Texas House Passes School Voucher, Funding Bill

The Texas House has passed a landmark bill establishing a $1 billion Education Savings Account (ESA) voucher program, offering families up to $10,000 per child annually for private school tuition, with additional funds for students with disabilities and support for homeschooling. The legislation, a top priority for Governor Greg Abbott, also allocates nearly $8 billion for public school funding and teacher pay raises, though critics say this remains inadequate for low-income students and public education overall. The bill passed largely along party lines, with only two Republicans joining Democrats in opposition. Following expected Senate approval, Texas would have the nation's largest voucher program. Supporters argue the bill increases parental choice, while opponents warn it will divert resources from public schools and widen inequities. The move represents a major win for the school choice movement and may influence similar efforts in other states.