Lambert flips to support HB2 after changes to voucher program

BIG COUNTRY, Texas (KTAB/KRBC) – HB2 and SB2 — two bills that sparked concern among many lawmakers, particularly from rural areas, over the potential harm of vouchers to Texas public education. But on April 16, Representative Stan Lambert voted in favor of both bills. Now he’s explaining why.

House Bill 2 would mark the largest increase in public education funding in Texas history, delivering a $7.7 billion investment. Lambert said the bill includes $1 billion specifically for rural and mid-size school districts, raises teacher salaries, and helps ease the burden on local taxpayers.

“Altogether, this is a major victory for public education, and one I’m proud to have supported,” Lambert shared in a statement.

Though he still has concerns about the Education Savings Account portion of the bill, Lambert said he and a group of rural Republicans worked to negotiate key changes.

“Instead of allowing the bill to pass as presented, the same group of rural republicans who stood firm against vouchers in 2023 chose to negotiate substantive changes to improve the bill. This decision was made solely based on what I could do, as one member of a 150-person body, to best improve outcomes for Texas children,” Lambert explained.

Lambert highlighted four specific provisions that Education Committee Chairman Brad Buckley agreed to include:

• Annual audits of the voucher program and all third-party contractors by the State Auditor
• Clear residency requirements to prevent misuse by non-Texas residents
• A rule that private schools receiving funds must have operated for at least two years
• A cap that limits non-low-income and non-special-needs recipients to 20% of the program

Lambert, who had been a strong opponent of the voucher-style program, emphasized that his decision wasn’t made lightly.

“Education has always been a top priority of mine, and I remain committed to fighting for our education system. If I were to stand by and simply vote no on a bill that was sure to pass, while an opportunity to improve the bill lies before me, I would be doing a disservice to those I represent,” Lambert shared. “I understand if you’re disappointed by this vote; it was not an easy one to make. But be assured that the bill that was passed is greatly improved from the bill that was coming, and that our public schools are better protected because we stayed at the table. I will never stop working to ensure that public school students and teachers have the resources they need to succeed.”