Texas Senate Panel Advances School Voucher Bill Prioritizing Education Savings Accounts

The proposed legislation allocates taxpayer funds for private schooling, sparking debate over its impact on public education and underserved students.

• Senate Bill 2 proposes $10,000 per student in taxpayer-funded education savings accounts (ESAs) for private school tuition, with $11,500 allocated for children with disabilities.
• The bill prioritizes low-income families and children with disabilities, defining low-income as households earning up to 500% of the federal poverty level—roughly $156,000 for a family of four.
• Critics argue the income threshold is too high to prioritize the neediest families and question the lack of accountability measures, such as standardized testing requirements for ESA students.
• Supporters, including Gov. Greg Abbott and Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick, claim the program will enhance school choice and improve public school performance through competition.
• Opponents, including educators and advocates, warn the $1 billion program could divert resources from public schools and lacks sufficient data to ensure equitable outcomes.

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