Texas Launches $1 Billion School Voucher Program Amid Controversy
Texas has introduced a $1 billion school voucher program, one of the largest in the nation, allowing public funds to cover private school tuition. Governor Greg Abbott signed the bill on Saturday, marking a significant victory for Republican lawmakers after years of resistance from Democrats and rural Republican factions. The initiative comes on the heels of a push from former President Donald Trump, who urged Texas lawmakers to support the measure.
Starting next school year, Texas families can claim up to $10,000 annually for private school expenses, with children with disabilities eligible for up to $30,000. The program is initially capped at $1 billion and aims to serve up to 90,000 students, though projections suggest costs could soar to $4.5 billion by 2030.
Abbott has championed the vouchers, asserting that they empower parents to choose schools beyond government assignments. However, critics, including some rural Republican lawmakers, argue that the program may siphon essential funding from the state’s public school system, potentially benefiting wealthier families disproportionately. As Texas joins over 30 states with similar initiatives, the debate over educational equity and funding imbalances is poised to intensify.
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