Texas Gov. Abbott Signs $1 Billion Universal School Choice Bill

On Saturday, Texas Governor Greg Abbott signed a $1 billion universal school choice bill.

The Details: The bill allows taxpayer money to go to qualifying students for private school tuition expenses. Most private school students will receive for $10,000 per year, and students with disabilities could receive up to $30,000 annually. In addition, $2,000 a year will go to homeschooled students. Families will be able to use the the funds for private school tuitions and related expenses such as textbooks or transportation.

Key Quote: Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton said "Texas parents and school children secured a major victory. This universal school choice bill is a historic step in ensuring that students will have the freedom to seek the educational option that is right for them, not be trapped in schools that fail to meet their academic needs." Democratic state Rep. Jolanda Jones said "Texas has officially sold out its students. This is not school reform—it's welfare for the wealthy. A private-school payday at the expense of public-school children."

For Context: Supporters of school vouchers have long targeted Texas to push the bill, but have been opposed by Democrats and rural Republicans in previous legislative terms. President Donald Trump called Texas lawmakers last month before a vote was taken to get the bill to Abbott's desk. Meanwhile, more than 30 other states have implemented similar programs to make more students eligible for school vouchers.

How the Media Covered It: Coverage varied widely across the political spectrum. National Review (Lean Right bias) reported how the school choice bill will help families in Texas, while CBS News (Lean Left) called the bill "controversial." Reuters (Center bias) called passage of the bill a "conservative shift."

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