News Summary
The Texas Senate has passed Senate Bill 2, establishing a $1 billion Education Savings Account (ESA) program aimed at providing families with public funds for private education. The bill was approved with a 19-12 vote and is set to be rolled out for the 2026-27 school year. While proponents argue it offers more educational choices, critics raise concerns about its impact on public schools and funding equity, labeling it a potentially flawed system favoring wealthier families. The legislation represents a significant shift in Texas education policy.
Austin, Texas – The Texas Senate has voted to approve Senate Bill 2 (SB 2), a significant piece of legislation that aims to establish a $1 billion education savings account (ESA) program for families across the state. The Senate passed the bill with a narrow 19-12 vote on April 26, 2025. If enacted, the bill will allow parents to utilize public funds to pay for private education, a controversial move that has sparked considerable debate surrounding school choice and public education funding.
The proposed ESA program would grant participating families up to $10,000 for each eligible student, with an increased amount of at least $11,500 designated for students with disabilities. The Texas legislature plans to introduce this program for the 2026-27 school year and will evaluate its effectiveness during the 2027 legislative session.
SB 2 was authored by State Senator Brandon Creighton, a Republican from Conroe, who has previously attempted to pass similar legislation that ultimately failed. The recent approval of this bill reflects a two-and-a-half-year effort by advocates, bolstered by support from Texas Governor Greg Abbott to rally backing among lawmakers.
Support for the Bill
Proponents of the ESA program argue that it presents families with additional educational choices and could potentially lead to improved student outcomes, increased safety, and better college preparedness. Supporters reference data from other states that have implemented similar programs as evidence of the positive impact ESAs can have on student performance.
Despite the enthusiasm from advocates, critics have voiced significant concerns regarding the bill’s implications for public education. They argue that the ESA program primarily benefits wealthier families while diverting much-needed funding away from public schools, branding it a “flawed voucher scheme.” The Texas Senate Democratic Caucus has stated that SB 2 undermines the quality of public education by directing resources towards private institutions.
Concerns and Opposition
There are additional concerns regarding the potential for online-only schools to access ESA funds and the removal of an amendment that aimed to prevent lawmakers from benefiting from the program—a conflict of interest issue. More than 50 House Democrats threatened to block all proposed constitutional amendments unless there was a public vote on the ESA legislation, but the bill ultimately passed without a public referendum.
Though the ESA is open to families across various income levels, there are worries that even affluent families may take advantage of the funding. Analysis indicated that while the proposed $11,500 allotment for students with disabilities could aid in private school enrollment, it would only fully cover tuition at three out of 42 accredited private institutions, potentially leaving many families without adequate financial support for continued education.
For instance, Rawson Saunders School, known for its specialized services for students with dyslexia, has pointed out that their tuition costs may not be sufficiently met by the ESA funding, which imposes financial strains when considering the addition of students reliant on this funding without additional scholarship offerings.
Future of Public School Accountability
The Texas Education Agency (TEA) has announced plans to release accountability ratings that reflect school performance, noting an overall decline in public school ratings following the pandemic. This backdrop adds further complexity to the conversation surrounding the ESA program and its potential impact on Texas families and educational establishments.
The passage of SB 2 marks a significant shift in education policy for the state, raising important questions about the future of public school funding, educational equity, and the overall quality of education available to Texas students. As implementation approaches, advocacy efforts and public discussions are likely to intensify, shaping the ongoing landscape of educational choice in Texas.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
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Texas Approves Multi-Billion Dollar Education Program
New School Choice Bill Passes in Austin
Texas House Passes School Choice Bill Amid Controversy
Austin ISD Faces Controversy Over Principal and Teacher Termination
Texas Legislature Advances School Choice with ESA Bills
Changes in Austin’s School Voucher System
Lubbock Community Stands Firm Against School Voucher Proposal
Governor Proposes New School Voucher Plan in Texas
Pearland Community Advocates for School Funding
Additional Resources
- KXAN
- Wikipedia: Education vouchers
- Dallas News
- Google Search: Texas Education Savings Account Bill
- ABC13
- Google Scholar: Texas school choice legislation
- Fox 7 Austin
- Encyclopedia Britannica: School choice
- Local 12
- Google News: Texas school voucher program
