Texas Governor Signs $1 Billion School Voucher Bill

South Carolina and Texas are advancing significant school voucher legislation, with both states poised to expand access to public funds for private education. In South Carolina, a bill allowing up to 15,000 K-12 students to receive $7,500 scholarships for private tuition is headed to the governor's desk, prioritizing lower-income families but open to expansion if demand exceeds the cap. Texas Governor Greg Abbott announced he will sign a new $1 billion school voucher program into law, enabling parents statewide to access over $10,000 for private school tuition or $2,000 for homeschooling, with eligibility open to all students though some income-based limits on available slots apply. Supporters in both states argue these measures increase educational options and empower parents, while opponents raise concerns about diverting funds from public schools and potential legal challenges. South Carolina's legislation follows a prior state Supreme Court ruling that struck down similar payments as unconstitutional, leaving the law's future uncertain. Texas' move will make it one of about 30 states with taxpayer-funded private school choice programs, signaling a broader national trend. Both states' actions reflect ongoing debates over the role of public funding in private education.