Texas Speaker pulls constitutional amendments after reported Democratic threat

AUSTIN (Nexstar) — Leading up to the anticipated Education Savings Accounts (ESAs) vote last Wednesday, the Texas Tribune said more than 50 House Democrats threatened to vote against every proposed constitutional amendment if Republicans didn't help them put the ESA legislation to a public vote.

The vote to pass passed on party lines. On the Republican side, only former Speaker Dade Phelan, R – Beaumont, and Gary VanDeaver, R – New Boston, voted against the bill.

Ahead of pivotal vote...