The Texas House has approved a contentious bill providing public funds for private school tuition, marking a significant shift in education policy. The legislation, passed after nearly 11 hours of debate, establishes taxpayer-funded education savings accounts, offering eligible students $10,000 annually to attend private schools. Disabled students could receive up to $30,000, while home-schooled students would get $2,000.
Governor Greg Abbott hailed the bill as a victory for parental choice, while Democrats criticized it as "welfare for the affluent," fearing it would drain funds from public schools. The bill passed with an 85-63 vote, reflecting a partisan divide, with two Republicans joining Democrats in opposition. This marks the first time since 1957 the Texas House has approved state funds for private education.
The House also passed a bill to inject $9 billion in new funding into public schools, including a $395 increase to the basic allotment for school districts. Forty percent of this new funding is earmarked for teacher salary increases. However, Democrats argue that the state still underfunds public education compared to other states, while local school districts face budget deficits due to inflation and declining enrollment.
Former President Trump voiced his support for the school choice bill, congratulating Texas leaders on its passage. The bill now moves to the Texas Senate for consideration. The debate highlights the ongoing tension between supporting private education and adequately funding public schools in Texas.