Texas House passes Abbott's pre-K plan; bill heads to Senate

AUSTIN, Texas (AP) — Republican Gov. Greg Abbott's limited pre-K makeover plan — one of his top priorities — is a step closer to becoming law, having cleared the Texas House.

Lawmakers gave final approval to the bill on a 128-17 vote Thursday. It now heads to the Senate.

Following an initial debate and vote on Wednesday that set up final passage a day later, Abbott took to Twitter to thank the House.

The bill would give school districts $130 million to improve existing pre-K programs.

But it frustrated school administrators and education groups, who say Texas is missing an opportunity since the plan wouldn't expand pre-K eligibility or extend programs to full-day classes.

Four years ago, Texas cut $300 million from pre-K to help close a budget shortfall that still hasn't been restored.

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