Texas School Voucher Bill Set for Vote Today
April 16, 2025 – As of Wednesday morning, the Texas House is set to vote on a significant school voucher proposal, marking a pivotal moment in the state’s education policy debate. The legislation, known as Senate Bill 2, seeks to establish a $1 billion Education Savings Account (ESA) program. This initiative would allow families to use public funds for private school tuition and related educational expenses, providing participants with approximately $10,000 annually. The bill prioritizes low-income families and students with disabilities, capping the program’s spending for its first two years.
Governor Greg Abbott has championed this initiative, making school vouchers a top legislative priority. Following the 2023 session, where a similar proposal failed in the House, Abbott actively supported pro-voucher candidates, leading to a shift in the House’s composition. Currently, 76 Republican members back the bill, just enough to pass it in the 150-member chamber.
Despite the momentum, House Democrats are employing strategic measures to influence the legislative process. Over 50 Democrats have pledged to block all constitutional amendments unless the voucher proposal is put to a statewide vote in November. This tactic could stall other legislative priorities, as constitutional amendments require a two-thirds majority to pass.
The outcome of today’s vote will determine whether the voucher program advances to a conference committee to reconcile differences between the House and Senate versions. The decision holds significant implications for the future of public education funding and school choice in Texas.
Attorney General Ken Paxton Expands Investigation into EPIC City by Demanding Documents from Local Cities
April 16, 2025 – Attorney General Ken Paxton Expands Investigation into EPIC City by Demanding Documents from Local Cities
Attorney General Ken Paxton is expanding his investigation into EPIC City, which is affiliated with East Plano Islamic Center (“EPIC”), by demanding documents from local city officials potentially tied to the real estate development.
Records requests have been sent to city leaders in Plano, Richardson, and Wylie following Yasir Qadhi, an individual involved with EPIC City, claiming to have support from local officials. The development is being investigated due to potential violations of Texas state law. Additionally, a records request was sent to Josephine, Texas city officials.
The public records requests aim to acquire communications between city leaders and officials for EPIC, EPIC City, and Community Capital Partners, LP, as well as additional information related to the development. Attorney General Paxton previously issued a Civil Investigative Demand (“CID”) as part of the ongoing investigation.
“If any local official is supporting or communicating with a real estate development that is under investigation for potential violations of state law, then it’s imperative that we are made aware of exactly what’s being communicated,” said Attorney General Paxton. “We will thoroughly review these documents as part of our ongoing investigation into EPIC City and work to hold accountable anyone who breaks Texas law.”
High Speed Rail Project Plows Ahead
April 16, 2025 – Despite the federal government’s recent withdrawal of a $64 million planning grant for the proposed high-speed rail line between Dallas and Houston, North Texas transportation leaders remain committed to advancing the project. Michael Morris, transportation director for the North Central Texas Council of Governments, emphasized that regional leaders are continuing with the environmental study for the proposed Fort Worth-to-Dallas segment and are eager to collaborate with Texas Central’s new leadership on the Dallas-to-Houston line .
The U.S. Department of Transportation, under Secretary Sean Duffy, terminated the grant, asserting that the project, initially proposed as a private venture, should not rely on taxpayer funds for planning . In response, Kleinheinz Capital Partners, a Fort Worth-based investment firm, has taken the lead in backing the project, signaling continued private sector interest .
The proposed 240-mile high-speed rail line aims to connect Dallas and Houston in approximately 90 minutes, utilizing technology based on Japan’s N700S Series Shinkansen . While the project faces challenges, including land acquisition and funding, North Texas leaders’ determination to proceed underscores their belief in the potential benefits of high-speed rail for the region.
Easter Weekend Weather Outlook
April 16, 2025 – The Easter weekend forecast for Hopkins County, Texas, including Sulphur Springs, indicates a mix of weather conditions.
Saturday, April 19: Expect a breezy and humid day with clouds giving way to some sunshine. High temperatures are anticipated to reach around 83°F (28°C), with a low of 68°F (20°C) .
