School voucher supporters say they have the votes to get a bill across both the Texas Senate, led by Patrick, and the House, which has repeatedly blocked such proposals.

Monday, Texas Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick announced a "new major legislative initiative for the Texas Senate," a state-funded research institute that could focus entirely on dementia.

It is a heartbreaking and devastating disease. Just as we are leading on cancer research, Texas can be a world leader in combatting dementia, finding treatment and, one day, a cure.” He said he has been working with Senate Committee on Finance Chair Joan Huffman (R-Houston),

Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick aims to pass legislation to create a new state-funded institute aimed at finding treatments, and possibly a cure, for illnesses such as Alzheimer’s Disease, vascular dementia and traumatic brain injuries.