Supporters say the landmark legislation, which establishes a $1 billion education savings account (ESA) program, allows tax dollars to follow students to the school of their parents’ choice.
Abbott says it will be the “largest day-one” school choice program launch in the country.
The program is designed to serve up to 90,000 students initially and offer up to $10,000 per student to cover private school tuition and related expenses.
Pastor Jack Graham of Prestonwood Baptist Church in Plano, a former president of the Southern Baptist Convention, said he was “absolutely thrilled” to have students from Prestonwood Christian Academy present for the bill’s signing.
He wrote on social media, “Parents and their families deserve the best opportunities for education. Abbott signed and we’re celebrating.”
Dr. Kevin Roberts, president of the conservative think tanks The Heritage Foundation and Heritage Action for America, called the signing “a historic victory for Texas families and the future of our nation.”
He added, “Revitalizing the Republic starts in the classroom. Texas has created the largest day-one school choice program in the nation, putting the state on a pathway to becoming the best in America for educating our kids.”