On Saturday, Texas Governor Greg Abbott, a Republican, officially enacted a bill that establishes a substantial school voucher program funded with $1 billion. This initiative allows parents to utilize public funds to pay for their children’s private school tuition.

Background and Legislative Journey

The passage of this legislation culminates years of advocacy by Republican lawmakers, who have long pushed for increased school choice in Texas. Previous attempts to introduce similar programs faced considerable opposition from Democrats as well as Republicans in rural areas.

In a notable push last month, former President Donald Trump urged state legislators to support the school voucher initiative ahead of a crucial vote. The Texas Senate subsequently passed Senate Bill 2 with a 19-12 vote split along party lines, following the House’s approval by an 86-63 margin.

Governor’s Remarks

Upon signing the bill at a ceremony in the governor’s mansion, Abbott remarked, “When I ran for reelection in 2022, I promised school choice for the families of Texas. Today, we deliver on that promise.”

Joining Abbott were notable figures including Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick and State House Speaker Dustin Burrows, alongside advocates for school choice and families affected by the new program.

Program Details and Funding

Beginning in the upcoming school year, families will have access to $10,000 annually to assist with private school tuition or educational costs related to homeschooling or virtual learning. Notably, students with disabilities will be eligible for funding up to $30,000 per year.

The initiative is designed to cap expenditures at $1 billion in its initial year, potentially serving up to 90,000 students. However, projections suggest that by 2030, the program could demand as much as $4.5 billion annually.

Responses from Stakeholders

Supporters of the voucher system argue that it offers parents enhanced options, enabling them to transfer their children from underperforming public schools to a variety of alternative educational settings.

Abbott stated, “Gone are the days that families are limited to only the schools assigned by government. The day has arrived that empowers parents to choose the school that is best for their child.”

Conversely, critics, including some rural Republicans and Democrats, express concern that the initiative may deplete vital resources from public education, disproportionately benefitting wealthier families at the expense of lower-income households. “This bill is only best for the richest people in the state,” stated Texas Democratic Party chairman Kendall Scudder, who voiced concerns for rural communities.