Texas Senate Advances School Voucher Bill, Moving to House for Debate
Texas families may soon be able to use public funds for private school tuition under Senate Bill 2 (SB 2), which passed the Senate on Wednesday. The bill proposes $10,000 per student for tuition and related expenses at accredited private schools. Children with disabilities would receive $11,500, while homeschooling families could get $2,000 per student, with an additional $2,500 for therapy if needed. The funds would be distributed through state-managed education savings accounts.
Legislative Battle Moves to the House
SB 2 passed the Senate in a 19-12 vote, with Democratic lawmakers opposing the measure. Similar efforts stalled in the Texas House in previous sessions, but proponents believe they now have enough support to pass school vouchers this year. The bill’s opponents argue that shifting state funds to private schools could financially weaken public education.
Governor Abbott’s Push for School Choice
Gov. Greg Abbott has made school choice a legislative priority, calling it an emergency item in his recent State of the State address. Supporters, including Abbott and other top Republicans, argue that families should have the freedom to choose educational options beyond their assigned public schools, particularly if those schools are underperforming or unsafe. Critics contend that the measure benefits wealthier families while diverting resources from public education.
Who Would Qualify for Vouchers?
Under SB 2, any child eligible to attend public school, including those currently in private school or public pre-K programs, could apply. If demand exceeds available funding, priority would go to children with disabilities and students from households earning up to 500% of the federal poverty level (around $156,000 for a family of four). This threshold is significantly higher than the Texas Education Agency’s definition of low-income, which applies to households earning between 130% and 185% of the poverty level.
Financial Impact on Public Schools
Budget experts estimate that by 2030, the program could cost over $4.5 billion, with half of Texas’ 350,000 private school students expected to apply in its first year. Public schools, which receive funding based on attendance, could lose financial support as students transfer to private institutions.
Debate Over Accountability and Testing
Republican Sen. Brandon Creighton, SB 2’s author, dismissed calls to impose state testing requirements, such as STAAR, on private schools. He argued that many public school officials themselves oppose such mandates. Opponents worry the lack of accountability could lead to inconsistent educational standards across voucher-funded schools.
House Speaker Signals Support for Vouchers
House Speaker Dustin Burrows, R-Lubbock, has yet to appoint committee chairs to advance legislation but indicated the House will pass a voucher program. He assured business leaders that the state will simultaneously make historic investments in public schools while expanding school choice.
The timing of the House vote remains uncertain, but SB 2’s passage in the Senate sets the stage for a high-stakes debate over the future of education funding in Texas.
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