Texas Set to Launch Largest Day-One School Choice Program in the Country

Dallas, TX – Governor Abbott signed the country’s largest day-one school choice bill Saturday afternoon at the Governor’s residence in Austin. The groundbreaking, $1 billion legislation empowers Texas families to send their children to the school that best fits their abilities, aspirations, and values.

SB2 creates education savings accounts that will be funded at more than $10,000 annually. Students with special needs could receive up to $30,000 in their accounts. Funds can be used for education-related expenses including private school tuition, tutoring, transportation, special needs therapies, and more.

The addition of Texas to the roster of school choice states marks an important milestone in America’s education freedom movement, which has officially crossed the halfway point. For the first time, 55.1% of America’s K-12 students are eligible to participate in a school choice program.

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

“School choice is coming to Texas! This incredible victory establishes Texas as a leader in education reform and creates an ideal landscape for encouraging innovation across the state. The days of tying kids’ academic destiny to their ZIP code are over.

“Scores of people driving this fantastic achievement have been working for years to make it a reality. We thank Governor Abbott, Lieutenant Governor Patrick, Speaker Burrows, Chairman Creighton, Chairman Buckley, and others for their leadership in tirelessly championing this noble cause.

“Most of all, we thank the parents and other hard-working advocates who have given their all to bring school choice to the Lone Star state. Your efforts will ripple for generations to come.”

Statement from Tommy Schultz, CEO, American Federation for Children:

“Texas has joined the school choice revolution in true Texas style. Parents everywhere deserve access to the school that best suits their children, and today, Texas delivered upon exactly that promise. It cannot be overstated how important this victory is, not only for Texas families but also for parents and students across America, as this victory marks a tipping point for the nation.

“An unstoppable avalanche of education freedom is well underway. Soon, school choice will be available to every American child, and our country will be the better for it.”

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.