Introduction to the Voucher Program Debate
More Houston-area residents than not are against using state funds to pay for Texas students’ private school tuition, according to a study released by Rice University’s Kinder Institute for Urban Research. This debate comes as state lawmakers are advancing proposed legislation that would create a school voucher-like program.
The Proposed Legislation
The Texas Senate passed a bill in February that would allow families to use taxpayer money to send their children to private school. Additionally, the Texas House Public Education Committee voted to propose a $1 billion spending cap for the first two years of a potential voucher program, sending the measure to the full House for consideration.
Public Opinion on Voucher Programs
According to the Kinder Institute study, 46% of Houstonians have some level of opposition to a voucher-like program. On the other hand, 41% of respondents show some support, while 13% said they did not know about it or had no opinion on the matter. The survey sample represents a three-county area that is home to 1 in 5 Texans, providing valuable insights for local lawmakers and community leaders.
Regulation of Private Schools
A wider gap in opinion was found regarding how private schools receiving state funding should be regulated. The overwhelming majority of residents — eight out of 10 — either strongly or somewhat agree that if private schools do accept state funding, then they should be required to publicly report all of the school’s finances. The only exception would be for students with special needs or special education services.
The Push for Voucher Programs
The release of the study comes as Gov. Greg Abbott leads the charge on trying to get a voucher-like program passed in Texas — a plan he failed to bring to fruition during the previous legislative sessions. During the March 2024 Republican primary, Abbott funded pro-voucher candidates to oust anti-voucher representatives from rural areas.
Other Key Issues
Beyond surveying support for vouchers, the study also gathered responses from Houston-area residents on other issues, including:
- 65% supported raising the legal age to purchase a firearm from 18 to 21.
- 68% of residents were in support of raising teachers’ pay and benefits.
- 45% listed the economy as their top priority.
Methodology and Conclusion
The survey was conducted in January and February and included more than 9,800 residents from Fort Bend, Harris, and Montgomery counties. In conclusion, the study provides valuable insights into the opinions of Houston-area residents on voucher programs and other key issues. As the debate on voucher programs continues, it is essential to consider the perspectives of the community and ensure that any legislation prioritizes the needs and well-being of Texas students.
