"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.

Senate Bill 2 would devote public money to defray the cost of private education. Early plans would set aside $1 billion.