"The Texas Senate's passage of SB 2 is the biggest launch of any universal school choice program in American history, with $1 billion in funding for 100,000 students," Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick said in a statement Wednesday night.

The Texas Senate has passed SB 2, which now awaits approval from the House. Here's what lawmakers say about the proposed school voucher program.

"The Texas Senate's passage of SB 2 is the biggest launch of any universal school choice program in American history, with $1 billion in funding for 100,000 students," Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick said in a statement Wednesday night.

Moving swiftly on a central Republican priority, the Texas Senate approved a “school choice” bill Wednesday that would put taxpayer dollars toward private school education. The 19-12 vote was largely along partisan lines with Sen.

After seven hours of debate over SB 2 on the Senate floor Wednesday, the chamber suspended rules so that they could expedite the process and send it to the Texas House for consideration.

Senate Bill 2 now heads to the House, where top officials say they have the support to create education savings accounts.

AUSTIN – The Texas Senate is expected to approve a “school choice” bill Wednesday that would let families use taxpayer dollars for private school education – the first major step for Gov. Greg Abbott’s top legislative priority.

Texas Gov. Greg Abbott said he's optimistic his plan to spend tax dollars to send some students to private school will make it through the Texas Legislature this year.

Lt. Governor Dan Patrick warned lawmakers at the state capitol on Wednesday that the debate over school choice could last well into the night.

AUSTIN, Texas (KSWO) - In Texas, Senate Bill 2 passed 19 to 12, to give what proponents believe is a choice for parents to send their children to private schools. It uses $1 billion in funding from the state for 100,000 students as each student would get $10,000.