The Texas House voted to give early approval to a $1 billion program that allows him to see a single program that says taxpayer money fund private school fees, Gov. Greg Abbott’s top priority, and that he says will improve parent and child choices.
President Donald Trump called Republican lawmakers in Texas before voting, urging them to vote for “progressive” reforms.
Why is it important?
The Texas bill is one of the largest state-level initiatives to expand private school vouchers in the United States, and strengthens national debate over the use of public funds for private education.
Abbott has made policy a centre of his administration, and it comes to Trump move to shut down the federal department of education to pass responsibility to the states entirely.
What do you know
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Under the bill, if families send their children to a certified private school, if students have disabilities they will receive a voucher worth $10,000 a year, rising to $11,500.
It was approved by 86 votes for 63 people, and all current Democrats voted against it, claiming that they needed important money from public education. Just two Republicans participated.
The private school voucher program faces a final vote of approval at the Capitol before returning to the Senate. The Texas Tribune reported that both rooms adjust for certain differences before they go to Abbott.
Abbott vows to “sign this bill quickly,” and “puts Texas on the path to creating the nation’s largest day-on-one school selection program and becoming America’s best state to educate children.”
After Trump called Republican lawmakers before the vote, Abbott shared a video of the moment on X.
“Texas, I love it, it’s in great condition. It’s leading for a lot of things we’ve done together. It leads the energy, it leads the work.
“I just think it’s a really positive vote… I just want you to let me know that I appreciate it… this is a big vote today and I hope you can vote in a positive way.”
What people are saying
In a statement, Governor Abbott said: “For the first time in Texas history, our state has passed a universal school choice bill from both rooms in the Texas Legislature, an extraordinary victory for thousands of parents who have defended more options when it comes to education.”
Austin Democrat Gina Hinojosa said she felt “cursed by this bill.” This would be “a huge profit on Texans’ profits,” Austin-American politician reported.
Hinjosa posted to X before the vote: “The taxpayer-funded voucher puts Tx taxpayers on the hook to fund the tuition fees for all students in private schools. It is “welfare for the wells” while the neighborhood schools are closed.”
President Trump posted to the True Society.
“We will soon send education back to every state it belongs to, and our goal is to bring American education to the highest level.
What’s next?
The Texas family will vote to formally approve the measure before sending it back to the Senate for settlement.
Once both chambers are in line with the language, they are sent to Abbott for his signature. If you sign the law, the program will begin immediately in the 2025-2026 academic year.
With support from the state’s administrative department and Trump’s support, the passage of the bill will all be manifested except for certain.
However, legal and political agendas can continue, particularly from public education advocates and opponents who use public funds on private schools.
Updated, 4/17/25, 9:15 AM ET: Added comments on the Truth Social by Donald Trump.