Sunday, April 20 (Easter Sunday): The day will be mostly cloudy with a high near 80°F (27°C). There is a significant chance of strong afternoon thunderstorms, which could bring damaging winds, large hail, and even the possibility of a tornado .
Monday, April 21: Conditions are expected to improve, with less humidity and increasing sunshine. Highs will be around 80°F (27°C), and lows near 58°F (14°C) .
Everyone should stay informed about the latest weather updates, especially on Sunday, and be prepared for potential severe weather conditions.
Sulphur Springs Wildcats Track Team won Honors at Regional Track Meet
April 15, 2025 – The Sulphur Springs Wildcats Track team won numerous honors at the regional track meet. The Wildcats set two new school records.
The 4x100M Relay team of Kyshawn John, Deuce Timmons, Jio Ibarra, Creed Whisenhunt won the area championship and set a new school record w/at time of 41.8 seconds.
The 4x200M Relay team of Creed Whisenhunt, Jaxson Haire, Deuce Timmons, Grayson Hardy also are area champs and broke the school record with a time of one minute, 26 seconds.
Other Wildcat winners include:
Ty Bybee, the 110M Hurdle Champion with a time of 14.6 sec and the Pole Vault Champion with a height of 14.6 ft.
Creed Whisenhunt, the 100M Dash Champion with a time of 10.6 sec.
Vincent Johnson is the regional Shot Put Area Runner-Up.
Qualifying in their events for the state track meet May 1st thru 3rd are::
Deuce Timmons – 4×100, 4×200, 200M Dash
Kyshawn John – 4×100
Jio Ibarra – 4×100
Creed Whisenhunt – 4×100, 4×200, 100M Dash
Ty Bybee – 110M Hurdles, Pole Vault
Jaxson Haire – 4×200
Grayson Hardy – 4×200
Vincent Johnson – Shot Put
School Choice Debate on Wednesday
April 15, 2025 – A major school choice proposal backed by Governor Greg Abbott is set for debate on the floor of the Texas House this Wednesday, April 16. Senate Bill 2 (SB 2), which advanced out of the House Public Education Committee on a 9–6 vote earlier this month, aims to establish Education Savings Accounts (ESAs) of up to $10,000 per student to help families cover private school tuition, textbooks, transportation, and other qualified expenses. Students with disabilities would be eligible for $11,500 annually, and homeschool families would receive $2,000 per child.
Lawmakers have set aside $1 billion for the 2026–27 school year, enough to fund up to 100,000 students out of the more than five million enrolled in Texas public schools. The debate on the House floor is expected to be lengthy and contentious, with some Capitol sources speculating that Democrats could stage a walkout to break quorum in a bid to block the measure.
The proposal has drawn criticism from public education advocates who argue that it would divert essential resources from public schools. Opponents also express concern that the program could exacerbate educational inequality.
As the House prepares for the upcoming debate, all eyes are on Wednesday, when a long day—and possibly night—of deliberation awaits.
Dallas Houston High Speed Rail Loses Ally and Federal Grants
April 15, 2025 – The U.S. Department of Transportation has rescinded a $63.9 million federal grant initially awarded for the proposed high-speed rail line between Dallas and Houston. This decision, announced on April 14, 2025, follows an agreement between the Federal Railroad Administration and Amtrak to terminate the funding designated for the Amtrak Texas High-Speed Rail Corridor, previously known as the Texas Central Railway project.
Transportation Secretary Sean P. Duffy labeled the project a “waste of taxpayer funds” and emphasized that it was originally proposed as a private venture. He stated, “If the private sector believes this project is feasible, they should carry the pre-construction work forward, rather than relying on Amtrak and the American taxpayer to bail them out.”
The high-speed rail initiative aimed to connect Dallas and Houston with a 240-mile line utilizing Japanese Shinkansen bullet train technology, promising travel times under 90 minutes. However, escalating capital cost estimates—now exceeding $40 billion—have raised concerns about the project’s financial viability.
