Texas Legislature Sends $1 Billion School Choice Bill to Governor Abbott’s Desk

Dallas, TX — School choice is headed to Governor Abbott’s desk for the first time following the state Senate’s concurrence with the House version of SB2 on Thursday. On Governor Abbott’s signature, the landmark $1 billion legislation will create the largest day-one school choice program in the country.

SB2 creates education savings accounts funded at more than $10,000 per student. Funds can be used for education-related expenses including private school tuition, tutoring, transportation, special needs therapies, and more.

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

“Education freedom will become the law of the land in the great state of Texas. School choice champion Governor Greg Abbott will soon sign legislation empowering parents, regardless of their ZIP code or income, to send their children to the schools that best suit their needs, abilities, and values.

“Texas leaders including Gov. Abbott, Lieutenant Governor Patrick, Speaker Burrows, Chairman Creighton, Chairman Buckley, and many others have fought hard for years alongside Texas parents to deliver this incredible victory. AFC extends our deepest appreciation to the legislators, parents, and other advocates, named and unnamed, whose steadfast commitment brought school choice to Texas.”

Details:

• All six million Texas K-12 students will be eligible to apply.
• ESAs will be funded at more than $10,000 per student.
• ESA funds will cover a variety of educational expenses including tuition at a non-public school, tutoring, extracurricular activities, transportation, special needs therapies, and more.
• Students with disabilities and students from low- or middle-income families will be first in line if demand exceeds available funding.
• Participating schools and families will remain protected from burdensome regulations affecting curriculum, admissions, and other matters.

About AFC:

The American Federation for Children is the nation’s largest school choice advocacy organization and the most successful force for education freedom in America, passing over 200 laws across 31 states throughout our history. Our affiliated Super PAC, AFC Victory Fund, is the only nationwide Super PAC focused on advancing school choice.