The Texas House voted 86-63 early this morning to give initial approval to a bill creating a $1 billion private school voucher program.

Why it matters: The long-contested legislation passed a major hurdle this session, showing Republican lawmakers are ready to transform the education landscape in Texas and cement Gov. Greg Abbott's legacy.

• The Senate has already passed the bill.

Plus: Lawmakers also voted 144-4 to approve House Bill 2 that would spend nearly $8 billion to increase per-student funding by $395 and raise teacher and staff salaries, among other measures.

• Some Democrats argued the spending wasn't enough to bring funding to 2019 levels.

Zoom in: Senate Bill 2 would allow families to use taxpayer money for private school tuition and school-related expenses.

Catch up quick: Supporters say vouchers provide more options for families. Opponents say they cut into public school funding and enrollment.

How it works: Priority eligibility in the program the House approved this morning would go to families that have low incomes and children with disabilities.

Flashback: After Abbott's signature legislation did not pass during the regular session and in four special sessions in 2023, the governor helped oust 11 Republican lawmakers who stood against school vouchers.

What they're saying: "This is an extraordinary victory for the thousands of parents who have advocated for more choices when it comes to the education of their children," Abbott said in a statement on X.

• Abbott added that he will quickly sign the bill into law when it reaches his desk, "putting Texas on a pathway to becoming the best state in American for educating our kids."

The other side: "Are we really willing to trade an efficient system of public, free schools that serve all children for an inefficient system of private, expensive schools that will only serve a privileged few?" asked Rep. Chris Turner (D-Grand Prairie).

What's next: The House must take a final vote, a formality, and then the House and Senate must hash out differences in the two versions of the bill, including how much money each participating family would receive per student.

Immigrants in Texas contribute billions in tax revenue, though such contributions could be at risk under a Trump-era policy that allows immigration authorities to access IRS data.

Why it matters: The agreement could deter immigrants from filing taxes, and the Trump administration's overall crackdown on immigration could result in fewer immigrants in the U.S. to bolster the tax base.

Catch up quick: The IRS has agreed to share personal information from undocumented taxpayers with immigration authorities in criminal investigations, per a recent court filing.

The big picture: About 47.8 million immigrants nationwide paid nearly $652 billion in taxes last year, per the American Immigration Council, a nonprofit advocacy group that compiled findings based on 2023 U.S. Census Bureau data.

• Undocumented immigrants paid nearly $90 million — despite being ineligible for most public benefits.

In Texas, over 5.4 million immigrants paid about $58 billion, or $10,675 per person.

• Immigrants make up 18% of Texas' population and 22% of the labor force.

Zoom in: Mexico (45%) is the top country of origin for immigrant Texans, followed by India (7%) and El Salvador (4%).

• Nearly 500,000 immigrant entrepreneurs in Texas generated $15.3 billion in income in 2023.
• 22 Fortune 500 companies in Texas were founded by immigrants or their children.

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👶 Pre-K 4 SA will offer care for infants and toddlers under age 3 for the first time. It's also relocating its South Education Center to a larger site off South W.W. White Road in August. (SA Report)

🍼 The San Antonio Zoo yesterday announced the birth of its first pygmy falcon chick since 2004. The hatchling was born March 18 and is the only one recorded at a U.S. zoo in the past year. (Instagram)

🪅 The Krampus Fiesta Masquerade Pachanga, a new offshoot Fiesta event, will take over The Good Kind in Southtown on April 24. Proceeds will fund this year's Krampus parade in December. (KSAT)

Egg prices rose to a record high of $6.23 per dozen in March, according to U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics data released last week that pre-dates a recent decline in retail prices.

Between the lines: Eggs are in high demand over the holiday weekend of Easter and Passover.

By the numbers: The price for a dozen grade A large eggs increased from $5.90 in February to $6.23 in March, per the BLS. In January, it was $4.95 a dozen.

Zoom in: In February, a dozen organic eggs at some local H-E-Bs cost more than $10. The cheapest dozen we found, a Hill Country Fare option, cost about $5.60.

• Now, the same organic eggs are about $8.38, while the cheapest dozen is around $4.

The big picture

Thursday

⛸️ Take the kids to "Let's Dance," a Disney on Ice show that brings beloved characters together at the Alamodome through Sunday.

• Showtimes vary; tickets start at $20.

Friday

⚾ Be one of the first 2,000 fans at the Missions game to snag a limited edition, Fiesta-themed Flying Chanclas jersey.

• The game starts at 7:05pm; ticket prices vary.

Saturday

🤎 Celebrate culture and style at the 5th annual Guayabera Festival, a free downtown bash at Travis Park with live music, fashion showcases and a market with more than 40 vendors, 1-8pm.

🕌 Experience traditional dance, music and food at the free Festival of India at Hemisfair's Civic Park, 2-10pm.

Sunday

🐇 Meet the Easter bunny and gather goodies from six fun piñata stations during the San Antonio Zoo's Eggstravaganza, 10am-2:30pm.