Texas state leaders commended the Senate on Thursday for quickly passing Senate Bill 2 (SB 2), a school voucher initiative aiming to allocate up to $11,500 in public funds to private school students. The bill advanced after intense debate in the upper chamber, moving to the House, where a similar proposal was rejected in 2023.
House Speaker Signals Support for the Bill
House Speaker Dustin Burrows expressed confidence that the bill would pass this time. In a statement to the American-Statesman, Burrows, R-Lubbock, emphasized his commitment to parental choice in education, stating, “I support empowering parents to decide the best educational option for their children.”
The bill faces a divided House, as some rural Republicans join Democrats in opposing voucher programs due to concerns about diverting funds from public schools.
Senate Approval and Political Divides
SB 2 passed in the Senate with a 19-12 vote. All 11 Democratic senators, along with Republican Sen. Robert Nichols of Jacksonville, opposed the measure. Supporters argue that the bill expands educational opportunities. At the same time, critics warn of financial harm to already struggling public schools and the potential erosion of federally protected student rights.
Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick, a strong advocate of school vouchers, praised Sen. Brandon Creighton, R-Conroe, for steering the legislation through the Senate. “The Senate will pass school choice over and over again until the House passes this bill,” Patrick declared.
Governor Abbott Pushes for Parental Choice
Gov. Greg Abbott remains steadfast in his push for school choice. At a Parent Empowerment Night in South Texas, Abbott reiterated, “We must keep fighting for Texas parents to have the ability to choose the education path that best fits their child’s needs.” He has held several events since 2023 to promote the initiative.
Abbott also proclaimed school choice legislation an emergency priority in his State of the State address, combining it with a proposal to raise teachers’ pay.
Opponents Decry Impact on Public Education
Critics of the bill argue that it diverts crucial funding from public schools to benefit private institutions. Texas Freedom Network Political Director Rocío Fierro-Pérez strongly opposed the measure, stating, “Voucher schemes steal vital funds from kids in our neighborhood schools, all so megadonors and the politicians in their pockets can subsidize private and religious schools for the wealthy at our expense.”
Sen. José Menéndez, D-San Antonio, voiced concerns about the bill’s financial impact on public schools grappling with budget deficits. “Many schools in my district are facing severe financial shortfalls, limiting their ability to provide necessary resources for students,” he noted.
Bill Details and Funding Priorities
SB 2 outlines a $1 billion program to support up to 100,000 students. It would provide:
- $10,000 per year for private school tuition
- $11,500 for students eligible for special education services
- $2,000 annually for homeschooled students
The bill prioritizes low-income and special education students, reserving 80% of available funds for those previously enrolled in public schools. However, critics argue that its definition of low income—set at 500% of the federal poverty guidelines ($160,750 per year for a family of four)—undermines the claim that it benefits disadvantaged students.
Public School Funding Crisis and Teacher Pay Raises
While lawmakers across party lines agree on increasing teacher salaries and public school funding, many Democrats worry that school vouchers could exacerbate financial difficulties for public districts. Since 2019, Texas has not increased its public education basic allotment, the per-student funding crucial for school budgets. As a result, many districts face deficits, forcing them to close schools, lay off staff, or cut student programs.
Next Steps: House Decision Pending
As of Thursday, the House had received SB 2 but had not yet assigned it to a legislative committee. The bill is now being sent to the lower chamber for consideration., where past school voucher plans have faced opposition.