Gov. Greg Abbott Signs $1 Billion Controversial School Choice Bill into Law

On Saturday, Texas Governor Greg Abbott signed legislation that enacts one of the country’s largest school choice programs, allocating $1 billion for Education Savings Accounts (ESAs). This program will enable qualifying families to receive up to $10,000 per year for private school tuition, with special provisions for students with disabilities receiving up to $30,000 and $2,000 for home-schooled students. Abbott celebrated the law as a culmination of a broader movement advocating for school choice across Texas and the nation, asserting that it will empower parents to choose educational options suitable for their children. He stated, 'Today is the culmination of a movement that has swept across the state and our country.' Meanwhile, the legislation has received backing from notable political figures, including former President Donald Trump, who termed the passage a 'gigantic victory for students and parents.' Nonetheless, the bill has also garnered significant criticism, particularly from Democrats and education advocates who warn that this program is likely to benefit wealthier families already capable of affording private education. State Senator Sarah Eckhardt voiced concern, arguing that public resources are being siphoned away from already underfunded public schools. The program, anticipated to serve around 90,000 students initially, has raised alarms related to equity in education, especially with provisions excluding undocumented students from accessing the financial aid. Supporters hope this program will revolutionize educational access in Texas, while opponents foresee a potential widening of the existing educational divide.