylvania billionaire Jeffrey Yass, urging him to appear before the Texas House Committee on Public Education. The lawmakers claim that Yass has played a significant role in pushing Governor Abbott’s school choice agenda, citing his previous donations.

“After a bipartisan majority of the Texas House rejected the Governor’s private school voucher plan in 2023, you made a $6 million campaign donation to Greg Abbott – the largest in Texas history,” the letter states. “From your home in Pennsylvania, over the past year, you have contributed a total of $12 million to the Governor, funding efforts to target Republican legislators who voted against the vouchers.”

The lawmakers request that Yass explain his support for House Bill 3, the latest version of Abbott’s school voucher proposal, which would provide taxpayer-funded Education Savings Accounts to families for private school tuition, homeschooling, and other educational expenses. Supporters argue the bill expands educational freedom, while critics warn it could drain resources from public schools.

The representatives’ letter accuses Yass of reshaping Texas’ education system without public accountability. “Given your significant role in funding efforts to reshape Texas’ public education system, we believe it is only appropriate that you explain your position directly to the people whose schools and communities your money seeks to impact with school closures, program cuts, and teacher layoffs.”

The hearing is scheduled for March 11 at 8 a.m.

“If you choose not to participate, your absence will be noted for the public record,” the letter concludes.