Texas School Choice: A New Path for Education

Texas has taken a big step in education with a new program that lets families use public money for private school. This program, known as an Education Savings Account (ESA), is almost open to everyone. It's expected to be one of the largest of its kind in the country. The governor, Greg Abbott, signed this into law. He was joined by many supporters outside the Governor’s Mansion. A student band from Cornerstone Christian Academy played, adding to the celebratory mood. Abbott called it a big moment for education in Texas and the whole country. This new law is the result of a long fight by some Republican leaders. They wanted to give parents more choices in education. They believe this program will help families who feel stuck in public schools that don't meet their children's needs. However, not everyone is happy about this change. Critics worry that the program will take money away from public schools. They point out that private schools can choose who to accept and aren't held to the same standards as public schools. State Rep. James Talarico warned that this could lead to school closures, teacher shortages, and higher property taxes. The new law lets parents apply for an ESA to cover private school costs. This includes tuition, uniforms, meals, and other educational materials. The ESA will be worth 85% of the funding that public schools get from the state and local taxes. This amounts to about $10, 330 in 2027, rising to roughly $10, 900 by 2030. Children with disabilities can get extra money, up to $30, 000 per year. Homeschooling families can access $2, 000. If more families apply than there is money, a lottery will decide who gets the funds. Low-income families and students with disabilities will be prioritized. The program's budget is capped at $1 billion through 2027. But it could cost over $4 billion a year by 2030. This is because the number of students leaving public schools for private ones is expected to rise. Public schools get funding based on student attendance, so these departures could strain their budgets. This change in Texas politics is significant. For years, a group of rural Republicans and House Democrats blocked similar programs. They were concerned about the impact on public schools, which are often major employers and community centers. In many places, private schools are out of reach for families due to distance and cost. The creation of the ESA program shows a shift in priorities. It's a result of political pressure and campaigning. The governor spent millions to replace lawmakers who voted against the plan. This dramatic move, along with support from national figures, led to the program's success.