Today, Texas State Senator Brandon Creighton filed Senate Bill 2, known as the Texas Education Freedom Act. The bill aims to place parents at the center of their children's education by providing them with the freedom to choose the educational path that best suits their families.
Senator Creighton said, "Texas families are rejecting the status quo and calling for an education system that prioritizes their children’s success. Senate Bill 2 places parents at the center of their child’s education, empowering them with the freedom to choose the educational path that works best for their families."
The proposed legislation seeks to establish universal school choice in Texas, aligning with 32 other states that have already implemented similar measures. Creighton emphasized, "This session, we are fully committed to passing universal, comprehensive school choice legislation, ensuring every Texas family has access to the educational opportunities they deserve."
Creighton argued that school choice is a proven driver of success and can lead to meaningful improvements in public schools through increased competition. He added, "Competition is not a threat to any one school but rather an opportunity to deliver better results for all Texas students."
The bill includes safeguards designed to avoid challenges faced by other states while tailoring the program to meet the needs of Texas families. It also aims to provide specialized learning environments for children who require them.
"Every child in Texas deserves the chance to succeed," Creighton said. "By passing this legislation, we will break the barriers imposed by zip codes and give all families the tools they need to provide a brighter future for their children."
Senator Creighton expressed gratitude towards Lt. Governor Patrick for his leadership on school choice and looks forward to collaborating with committee members and the full Senate.
The details of Senate Bill 2 outline eligibility criteria and funding allocations. Every Texas student may apply for participation in an Education Savings Account (ESA) program. If applications exceed capacity, priority will be given through a lottery system favoring students from low-income households or those with disabilities.
Participating students will receive base funding of at least $2,000 per year in their ESA. Families choosing accredited private schools may receive up to $10,000 per year or $11,500 if the student has a disability.
