The Texas Legislature has launched into one of its most contentious debates: school choice and public education funding. Both the Texas House and Senate unveiled their biennium budget proposals this week, signaling a showdown over how to balance increased public education funding with new initiatives like education savings accounts (ESAs).
Budget Highlights
The Senate's budget, led by Finance Committee Chair Joan Huffman (R-Houston) and codified in Senate Bill (SB) 1, proposes a $1 billion allocation for an ESA program. The House's counterpart, House Bill (HB) 1, matches this funding level. ESAs would allow parents to use state funds for private school tuition, online education programs, tutoring, and other approved educational services.
Both proposals also include increases for public education funding, with $4.9 billion in the House budget and $5.3 billion in the Senate’s plan.
School Choice as a Legislative Priority
Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick reaffirmed the Senate’s commitment to school choice, stating, “We believe that parents should have a choice where to send their child.” Patrick dismissed criticism that school choice programs harm public education, pointing to last session’s funding allocations as evidence of continued investment.
Gov. Greg Abbott, a longtime advocate for school choice, echoed Patrick’s sentiments, writing this week that “Texas must ensure every child has access to a quality education — tailored to their needs — no matter their zip code.”
A History of Tensions
The debate over school choice has long divided Texas lawmakers. While many Republicans support ESAs, vouchers, or similar programs, some within the party remain hesitant, joining Democrats in raising concerns about potential impacts on public schools.
Texas ranks among the lowest in the nation for per-student funding, with advocacy group Raise Your Hand Texas estimating the current basic allotment per child at $6,160. The Texas Public Policy Foundation, however, disputes these figures, arguing they overlook billions in additional local, state, and federal funding. According to the Texas Education Agency, total spending per student reached over $12,000 in the 2021–2022 school year, bolstered by $10.8 billion in additional funding from the 88th Legislature.
Despite these investments, an ESA provision failed to gain traction in the last regular session. It was ultimately stripped from legislation after fierce debates in a fourth special session.
New Legislation on the Horizon
This session brings a fresh push for school choice, starting with the “Texas Parental Empowerment Act of 2025.” The act is expected to set the stage for contentious debates as lawmakers deliberate over fiscal priorities and the broader implications of ESAs.
House Speaker Dustin Burrows (R-Lubbock) emphasized fiscal responsibility, saying the budget debate will define the “financial boundaries” for school choice and other major initiatives, including water infrastructure.
A National Movement
Texas remains an outlier among states that have implemented school choice programs, such as Florida and Arizona. Supporters argue that ESAs empower families, particularly those in underserved areas, to access better educational opportunities. Critics, however, worry these programs could divert resources from public schools, which serve the majority of Texas students.
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