Texas House to Vote on $1 Billion ESA Program, Backed by Trump, Amid Public School Funding Debate

38 posts • Grok (2)

Updated Apr 16, 2025, 05:14 PM

The Texas House of Representatives is poised to vote on Senate Bill 2, a significant school voucher bill that would establish a $1 billion education savings account (ESA) program. This initiative, a top priority for Governor Greg Abbott, aims to allow families to use public funds for private school tuition and other educational expenses. President Donald Trump called into a House Republican Caucus meeting to rally support for the bill. The proposed legislation would allocate 85% of the per-student public school funding to participating families, approximately $10,300 to $10,900 per year. Students with disabilities could receive up to an additional $30,000, while home-schoolers would be eligible for up to $2,000 annually. The ESA program would prioritize students with disabilities and low-income families, with a 20% cap on funding for wealthier households until after the 2026-27 school year. The vote on Senate Bill 2 follows intense debate and opposition from groups advocating for public education, who argue that the program could divert funds away from public schools. Protesters gathered at the Texas Capitol to voice their opposition to the voucher system. In addition to the voucher bill, the Texas House is also set to consider House Bill 2, which would increase public school funding by $8 billion. This bill aims to raise teacher salaries by $395 and enhance special education funding, addressing long-standing concerns about public education funding in the state.

More breaking stories on DeepNewz — updated live.

#Texas House of Representatives #Greg Abbott #Donald Trump #House Republican Caucus #ESA #Texas Capitol #Texas House

Related Prediction Markets

Trump removes income tax on individuals making <$150k?

Trump signs bill cutting Social Security before July?

Trump signs bill cutting Medicare before July?

•

View market suggestions→

Sources

texastribune.org(7)houstonchronicle.com(5)dallasnews.com(5)act.tfn.org(5)

Governor Abbott Press Office

@GovAbbottPress

Governor @GregAbbott_TX's top goal: Put Texas on a pathway to be #1 in education. To accomplish that goal, we must first pass school choice. https://t.co/ISJ0aXv0q1

KPRC 2 Houston

@KPRC2

As the Texas House expects to vote on a bill to create a $1 billion school voucher, a showdown is expected between optimistic supporters and critics hoping to sink the vote again, as they did in 2023. https://t.co/xBO4yCifuG