In a mixed display of approval and dissent, Governor Abbott sanctions a $1 billion Texas school voucher legislation.
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In a moment of triumph, Texas Governor Greg Abbott, flanked by supporters, signed Senate Bill 2 into law at the governor's mansion in Austin. This $1 billion school voucher legislation will introduce Education Savings Accounts (ESAs), enabling parents to utilize state tax dollars for expenses associated with educating their children outside of Texas' public school system.
Saturday's grand signing was the culmination of a years-long effort by Texas Republicans and the governor himself. Abbott announced, "I promised school choice for the families of Texans, and today we deliver." He emphasized, "The era of being stuck with the government-assigned school is over; we're entering the era of empowering parents to choose the best school for their child."
The path to this bill was challenging, with millions spent on media campaigns by supporters. Last year, tough primary battles unfolded to oust Republicans who had voted against a similar proposal in 2023. Among these leaders was House Speaker Dustin Burrows, who hails from Lubbock and praised the dedication of Texas House Republicans in voting for the bill.
Reaction to the signing was mixed. Shinara Morrison, a single mother, shared her enthusiasm, stating that ESAs will empower families like hers, regardless of income or geography, to access educational opportunities tailored to their children's needs. This program has sparked controversy in Texas since its inception.
Protesters rallied around the governor's mansion, including Carrie King. She expressed concerns that the program will divert much-needed funds from public schools and lack adequate academic accountability measures. King felt that the bill is "riding a wave" pushing educational inequities, while the opposite direction is needed.
ESAs will initially receive $1 billion in funding, the largest starting amount for any program of its kind. Similar initiatives exist in more than 30 states, according to The Associated Press. In Texas, parents will receive around $10,000—representing 85% of the average annual per-student expenditure—for private school tuition. Students with special needs can access up to $30,000, and families who homeschool can receive $2,000 for approved expenses.
ESA eligibility will be determined using a four-tiered system:
- Preference will be given to students with disabilities from low-income families.
- Families with income less than $62,400 per year for a family of four will receive consideration.
- Higher-income families will follow, with any remaining slots available to families regardless of income.
During rancorous debates about the bill at the Capitol, Texas Democrats focused on the eligibility criteria for the fourth tier. Democratic Caucus Chair Rep. Gene Wu stated, "If the intention is to help those in poverty, then focus on them. It's unjustifiable to include billionaires."
Bill author Rep. Brad Buckley defended the tiered system, insisting it prioritizes students who need educational options most. Advocacy groups, such as The LIBRE Initiative, lobbied in favor of school vouchers. The LIBRE Initiative, which aims to support policies benefiting Hispanics, has long advocated for expanding school choice for Hispanic families.
Although Buckley and Abbott were key advocates of the bill, opposition was also strong. Teachers and parents have criticized the measure, with Zeph Capo, President of the Texas American Federation of Teachers, calling it an attack on public schools during a rally at the Capitol earlier this legislative session. Capo fearfully viewed vouchers as the latest effort by some lawmakers to undermine the public education system.
The Texas Comptroller is now tasked with creating the Education Savings Account program, with the expectation that Texas parents can apply for ESA funds by the 2026–27 school year.
- The unrealistic concerns of protesters, such as Carrie King, center on the potential for Education Savings Accounts (ESAs) to divert funds from public schools and lack adequate academic accountability measures.
- The general-news media has reported that the Texas legislature has awarded millions to media campaigns supporting SB 2, the $1 billion school voucher legislation.
- In response to the signing of SB 2, Shinara Morrison, a single mother, expressed her gratitude for ESAs, stating that they will provide educational opportunities tailored to her child's needs.
- The Texas Comptroller is responsible for creating the Education Savings Account program, and parents can anticipate applying for ESA funds by the 2026–27 school year.
- The LIBRE Initiative, an advocacy group that supports policies benefiting Hispanics, lobbied in favor of school vouchers, specifically promoting their potential to expand school choice for Hispanic families.
