Gov. Greg Abbott said Tuesday evening that a universal, school choice voucher program that gives parents public dollars to spend on private school tuition will help Texas lead the nation in education.

Texas Governor Greg Abbott talked about several issues that are top of mind for Texans, including border security, school vouchers, tariffs and legalizing online betting.

Texans also heard from their fellow citizens as part of the Democratic Party’s response to Abbott’s speech, with state Democrats enlisting a public school educator, an OB/GYN, electricians’ union representative and the state’s Democratic chair to represent what the party hoped to project as the voice of everyday Texans.