AUSTIN − As tensions rise over a GOP-led effort to create a private school voucher-like program in Texas, Republican Gov. Greg Abbott addressed critics of his chief policy goal Wednesday in front of a gathering of grassroots conservatives in Austin.

Texas Gov. Greg Abbott is pushing for lawmakers to pass a $1 billion voucher program that would create state-funded “education savings accounts."

Conservatives can be found on both sides of the school voucher debate, and Governor Greg Abbott’s dream of a Texas school voucher program is caught between them.

Governor Greg Abbott continues to push state lawmakers to pass school choice legislation, tax reform, and to do more on the border.

Gov. Greg Abbott has already held dozens of rallies around the state trying to build momentum for a school voucher program, which would allow parents to use tax dollars to partially pay for private school tuition.