Commentary
The list of coauthors does not yet include Speaker of the House, Dustin Burrows, who is known for supporting school choice. Additionally, Representative Brian Harrison, another advocate for school choice, is not yet included in the count.
Under this bill, all Texas families will have the opportunity to allocate a portion of their children’s taxpayer-funded education dollars (approximately $10,000 per student annually) to the school that best fits their needs. Homeschool families can also receive $2,000 per student each year.
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Former President Trump has applauded the Texas Senate’s decision to pass school choice and has urged the state House to follow suit. The message seems to have resonated.
It is anticipated that the demand for school choice funding in Texas will surpass the available supply, similar to recent experiences in other states that have implemented similar programs. To address this, the Texas Legislature should promptly secure additional funding to accommodate all families and eliminate any waiting lists that may arise. It’s worth noting that the funding allocated per school choice student is significantly lower than the average of nearly $17,000 spent per student in Texas public schools annually.
The push for school choice in Texas is a direct result of parents holding their elected officials accountable at the ballot box. Concerns over indoctrination and ideological bias in public schools prompted conservative parents to seek alternatives that align with their values.
Notably, some politicians have changed their stance on school choice, with former opponents now showing support for the initiative. Representative Keith Bell, who previously voted against school choice, is now listed as a coauthor of the current legislation. Similarly, Representative Ken King, who pledged to pass universal school choice, acknowledged that the battle is over and that the political landscape has shifted in favor of school choice.
The school choice movement has gained traction in 15 states with Republican-controlled legislatures since 2021. With Texas, a state that represents about 10% of the school-aged population, embracing universal school choice, other states are likely to follow suit, showcasing the significance of this victory.
Views expressed in this article are opinions of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of The Epoch Times.
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