AFC Applauds Record-Setting TEFA Participation as New Acting Comptroller Don Huffines Releases First Annual Report

DALLAS, Texas — The American Federation for Children (AFC) today congratulated Don Huffines on taking office as Acting Comptroller and on the release of the state’s first Texas Education Freedom Accounts (TEFA) Annual Demographic Report. Issued just days after he was sworn into office, the report confirms record-setting demand for school choice across the state.

On its launch, TEFA became the largest day-one education savings account program in history, and it continues to set records. According to the report, 85,344 students have already confirmed their participation for the 2026-2027 school year, a figure that is projected to rise.

With 120,000 eligible students on the waiting list, it is clear demand has greatly outpaced capacity, and there is a need to expand the program to serve families. AFC looks forward to working alongside state leaders to do just that. Gov. Abbott, Lt. Gov. Patrick, and Speaker Dustin Burrows, a month prior to this report, listed addressing projected TEFA participation as a top priority for the 2028-29 biennial budget.

Highlights from the full report, available here, include:

• 80% of participating students live in households earning below 200% of the federal poverty level
• Almost 25% of participating students have a qualifying disability
• Participating students reside in 895 Texas school districts

Statement from Nathan Cunneen, Texas State Director, American Federation for Children:

“We at AFC enthusiastically welcome and congratulate Acting Comptroller Huffines on taking office and the release of this first annual report. We look forward to continuing to work with him and other Texas school choice champions committed to building on TEFA’s historic success.

“The first official annual TEFA report confirms exactly what we heard from Texas families every step of the way: parents want more options, and they are eagerly embracing the opportunities that TEFA delivers. While a record-breaking number of families have already been accepted, 121,000 more eligible students are still waiting for their chance.

“This program was designed from the beginning to serve the most vulnerable students, and that is exactly what is happening. About four out of five participants are from lower-income households, and nearly one in four participants has a documented disability.”

About the American Federation for Children:

The American Federation for Children is the nation’s largest school choice advocacy organization and a leading force in advancing education freedom. AFC has helped pass more than 200 school choice laws nationwide, empowering families with meaningful options and elevating parent voices in education policy. The organization’s affiliated Super PAC, AFC Victory Fund, is focused on electing education reform champions at state and federal levels.