Texas Goes Big on School Choice as Governor Signs Voucher Bill

Texas Governor Greg Abbott has approved a bill on Saturday to establish a $1 billion school choice program, marking the largest initial funding for such a program in the country. The signing ceremony, held outdoors at the governor’s mansion in Austin, was attended by cheering supporters, including a group of students standing behind the governor. The event was broadcast live on a local TV station.

Abbott, just before signing the bill, stated, “Gone are the days when families were restricted to government-assigned schools. Today is the day that gives parents the authority to select the best school for their child.” The legislation will assist parents in covering expenses related to accredited private school tuition. The law will come into effect on September 1, with the program expected to commence by late 2026.

The journey to establish school choice in Texas has faced significant challenges in the state’s political landscape. Despite previous unsuccessful attempts, alleged threats from the governor of primary challenges against Republican House members, and a push from former President Donald Trump, Abbott has finally succeeded in advancing one of his key initiatives.

Opponents, including Democrats and rural Republicans, who have previously opposed the measure, contended that the program could negatively impact struggling public schools, which serve as significant employers for working families and resource centers for many students in low-income households.

State Senator Brandon Creighton, the author of the legislation SB 2, dismissed such criticisms as unfounded, citing the positive outcomes observed in other states with similar programs. The bill will allocate funds to participating families equivalent to 85% of what public schools receive per student from state and local funding, ranging from approximately $10,300 to $10,900 annually per child.

During the signing event, Abbott highlighted families with children with mental disabilities who may not be receiving adequate care in certain state schools. Children with disabilities will be eligible for equal funding as other students, along with up to $30,000 in additional funding based on the state’s expenditure for special education services if the student attended a public school. Homeschooling families may receive up to $2,000 per year. The allocated funds will be provided to families through education savings accounts managed by the state.