Texas lawmakers are locked in a heated debate over Senate Bill 2, which would create a $1 billion fund for education savings accounts. The bill would allow students to use public funds for tuition at private schools or for homeschooling. Supporters argue it gives parents more control over their children's education, while opponents warn it will drain funding from public schools and benefit schools with lower standards.
Lt. Governor Dan Patrick warned lawmakers at the state capitol on Wednesday that the debate over school choice could last well into the night.As it is currently proposed, Senate Bill 2 would create a $1 billion fund for education savings accounts.Students could receive up to $10,000 for tuition to a private school and $2,000 for home school students. Students living with disabilities could receive slightly more.The bill’s author, Republican Sen.
“Not at all. It’s actually a rural Texas bill,” responded Sen. Creighton, arguing that after Florida passed school choice private schools increased in rural parts of that state. Gov. Abbott has declared school choice his number one legislative priority and made it an emergency item for lawmakers. The non-profit’s associate director of early childhood education, Lyn Lucas, said they hope if school choice legislation is passed, there will be transparency and accountability for all schools and that every student will have an opportunity to access high-level resources.
SCHOOL CHOICE TEXAS LEGISLATURE EDUCATION SAVINGS ACCOUNTS PUBLIC EDUCATION PRIVATE SCHOOLS
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