Texas’ $1 Billion School Voucherlike Plan
AUSTIN — Texas’ $1 billion school voucherlike plan that would allow families to spend public money on private schooling appears to be on the fast track to the governor’s desk.
Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick wants the Senate to accept the latest version of the school choice proposal that would create education savings accounts, or ESAs, in the state.
“I’ve fought for school choice for my entire legislative career,” Patrick wrote Friday morning on social media.
Abbott quickly responded that he is “ready to sign this bill into law.”
The Education Lab
How the Proposal Works
Under the proposal, families in private schools would receive an ESA worth about 85% of local and state per-student funding for public schools, which would be worth roughly $10,000 at today’s levels.
Students with disabilities could receive up to $30,000. Homeschooled students could be eligible for $2,000.
Opposition to the Proposal
Public school advocates oppose anything resembling a school voucher saying such measures funnel money and resources away from local public schools.
“This isn’t ‘school choice,’” Rep. Trey Martinez Fischer, D-San Antonio, said. “It’s who gets taken care of – and who gets left behind.”
Next Steps
If the senators accept the House’s changes to the measure — laid out in Senate Bill 2 — Gov. Greg Abbott can sign the bill without lawmakers in both chambers having to hash out the differences in the bill in behind-the-scenes negotiations.
SB 2, authored by Sen. Brandon Creighton, R-Conroe, establishes dedicated accounts filled by public funds that families could tap into to pay for education expenses. An ESA could fund private school tuition, support homeschooling costs or be used for other education-related expenses.
Reaction to the Proposal
Creighton celebrated the decision on social media, saying the moment is the result of “years of determination, partnership, and a shared commitment to always prioritize students first.”
“The gratitude and appreciation is most deserved by our dedicated moms and dads, grandparents and family members that have never given up on what’s best for these kids,” he added.
Changes to the Bill
After the plan went to the House, members added guardrails to the Senate’s original proposal aimed at addressing concerns about cost and accountability, such as capping the program to $1 billion during its first two years.
Rep. Brad Buckley, R-Salado, the House sponsor of SB 2, added provisions to the bill that included requiring the private schools to be in operation for at least two consecutive years in order to be a provider in the ESA program and limiting access to only students who are Texas residents.
Eligibility and Priority
However, undocumented students are not eligible as families must prove U.S. citizenship or legal immigration status to be eligible under the bill.
Priority would be given to students with disabilities, those from low-income families and siblings of children participating in such programs.
Attempt to Block the Bill
Democrats’ attempt to block the ESA bill failed this week as debate over the plan lasted overnight Wednesday into Thursday morning. A final gasp included a play to force the plan to a statewide vote.
Rep. Rafael Anchía, D-Dallas, in speaking against the bill, mentioned that he attended public schools in Dallas and both his parents emigrated into the United States. His first role as a public servant was as a DISD trustee.
Political Pressure
He lamented on how he and fellow Democrats partnered with rural Republicans over the past two decades to knock down any school voucherlike effort. Now, such bipartisan efforts can’t occur because of political pressure, he said.
“This bill is the result of an executive who has flexed financial and political muscle and a House that has been unable to hold the executive accountable in checks and balances,” said Anchía, alluding to the governor. “And I fear that that imbalance of the legislative and the executive will only get worse.”
Conclusion
The Texas $1 billion school voucherlike plan is a highly debated topic, with both supporters and opponents presenting strong arguments. While some see it as a way to provide more choices for families, others believe it will divert funds away from public schools. As the bill moves forward, it will be important to consider the potential impact on the state’s education system.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is the Texas $1 billion school voucherlike plan?
A: The plan would allow families to spend public money on private schooling through education savings accounts (ESAs).
Q: How much would families receive through the ESA?
A: Families in private schools would receive an ESA worth about 85% of local and state per-student funding for public schools, which would be worth roughly $10,000 at today’s levels.
Q: Who is eligible for the ESA?
A: Priority would be given to students with disabilities, those from low-income families and siblings of children participating in such programs. However, undocumented students are not eligible.
Q: What is the next step for the bill?
A: If the senators accept the House’s changes to the measure, Gov. Greg Abbott can sign the bill without lawmakers in both chambers having to hash out the differences in the bill in behind-the-scenes negotiations.
