Texas Gov. Greg Abbott is a step closer to signing into law a voucherlike program that would use taxpayer money to help families pay for private schools. The bill, a centerpiece of Abbott’s legislative agenda,

Pearland Republican Jeff Barry has long been skeptical of school vouchers, but on Thursday morning he voted to create what could become the largest voucher program in the nation. Barry, a freshman House lawmaker,

The House approved a school voucher plan, clearing a hurdle that had stood in the way of a Gov. Greg Abbott priority. One last hurdle remains.