From the San Antonio Express-News, about the Texas Education Commissioner and conservative Republican: "Looming is the 2013 legislative session, when lawmakers will grapple
with the fallout from $5.4 billion in public education cutbacks, keep an
eye on a mammoth school finance lawsuit, and consider a fresh push for
school choice initiatives including vouchers and a boost for charter
schools. That's where his next test will come, in more than one subject."
More: "Some are carefully watching Williams, who long has supported school
choice, on the contentious issue of allowing publicly-funded vouchers
for private-school tuition. 'What would impress me is if he would stand back from his position on vouchers,' said Rep. Jessica Farrar of Houston, leader in the House Democratic Caucus who panned his appointment by Perry. 'But I don't see that happening.' Williams, stopping to talk after an appearance at a charter-school
convention last week, said, 'I will not be walking the halls of the
Capitol, going into the members' offices, advocating for parental
choice, vouchers. The 181's going to make that decision,' he said, referring to the
members of the Legislature. 'And if I'm not an honest broker of the
evidence, or if I'm perceived to be an advocate, then it runs the risk
of members not trusting the data they get from us.'"
Michael Williams Faces Legislative Test
