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.

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.

Gov. Greg Abbott declared the measure an “emergency item” in his State of the State address, expediting its path through the legislative process.