Texas Approves $1 Billion School Voucher Program

Texas Governor Greg Abbott has signed Senate Bill 2, establishing the country's largest day-one school choice program that allows families to use public funds for private school tuition and related costs. The program, allocated $1 billion for its first year, will enable most students to receive up to $10,000 annually, with higher amounts for students with disabilities. Supporters argue the law empowers parents with more educational freedom, while critics warn it could divert funding from public schools and disproportionately benefit wealthier families. The bill's passage marks a significant victory for school choice advocates after years of legislative resistance, with national political figures such as President Donald Trump playing a role in rallying support. The program will cap participation at 90,000 students in its first year and is projected to cost $4.5 billion by 2030. Texas now joins over 30 states that have implemented similar voucher systems.