AUSTIN — Texas Gov. Greg Abbott delivered his 2025 State of the State address on Sunday, Feb. 2, discussing his main priorities for the 89th session of the Texas Legislature, which is underway until June 2.

One of Abbott's biggest priorities is funding his school choice program, which would provide public tax dollars to most families to send their children to private schools. The governor received a standing ovation when he declared school choice an emergency item.

The issue has been important to most state Republicans for the past few Legislatures, but it has not passed the House of Representatives. Until now, Republicans from rural areas have joined with Democrats in opposition. They argue that vouchers will mainly benefit wealthier families in bigger cities that have more access to private schools while cutting funds available to public schools.

In the 2024 election cycle, Abbott led successful primary challenges against many of the GOP legislators who have opposed his school choice plan in the past. Abbott has said he believes there are now enough Republican votes to pass his plan this session. 

Budget proposals from both the House and Senate include money for the voucher plan. Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick said the Senate will pass its version in the coming days.

As part of his property tax relief plan, Abbott wants to ban local taxing entities from raising property taxes unless two-thirds of voters approve. He said, "No approval, no new taxes."

The governor proposed seven emergency items this session: $10 billion in property tax relief, investing in water infrastructure, teacher pay, career training in high schools, education savings accounts, bail reform, and creating Texas Cyber Command.     

"This 89th Legislative Session brings new opportunities for the Texas Legislature and statewide leaders to strengthen our national and global position as the beacon of economic opportunity, prosperity, and individual liberty. From becoming the eighth-largest economy in the world to safeguarding the freedoms that make Texas great, we are working tirelessly to accomplish what seems impossible. Working together, we will continue to build a stronger Texas for generations," Abbott said in a statement.    

While not an emergency item, Abbott said he wants to ban DEI in grades K-12 and expand the ban on DEI at public colleges and universities. He also called for a law banning DEI from any entity that receives taxpayer dollars.

The governor also called for a bill to impose the death penalty on anyone convicted of murdering a child. He honored the memory of 12-year-old Jocelyn Nungary, who was killed in Houston by two gang members in the U.S. illegally. Her mother attended the address.