School Choice Debate on Wednesday

April 15, 2025 – A major school choice proposal backed by Governor Greg Abbott is set for debate on the floor of the Texas House this Wednesday, April 16. Senate Bill 2 (SB 2), which advanced out of the House Public Education Committee on a 9–6 vote earlier this month, aims to establish Education Savings Accounts (ESAs) of up to $10,000 per student to help families cover private school tuition, textbooks, transportation, and other qualified expenses. Students with disabilities would be eligible for $11,500 annually, and homeschool families would receive $2,000 per child.

Lawmakers have set aside $1 billion for the 2026–27 school year, enough to fund up to 100,000 students out of the more than five million enrolled in Texas public schools. The debate on the House floor is expected to be lengthy and contentious, with some Capitol sources speculating that Democrats could stage a walkout to break quorum in a bid to block the measure.

The proposal has drawn criticism from public education advocates who argue that it would divert essential resources from public schools. Opponents also express concern that the program could exacerbate educational inequality.

As the House prepares for the upcoming debate, all eyes are on Wednesday, when a long day—and possibly night—of deliberation awaits.