AUSTIN – Today, Senate Education Chair Larry Taylor and joint authors Senator’s Bettencourt and Campbell, passed Senate Bill 4 (SB 4), known as the tax credit scholarship bill, to third reading.

“The historic passage of SB 4 in the Texas Senate is a clear victory for our parents, students and Texas,” said Lt. Governor Dan Patrick. “Giving our children the flexibility of attending a better school, for their future, is about giving them opportunity. No parent or student should ever feel trapped in a failing school.”

SB 4 by Senator Larry Taylor allows tax credit scholarships for students who are stuck in failing schools, and students with disabilities, to attend the school of their choice. Businesses who donate to the scholarship fund will receive a tax credit to help lower a portion of their franchise tax liability.

“Since I joined the Texas Senate in 2007 I have pushed for a strong school choice bill to pass the Senate,” continued Patrick. “This is the first time a bill of this caliber has ever made it out of the Texas Senate, and now an estimated 15,000 students will have more choice.

“I thank Senator Larry Taylor and supporting Senators for helping make Texas history and SB 4 a reality.”