Overview of the New Law

Texas has taken a significant step in its education policy with the signing of Senate Bill 2 by Governor Greg Abbott. This new legislation allows families to utilize public funds for private education, marking a notable change in the state’s school funding strategy.

Details of the Voucher Program

The school voucher program, supported by a $1 billion funding package, enables parents to allocate taxpayer dollars toward private school tuition and other educational expenses. Under this program:

• Students attending accredited private schools can receive up to $10,000 annually.
• Students with disabilities are eligible for up to $30,000 each year.
• Home-schooled students can access $2,000 annually.
• Funds can cover various expenses, including textbooks, transportation, and therapy services.

The program is slated to begin on September 1, 2023, with an expected launch by late 2026. An online platform operated by ClassWallet will be used for managing these funds, similar to systems employed in other states.

Political Reactions

Governor Abbott celebrated the passage of the bill, emphasizing his commitment to school choice during his 2022 reelection campaign. “Gone are the days that families are limited to only the school assigned by government,” he stated during the bill-signing ceremony.

The initiative has garnered support from various political figures, including former President Donald Trump, who lauded the legislation on his social media platform.

Criticism of the Program

However, the new law has faced pushback from Democrats and advocates for public education. Critics argue that the program diverts essential funding from public schools, exacerbating existing financial strains. State Senator Sarah Eckhardt of Austin expressed concerns, asserting that “we are looking at siphoning $1 billion out of our already underfunded system to help a tiny percentage of Texas school children who are mostly already in private school.”