April 10, 2025 – The Texas Legislature is poised to pass a $337 billion two-year budget that includes a landmark $1 billion allocation for a school voucher program, marking a significant shift in the state’s education funding landscape.
Under the provisions of Senate Bill 2 and its House counterpart, House Bill 3, the state will establish Education Savings Accounts (ESAs) that provide families with public funds to support private or alternative educational choices. The Senate’s version offers a flat $10,000 per student, while the House plan ties the voucher amount to 85% of the average state and local per-student funding, estimated to be around $10,330 in the first year.
The program prioritizes students with disabilities and those from low-income families, with caps on participation to manage costs. However, critics express concerns about diverting public funds from traditional public schools, potential lack of oversight, and the risk of increased educational inequality.
Notably, the House budget passed without any amendments to block voucher funding, a departure from previous sessions where such measures were used to gauge support for school choice initiatives.
As the budget advances, the inclusion of $1 billion for school vouchers underscores the Legislature’s commitment to expanding educational options, while also highlighting the ongoing debate over the best use of public education funds in Texas.
