Texas House Advances School Choice Bills with $1 Billion Cap

The Texas House Public Education Committee has advanced Senate Bill 2 and House Bill 2, which focus on school funding and school choice, following a contentious debate. Senate Bill 2 proposes a $1 billion spending cap for the first two years of a school voucher program, which aims to facilitate transfers from public to private schools. The bill includes provisions that prioritize students leaving public schools and allocates funds primarily for students with disabilities or from low-income families, but restricts access to U.S. citizens. While proponents argue that school choice empowers families, critics, including State Rep. Gina Hinojosa, express concerns that it will drain resources from public schools and fail to improve educational outcomes. The proposed legislation also includes a significant increase in school funding, with nearly $400 added to the per-student allotment. The bills will now proceed to the full Texas House for further consideration.