The Texas House Public Education Committee heard testimony on education savings accounts (ESA) and other issues related to education in Texas on Monday. 

Texas Education Agency Commissioner Mike Morath gave an update on education issues in Texas more broadly and fielded questions from the committee. 

During the update, Morath discussed broader state trends in education to lay the groundwork for further discussion of specific legislation. The commissioner acknowledged that while teacher salaries have risen over the years, they were not enough to keep up with inflation, which he believes has negatively impacted school district budgets.

Following the hearing, the Texas Classroom Teachers Association issued a press release, saying "the bulk of the testimony and discussion focused on inevitable voucher legislation to be proposed in the next legislative session." 

According to the release, most of the invited speakers were in support of the education savings account legislation but were "peppered" with questions from committee members who oppose the legislation. 

During the hearing, Chairman Brad Buckley said the purpose of the hearing was "to evaluate the use of Education Savings Accounts in other states and make recommendations for a Texas program." 

At the same time as the hearing, the Texas Public Policy Foundation was hosting panel discussions about school choice. Hillary Hickland, the Republican candidate for House District 55 who defeated anti-ESA incumbent Republican Hugh Shine in the primary, spoke about what she perceived as the difference between the two sides of the school choice debate. She said, "one side is motivated by funding and maintaining control. On the other side is parents motivated by love and concern for their kids’ future. When we look at those, it's clear: we should empower the parents, not the system."