Texas school choice debate begins in Senate

AUSTIN, Texas - School choice legislation hit the floor of the Texas Senate on Wednesday. SB 2 would create what is called an Education Savings Account.

In debating the issue, lawmakers considered several amendments to expand the billion-dollar plan.

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What is school choice?

The backstory:

The debate over school choice started Wednesday in the Texas Senate with promises of more accountability, and more opportunity. It was a lot more than in previous attempts to pass a school choice plan. 

Conroe Republican Brandon Creighton, the sponsor of SB 2, said the changes in his bill will make a bold statement.

"That would make this the largest school choice program in the nation's history in its first year," said State Senator Creighton.

SB 2 would provide $10,000 per student, $11,500 for those with a disability. The money can be used for private school tuition, or tech and special education programs. Under the plan, a home-school student could also get $2,000 for supplies and tutoring.

SB 2 is funded with a billion dollars from the state budget surplus. Despite that large amount, it's estimated less than 100,000 students will be able to tap into the special fund. 

Lawmakers debate on school choice

What they're saying:

The possible impact on small communities sparked an exchange with San Antonio Democrat Roland Gutierrez.

"I promise you, my rural constituents, Republicans and Democrats, have real big problems with this bill because they don't have private schools in their counties," said Senator Gutierrez.

Gutierrez went on to say that, "Rural Texas gets screwed on this deal."

Senator Creighton disagreed, claiming his BIll is actually a rural Texas bill. That had Gutierrez offering to set up a meeting between Creighton and his County Judge. 

Questions also came from Dallas Democrat Royce West, who was certain of only one thing. 

"We know what the votes are going to be. Democrats will vote against this again. Republicans will vote for it," said Senator West. 

There was concern, from Senator West, that SB 2 could re-establish a separate, but equal, education system.

"We are about to fund an education, a component of the state's education system being private schools that is currently 75% white. Is that what is about to happen," asked Senator West. 

Senator Creighton responded by saying ESAs awards will be selected by a lottery, indicating that it could take race out of the equation.

"When we look across all programs and this is 32 states, 74 programs, we find that choice students in private schools are less likely to be white, more likely to be Hispanic, and significantly more likely to be black than private schools without choice programs," said Senator Creighton.

In contrast to that claim, Grand Canyon Institute did a study of Arizona's school choice plan in 2022. GGI found that 45% of those who got money came from wealthy households, and 80% of the students who applied were not in a public school.

A follow-up cost analysis in Arizona was released this past June. 

What's next:

In Wednesday's debate, Texas senators considered amendments to give home school parents more protection from government regulations. But those opposed to SB 2 believe ESAs should have to follow the same rules set for public schools. 

Amendments were also made to help the Comptroller’s Office enforce and manage the ESA program. 

It’s possible the House could have a committee hearing on SB 2 later next week.

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