Texas Governor Greg Abbott signed a historic $1 billion school choice bill into law, redirecting state education funds to families while critics warn it could undermine public schools.

At a Glance

• Governor Abbott signed legislation providing $10,000 per year for students attending private schools
• Students with disabilities can receive up to $30,000 annually, while homeschooled students get $2,000
• The program will be funded through education savings accounts managing 85% of public school per-pupil funding
• This marks the first time the Texas House has approved a private school voucher bill
• The program becomes effective September 1, with full implementation expected by late 2026

Historic Victory for School Choice in Texas

Texas joined a growing number of states embracing school choice as Governor Greg Abbott signed a landmark $1 billion education bill into law. The legislation creates a system of education savings accounts that will provide qualifying families with state funds to cover private school tuition and related educational expenses. The signing ceremony took place at the governor’s mansion in Austin, surrounded by supporters, students, and key political figures who championed the bill through a contentious legislative process that had previously failed multiple times in Texas history.

The program will redirect 85% of the funding public schools typically receive per student—estimated between $10,300 and $10,900 annually—to eligible families through state-managed accounts. Most students will receive $10,000 per year to attend accredited private schools, while students with disabilities can qualify for up to $30,000 annually. Homeschooled students are eligible for $2,000 per year to cover educational expenses. The legislation represents a significant shift in how Texas approaches education funding and parental choice.

Texas Gov. Abbott signs $1 billion voucher program into law, capping off win for school choice advocates https://t.co/f230sfhT3t
Texas Gov. Greg Abbott, a Republican, signed a school choice bill into law on Saturday that will allocate $1 billion for a v… https://t.co/GLE1bo0UHy

— 📱⭐Ty Buchanan⭐🌊 (@ty_buchanan) May 4, 2025

Political Support and Opposition

The bill’s passage follows strong backing from key Texas political figures, including Lieutenant Governor Dan Patrick and House Speaker Dustin Burrows. State Senator Brandon Creighton, who authored the legislation, defended the program against critics, citing data from existing school choice programs. The bill overcame opposition from Democrats and rural Republicans who had previously blocked similar proposals. Former President Trump congratulated Texas leadership on the achievement, calling it “a gigantic Victory for students and parents in the Great State of Texas.”

“Today is the culmination of a movement that has swept across the state and our country.”, Abbott said.

Attorney General Ken Paxton described the bill as “a historic step in ensuring that students will have the freedom to seek the educational option that is right for them, not be trapped in schools that fail to meet their academic needs.” Governor Abbott emphasized that the legislation empowers parents with greater educational choices, stating, “Gone are the days that families are limited to only the school assigned by government. The day has arrived that empowers parents to choose the school that is best for their child.”

https://t.co/ycFlXMgJ6Z

— Vance Ginn (@VanceGinn) April 17, 2025

Concerns About Public Education Impact

Critics of the legislation, including State Senators Sarah Eckhardt and Jolanda “Jo” Brown, have voiced concerns that the program primarily benefits wealthier families who already send their children to private schools while potentially diverting critical funding from the public education system. Opposition has centered on arguments that rural communities with limited private school options may see their public schools financially disadvantaged by the funding redirections, even as proponents dismiss these worries as “manufactured.”

The program is scheduled to take effect September 1, though full implementation is expected by late 2026. Texas now joins a growing number of states with school choice initiatives, becoming the largest red state to implement such a program. Supporters highlight research suggesting improved student outcomes, increased safety, and better college readiness through similar programs in other states, while critics remain concerned about the long-term impact on the public education system that serves the majority of Texas students.