Texas Launches $1 Billion School Voucher Program Under Governor Abbott
Texas has approved a $1 billion school voucher scheme, providing public funds for private school tuition to over 5 million students starting next school year.
Summary
Governor Greg Abbott has signed a law allowing Texas families to use public funds for private education, marking a significant shift in the state's educational policy. The new $1 billion program offers vouchers of $10,000 annually for regular students and up to $30,000 for those with disabilities. This decision has been framed by advocates as a step toward greater parental choice, while opponents argue that it may undermine public school funding. The program aims to cover around 90,000 students in its first year, possibly expanding its reach to 4.5 billion annually by 2030.
Sources (4)
- The recent legislation for school choice in Texas primarily benefits wealthy families while draining resources from public schools that serve 5.3 million students.
- Critics argue that the implementation of vouchers will exacerbate educational inequalities and primarily aid those already capable of affording private education.
- Democratic and rural Republican opposition underscores concerns that privatizing education will harm public school systems and disproportionately disadvantage low-income and rural students.
The Guardian·18d· "…The new Texas law means all 5.3 million children in the state’s elementary and high schools are eligible for vouchers, far more than in any other US state."