The Texas Senate is debating a bill that would create an education savings account program, providing families with up to $11,500 per year per student to fund their children's education at private schools or for homeschooling. While proponents argue it benefits low-income families and children with disabilities, Democrats raise concerns about the program's definition of low-income and potential impact on special education rights.
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Any child eligible to attend or already attending a public school could apply to the program proposed by the Senate, as well as those enrolled in a public school’s pre-K program. Families with children already attending private schools could also participate. Using a lottery system, the bill would prioritize students in low-income households and children with disabilities if demand for the savings accounts exceeds the funding available.
They took issue with how the proposal considers a family “low income” if its total annual income sits at or below 500% of the federal poverty level — a number far above theThe bill says organizations that help the state run the program would have to notify parents that private schools do not have to follow federal and state laws regarding special education that public schools must abide by, such as the, or IDEA.
Creighton said only examining recent demographic data of voucher-like programs may not provide an accurate picture of who they benefit because some of those programs have existed for decades. Addressing concerns about the bill’s definition of a low-income household, the education committee chair said the 500% threshold would include people who play essential roles in their communities while raising their families.
EDUCATION SCHOOL VOUCHERS TEXAS LEGISLATURE LOW-INCOME FAMILIES SPECIAL EDUCATION
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