AUSTIN – Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick issued the following statement today:

“I am in full support of Gov. Abbott’s statement that he will support school choice in the upcoming legislative session. I have long advocated for parents’ right to exercise choice in the education of their children. Since I was elected Lt. Governor, the Texas Senate has twice passed education choice legislation.

“Texas has over 5 million students in our public school system. That’s more students than some states have people. We can support school choice and, at the same time, create the best public education system in America. These issues are not in conflict with each other.

“I am fully committed to a robust and well-funded public education system in Texas. As Lt. Governor, working with the Texas Senate, we’ve added historic funding to public education, increased teacher pay, expanded career and technical education programs, fortified the Teacher Retirement System of Texas (TRS), issued two 13th checks to retired teachers, and increased retiree benefits.

“We must have a great public school system because the overwhelming majority of students and parents like their schools and their teachers and will choose public schools. However, parents still want the fundamental right to choose what they think is best for their children.

“Parents are speaking out across Texas and America more than ever that they want a stronger say in their child’s education. After all it is the parents – not the education system or the unions – who should have the final say over their children’s education. No one should be surprised by that.”