Tensions Rise as Gov. Abbott Resists School Voucher Ballot Proposal

Despite publicly claiming broad support for school voucher legislation, Texas Gov. Greg Abbott is reportedly working behind the scenes to block a proposal allowing voters to weigh in on the issue this fall directly.

According to GOP sources cited by Quorum Report, Abbott has told lawmakers that a statewide vote on vouchers would be unconstitutional — even though similar issues have gone to the ballot in the past, such as horse racing and gubernatorial control over the State Board of Education. Some lawmakers estimate there could be as many as 80 to 85 votes in the House supporting the ballot proposal, drawing support from Republicans and Democrats.

However, guidance provided to legislators today by the Legislative Budget Board (LBB) may weaken the governor’s legal argument. According to the board, the Texas Constitution neither expressly permits nor prohibits a statewide referendum on policy matters.