For the first time, Abbott and a Texas House speaker are aligned, at least publicly, on his vision to send public dollars to families for private education.

During a marathon meeting at the Texas Capitol, public education advocates picked apart House Bill 3, which has the backing of Republican Governor Greg Abbott and looks likely to advance.

If passed, the legislation would create a program where parents could use state tax dollars toward sending their kids to private schools. While it’s a priority for many Republicans, those opposed to the idea aren’t staying quiet.

The Texas Legislature’s biggest political fight drew hundreds of people to the Capitol complex Tuesday to have their voices heard on a proposal to allow taxpayer dollars to be spent on private school education.

A Texas House committee's public hearing on a controversial school voucher bill continued into the early morning hours Wednesday. Lawmakers and residents voiced strong opinions on both sides. The House Public Education Committee began the hearing at 8 a.