Texas Governor Greg Abbott has recently signed a significant bill aimed at creating a $1 billion voucher program. This initiative allows parents to utilize public funds to cover the tuition costs of their children’s private schools.
Abbott, a Republican, formalized the legislation on Saturday. The new law emphasizes that families will no longer be restricted to government-assigned schools. It states, “There is no longer an era where families are limited to only schools assigned by the government.”
During the signing event at the governor’s mansion in Austin, Abbott expressed: “Today, Gov. Governor Greg Abbott has signed Senate Bill 2, the Landmark School Selection Program.” Hundreds of parents, educators, and advocates for school choice gathered to mark this historic occasion.
This program aligns with a long-standing effort by many Republican officials to promote school choice. Last month, before a critical vote on the legislation, former President Trump urged Texas lawmakers to advance it to Abbott’s desk. The Texas Senate had passed Senate Bill 2 with a narrow 19-12 vote, following an earlier 86-63 vote in the Capitol.
Abbott remarked, “When I was reelected in 2022, I promised a school choice for my Texas family. Today we will fulfill that promise.” State Senator Brandon Clayton, the author of the bill, noted the hard work to open new opportunities for Texas students.
Currently, Texas joins over 30 other states that already have similar school choice programs. Starting next academic year, families can expect $10,000 annually to assist with private school tuition or for homeschooling and virtual learning options. Additionally, homeschooling parents can apply for a $2,000 scholarship each year. Families with children who have disabilities may qualify for up to $30,000 annually.
The program is set to launch with $1 billion in its initial year, covering up to 90,000 students. However, projections suggest it could escalate to $4.5 billion in costs per year by 2030.
As stated in a press conference, “With $1 billion in funding for the 2026-2027 academic year, the program will be the largest day launch in the country.”
