Governor Abbott calls another special session after school vouchers, tougher border security fail to pass

Greg Abbott
Photo credit New York Daily News / Contributor Getty Images

Texas Governor Greg Abbott has called for a fourth special session after school vouchers and tougher border security failed to pass in the last one.

Rice University political science professor Mark Jones says the Texas legislature is only supposed to meet for a few months every other year - so having this many special sessions is unusual.

Some Republicans are opposing the Governor's school voucher plan but Abbott has called them back to work to try again.

"The Texas Legislature made progress over the past month protecting Texans from forced COVID-19 vaccinations and increasing penalties for human smuggling,” said Abbott in a release, “However, there is more work to be done."

In addition to a school voucher proposal, Governor Abbott also wants lawmakers to approve more money for building a wall along the Texas-Mexico border.

"We must pass laws that will enhance the safety of all Texans by increasing funding for strategic border barriers and mirroring the federal immigration laws President Joe Biden refuses to enforce. Texas will also arrest people for illegal entry into our state from a foreign nation, and authorize the removal of anyone who illegally enters our state, with penalties up to 20 years in prison for refusing to comply with removal. To crack down on repeated attempts to enter Texas illegally, illegal re-entry will be penalized with up to 20 years in prison" Abbott said in a statement on the 4th Special Session agenda.

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Featured Image Photo Credit: New York Daily News / Contributor Getty Images