None of that happened, however, as the legislative process was dominated by Gov. Greg Abbott’s strong push for vouchers and school choice. Still, Lambert remained steadfast in his beliefs that money from the state budget should be used for public education and not go to private schools.
Lambert and 23 other Republican representatives joined Democrats in April to pass Amendment 45 by a count of 86-52 to keep public money from paying for or supporting a school voucher program. The amendment, which was filed by State Rep. Able Herrero (D-Robstown), states, “Money appropriated by this Act may not be used to pay for or support a school voucher, including an education savings account, tax credit scholarship program, or a grant or other similar program through which a child may use state money for nonpublic primary or secondary education.”
In recognition of Lambert’s efforts on behalf of public schools and public-school students, he was one of 100 Texas legislators who were honored for their outstanding achievement and steadfast commitment to public education with the inaugural Public Education Champion Award handed out by Raise Your Hand Texas.
In selecting Public Education Champion Award recipients, Raise Your Hand Texas reviewed legislation and votes during the 88th Legislative Session and identified 100 legislators who exemplified strong, courageous support for public schools, teachers, and students. The 100 Legislators represent the Texas House of Representatives and Senate and rural and urban communities across Texas.
“I believe public education in Texas has proven over time that it is the great equalizer as far as providing every student, no matter their background or their economic status, the opportunity and the tools to succeed,” said Lambert, who was presented with his honor in a ceremony Tuesday afternoon at Taylor Elementary School. “I am humbled and honored by the recognition from Raise Your Hand Texas and for doing what I have always believed is so important: fully supporting our students, teachers, and staff in all of our public schools. We have to provide adequate resources to accomplish the goals of ensuring that each student is allowed to succeed.”
Lambert and the rest of the Texas legislators will be back in Austin beginning Monday (Oct. 9) for a special session to consider four topics: three centered on illegal immigration and border security and one on providing education savings accounts (vouchers) for all Texas schoolchildren.
According to Charles Butt Foundation polling, most Texas parents are satisfied with their child’s public school and would choose it again, given other options. In fact, 89 percent of Texas public school parents are satisfied with the quality of education their child is receiving. Another 82 percent of public-school parents would keep their child in their current public school if given other public school choice options. And when asked about school vouchers, a majority of Texans, 54 percent, oppose them.
Texas is more than $4,000 behind the national average in per-student funding and almost $7,500 behind the national average in teacher pay. Lambert said he understands the importance of investing in public schools, teachers, and students and not diverting money to other entities.
“Public dollars should remain in public schools,” he said. “Students, parents, and communities rely on public schools to provide Texans with a high-quality education. When we attempt to divert those funds to schools that lack transparency in spending and outcomes and have limited accessibility in our rural communities, we are choosing to neglect the local public schools that have been the bedrock of our communities for decades. Now more than ever, the legislature must fulfill our constitutional duty and reaffirm our commitment to public education, including pay raises to our active teachers and staff.”
