Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton issued an opinion that asserts the legality of school choice in the Lone Star State, per a press release from his office.
Paxton, a Republican, wrote on Monday, March 20 that there’s no constitutional barrier that prevents school choice, which, proponents claim, allows parents to use their tax dollars to enroll their children in private or charter schools.
“Texas parents should have the right to choose the best school for their kids, and every Texas child deserves the opportunity to attend a good, safe school where they can learn and thrive,” the attorney general stated. “I issued a legal opinion which informs the Texas Legislature that there are no constitutional barriers to enacting school choice in Texas. It’s time to empower Texas parents and provide additional educational opportunities so every Texas child can reach their dreams.”
According to the release, State Sen. Brandon Creighton (R-Conroe), who chairs the education committee, requested the opinion in regard to education savings account (“ESA”) programs.
“ESAs can offer parents and students a better educational experience by providing them with education assistance payments that can be directed to public and private schools, including sectarian schools,” Paxton’s office said. “ESAs can provide parents with a choice to ensure that all students, regardless of income or ZIP code, can receive a world-class education in Texas.”
School choice is among the hot-button topics of the ongoing 88th regular session of the Texas Legislature, with the predominantly GOP body crafting bills that seek to give parents more leeway when it comes to how their children should be educated.
Gov. Greg Abbott has lent his support toward school choice, having crisscrossed the state to tout its benefits.
“Our country is premised on freedom, and that freedom as it concerns raising children rests the most in parents,” Abbott, a Republican and a predecessor of Paxton’s, said, according to the Office of the Texas Governor. “Parents deserve the freedom to choose the best education pathway for their child.”
