Texas Gov. Abbott Signs Major School Choice Program Into Law
New education savings account program could become nation's largest
Texas Governor Greg Abbott has signed legislation creating a near-universal education savings account (ESA) program that allows families to access public funds for private school expenses. The new law, stemming from Senate Bill 2, represents a significant policy shift in Texas education and culminates decades of advocacy from Republican state leaders. The program is expected to begin in the 2026-27 school year, with ESAs worth approximately $10,330 per student in 2027, increasing to about $10,900 by 2030.
The ESA program will provide families with 85% of the per-student funding that public schools receive from state and local tax revenue. Children with disabilities may receive additional funding up to $30,000 annually, while homeschooling families could access $2,000. If demand exceeds supply, funds will be distributed through a lottery system that prioritizes low-income families and students with disabilities. The program's budget is initially capped at $1 billion through 2027, though state projections estimate costs could reach $4 billion annually by 2030.
KEY POINTS
- •Abbott signs Texas school choice law
- •Program provides funds for private school
- •Critics fear public school funding loss
Proponents of the law, including Governor Abbott and Lieutenant Governor Dan Patrick, argue the program empowers parents to choose the best educational environment for their children. They suggest the ESA plan will help families access alternatives when public schools don't meet their children's needs. Abbott stated during the signing ceremony that the law puts Texas on a trajectory to develop the highest-ranked education system in the country, while Patrick described the moment as the culmination of a decade-long effort.
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