Texas House to vote on nation’s largest school choice program
Caroline MolloyThe Texas House launched a marathon session Thursday to debate a $337 billion budget that includes the creation of the largest school choice program in the nation.
Senate Bill 1 would allocate $1 billion to fund 100,000 education savings accounts (ESAs), a move championed by Texas Republican Gov. Greg Abbott. These digital wallets would allow families to use public funds for private school tuition, homeschooling, and other approved education expenses.
Annual allotments would range from $2,000 for homeschoolers to $11,500 for private school students.
“The fact is that we are going to pass school choice this session,” Abbott wrote on X. “At the same we’ll ensure Texas public schools receive record funding.”
“School choice creates competition and guarantees a better education for ALL students,” he said.
The sweeping proposal also includes $11.2 billion in property tax relief and a record $6.5 billion for border security.
Abbott has repeatedly framed the school choice measure as a dual win—enhancing educational outcomes while empowering families.
“Texas is going to be on a pathway to excelling in education, while at the very same time, making sure that parents are going to have the opportunity to choose the education pathway that’s best for their child,” he said earlier this month, after the bill cleared the Texas Senate.
Catholic and conservative leaders have lined up in support.
CatholicVote officially endorsed the proposal in January as Vice President Josh Mercer urged Texas families to contact their lawmakers.
