Texas Launches $1 Billion School Voucher Program \ Newslooks \ Washington DC \ Mary Sidiqi \ Evening Edition \ Texas has approved a $1 billion school voucher program, one of the largest in the U.S., allowing families to use public funds for private school tuition. The bill, signed by Gov. Greg Abbott, caps a long Republican push for school choice. Critics warn the program will divert funding from public schools and benefit wealthier families.
Quick Looks
- Gov. Greg Abbott signed a $1 billion school voucher bill.
- Program allows public funds to be used for private tuition.
- Up to $10,000 annually for most students; $30,000 for children with disabilities.
- Caps at 90,000 students in year one; projected $4.5 billion cost by 2030.
- Abbott prioritized vouchers following GOP election shakeup.
- Trump reportedly lobbied lawmakers ahead of key vote.
- Texas becomes one of 30+ states with a voucher system.
- Critics say the plan will undercut public school funding.
- Rural Republicans and Democrats voiced strong opposition.
- Supporters say the law gives parents more educational freedom.
Deep Look
Texas has officially joined the expanding movement of U.S. states implementing large-scale school voucher programs, with Gov. Greg Abbott signing into law a bill that will redirect up to $1 billion in public funding to private school tuition starting next academic year.
The program marks a dramatic victory for school choice advocates, capping off decades of failed legislative efforts in the state due to bipartisan resistance—particularly from Democrats and rural Republicans who remained skeptical of diverting funds away from Texas’ sprawling public school system.
But Abbott, fresh off the 2024 election cycle in which he aggressively targeted Republican holdouts, finally secured enough support to pass the measure. President Donald Trump’s involvement, calling state lawmakers before a critical vote, also highlighted the national political stakes behind the school choice debate.
“Gone are the days that families are limited to only the schools assigned by government,” Abbott said during a signing ceremony at the governor’s mansion. “The day has arrived that empowers parents to choose the school that is best for their child.”
What the Law Does
Under the new program, eligible Texas families can receive up to $10,000 per student annually to cover the cost of private school tuition, starting in the 2025–26 school year. For students with disabilities, that number climbs to $30,000.
The initial cap of $1 billion is expected to support up to 90,000 students. However, projections suggest that costs could grow dramatically, reaching $4.5 billion annually by 2030 if enrollment increases and eligibility expands.
Texas now joins more than 30 states with some form of school voucher or education savings account program. Of those, roughly a dozen have expanded access in recent years, with many removing income restrictions or prioritizing universal access.
Supporters Say It’s About Choice
Supporters of the bill—largely Republicans and conservative policy groups—say the program gives parents options to escape failing or underperforming public schools, particularly in urban areas.
They argue that introducing market-style competition will push public schools to improve, while empowering families to choose schools that better align with their educational and cultural values.
School voucher proponents also cite the success of similar programs in Arizona, Florida, and Iowa, which have rapidly expanded their voucher programs in the last five years.
Critics Say It’s a Gift to the Wealthy
Opposition to the Texas voucher program remains fierce—and bipartisan. Democrats and rural Republicans argue that the plan will strip billions from public education, harming the 5 million students who remain in public schools while subsidizing elite private education for wealthier families.
Many critics note that Texas ranks near the bottom nationally in public school per-student spending and point out that diverting additional funds—especially to families who already attend private schools—could increase inequality, not reduce it.
Some education advocates have also raised concerns about lack of accountability and transparency in how private schools spend taxpayer dollars, especially in religious or for-profit institutions.
“This isn’t school choice—it’s school abandonment,” one rural GOP lawmaker told reporters after the vote. “We’re giving up on the schools that serve 90% of our kids.”
A Broader Trend Accelerating
Texas’ adoption of school vouchers marks a tipping point in a national trend toward education privatization. While programs differ by state, the common thread is that public tax dollars are being rerouted to private and religious institutions under the banner of “parental rights” and “school freedom.”
With other Republican-led states watching closely, Texas’ rollout will be a bellwether for future policy battles. Whether the program will lead to improved academic outcomes, greater satisfaction, or increased division over education remains to be seen.
For Abbott, the win is personal and political. He’s made school choice the centerpiece of his third term, and now he has a marquee victory to show for it—one that may further boost his profile within national conservative circles.
Texas Launches $1 Billion Texas Launches $1 Billion
You must Register or Login to post a comment.