Texas has passed Senate Bill 2, which establishes the nation’s largest universal education savings account (ESA) program.
Texas Senate vote Accepting the House revision of Senate Bill 2 19-12 Senate Bill 2, clearing the way Texas Governor Greg Abbott signs the nation’s largest universal ESA program. The $1 billion program allows taxpayer funding to support private school tuition and homeschooling costs, marking the culmination of a long-standing push by Republican leaders overhauling the state’s education system.
“Texas has delivered an overwhelming victory over students, families and American principles of self-determination,” said Lisa B. Nelson, CEO of the American Legislative Exchange Council (ALEC). “SB 2 not only represents sound policies, but also emphasizes a simple yet powerful belief that money should follow children rather than trapped in the system. Governor Abbott and the Texas Legislature have shown incredible courage to lead this accusation.
SB 2 marks Texas as the 16th state and the 16th state to implement a universal ESA.
DALLAS, Texas – May 18: Texas Governor Greg Abbott will speak at the NRA ILA Leadership Forum at the National Rifle Association (NRA) Annual Meeting held at the Kay Bailey Hutchison Convention Center on May 18, 2024 in Dallas, Texas. (Photo: Justin Sullivan/Getty Images)
“Model policies like the Hope Scholarship Act provided a framework for education freedom reform, like SB 2,” Nelson said. “It marks the end of an all-purpose age in American education.” (Related: Texas Governor Greg Abbott blocks the construction of proposed Muslim “city”)
Abbott signed the custody bill package in 2023, saying that state officials have given parents more authority on classroom materials, school library content, special education support and grade level decisions.
Passing through the ESA building was not smooth. After failing to gain traction in multiple sessions, Abbott launched an aggressive campaign that included funding key challengers for Republicans against school choices. The 11 incumbents lost their seats.
MILWAUKEE, Wisconsin – July 17: Texas Governor Greg Abbott will speak on stage on the third day of the Republican National Convention held at the Fizeb Forum on July 17, 2024 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. (Photo: Alex Wong/Getty Images)
In a 2023 state speech, Abbott declared school choice as “emergency items.” He called the issue “essential to our nation’s future,” and said the goal was to give Texas parents “freedom of education.”
Texas’ new universal ESA program builds on Abbott’s early efforts to give parents more control over their children’s education. This program will expand supplementary special education services for 2020 Leadershipprovided target funding to families of special needs students.
Abbott has long wanted the model to be expanded to all families. The goal was achieved with the passage of Senate Bill 2. Despite strong opposition from Texas House Democrats, the $1 billion ESA program is set to become law.
All content created by the Daily Caller News Foundation is an independent, nonpartisan newswire service that is free to use for legitimate news publishers that can provide large audiences. All republished articles must include logos, reporter signatures and DCNF affiliation. For questions regarding our guidelines or partnerships with us, please contact licensing@dailycallernewsfoundation.org.
