One candidate in the race for governor has unveiled a plan to tackle what he sees as a "education emergency," if elected governor of Texas.
Andrew White, a Houston businessman and one of two Democrats in a May 22nd runoff for governor, unveiled his plan today to fund teacher raises, full-day Pre-K and a scholarship program in Texas. The plan, which White said will cost $6.5 billion, will be funded primarily by cuts to current border security programs and an expansion of gambling in Texas.
White said that his plan will include a $5,000 pay raise for Texas teachers, universal pre-K programs and a program that would award a $5,000 scholarship to graduating seniors for Texas public schools who obtain a 3.0 GPA or better at the time of graduation. The Houston businessman says that he plans to end Texas' $800 million commitment to border initiatives and the allowing of slot machines and table games at horse tracks and some resorts. White also says that he would like to close a property tax loophole, which he has promoted since launching his bid for office in 2017.
According to the Texas Tribune, White said that he believes that the cuts to border security programs could be achieved through changes in the Texas legislature's makeup. He also said that he would support sending the gambling questions to voters, if lawmakers are resistant to approve the change.
White will face Lupe Valdez, a former Dallas sheriff, in the May 22nd runoff for Governor. The winner of the runoff will join Beto O'Rourke and Mike Collier at the top of the party's November ticket and will face Republican incumbent Greg Abbott and Libertarian challenger Mark Tippetts in the general election.