Texas Central, the company behind the project, has not issued a statement regarding the withdrawal of federal support. Notably, Kleinheinz Capital Partners, the lead investor, expressed agreement with the decision, asserting that the project should proceed under private sector leadership.
The project’s future remains uncertain amid ongoing challenges, including land acquisition issues and legislative efforts to restrict public funding for related infrastructure modifications. Texas Central has secured only about 25% of the necessary land for the rail line and faces opposition from landowners and state lawmakers.
Shelby Park Back Open to the Public
April 14, 2025 – After a year of closure due to Operation Lone Star, Shelby Park in Eagle Pass has officially reopened to the public. The park, which had been under state control for border security purposes, was returned to the city last week. Governor Greg Abbott’s office confirmed the transition, citing improved conditions along the Texas-Mexico border as a reason for ending the state’s use of the park.
A spokesperson for the governor credited the Trump administration’s immigration policies and recent federal actions with helping secure the border, making the park’s continued use unnecessary. Operation Lone Star had utilized the location as a staging ground for law enforcement and National Guard personnel deployed to deter illegal crossings.
Local residents, many of whom have long called for the park’s reopening, welcomed the news. Shelby Park, which sits along the Rio Grande, is a popular gathering spot for families and visitors, and its closure had sparked controversy in the community over access and transparency.
City officials say they plan to resume normal park operations immediately, with efforts underway to assess any maintenance or repairs needed after the prolonged lockdown. The reopening marks a return to normalcy for Eagle Pass residents who have waited over a year to reclaim this public space.
Texas Lottery Facing Cuts and Scrutiny for ‘Jerry Jones’ Connection
April 14, 2025 – Last week, the Texas House approved a $337 billion biennial budget that notably eliminates funding for the Texas Lottery Commission. This move, introduced by Representative Mary González, reallocates over $1 billion previously designated for the Lottery Commission and economic development initiatives.
A significant factor in this decision involves the Texas Lottery’s longstanding partnership with the Dallas Cowboys. Since 2009, the Lottery has collaborated with the Cowboys to offer branded scratch-off tickets featuring team-themed prizes, such as game tickets, merchandise, and exclusive experiences. Under the terms of this agreement, the state pays a 4% royalty on ticket sales (capped at $1.5 million annually) and a $700,000 annual licensing fee. Additionally, the Lottery allocates over $3 million for Cowboys-branded prizes and merchandise, all purchased upfront from the team. Notably, the Cowboys receive these payments regardless of whether the prizes are claimed by winners.
Critics argue that this arrangement results in the state pre-paying for promotional items, allowing the Cowboys to collect funds even if no one wins the prizes. This has raised concerns about the fairness and fiscal responsibility of such contracts, especially when the Lottery Commission’s primary mandate is to generate revenue for public education. While the Cowboys-themed games have contributed nearly $100 million to the Foundation School Fund, the structure of the partnership has come under scrutiny.
The House’s decision to defund the Lottery Commission reflects growing unease over these financial arrangements and a desire to reassess the state’s spending priorities. As budget negotiations continue, the future of the Texas Lottery and its promotional partnerships remains uncertain.
The Sulphur Springs Senior Center Hosted a Successful Bridges 90+ Banquet April 5th
April 14, 2025 – The 21st Annual Sulphur Springs Bridges 90+ Banquet was held April 5, 2025, and was a huge success! The Banquet was held in the new Sulphur Springs Senior Citizens Activity Center for the first time. The exciting event began at Noon with a wonderful meal, which was blessed by KSST’s own Brother Nash. Dawna Pryor gave heart felt speech, afterwards Brother Herald Nash, and then Dawna Pryor, the Coordinator of the Senior Center, shared insights on the origin of the Clara Bridges 90+ Banquet. Entertainment for this event was provided by the talented Mr. Dale Cummings. Next, certificates were presented to special attendees age 90 or older. Lastly, Dawna Pryor introduced and thanked the volunteers and sponsors that made this special event possible. Below is KSST’s coverage of this very special, and successful banquet. Don’t miss out, give it a watch!
