Texas Launches Nation’s Largest Universal Education Savings Account Program
Senate Bill 2 signals the Lone Star State's leadership in the nationwide parental empowerment movement in education.
ARLINGTON, Va. – The American Legislative Exchange Council (ALEC) proudly applauds the passing of Senate Bill 2 – landmark legislation that creates the largest Universal Education Savings Account program in the country and establishes Texas as a leader in the education freedom movement.
“Texas has delivered a resounding victory for students, families, and the American principle of self-determination,” said ALEC CEO Lisa B. Nelson. “SB 2 not only represents sound policy but highlights the simple yet powerful belief that money should follow the child rather than be trapped in the system. Governor Abbott and the Texas Legislature demonstrated a tremendous amount of courage leading this charge, and history will remember.”
SB 2 allows parents to use state education funds for a wide range of approved expenses, including private school tuition, instructional materials, online learning programs, tutoring services, and other customized educational needs. Available for a broad range of students, the amount allocated will vary based on use.
Texas is now the 16th state to offer universal education freedom.
“Model policies like the Hope Scholarship Act provided the framework for education freedom reforms like SB 2,” said Nelson. “It signals the end of the one-size-fits-all era in American education.”
ALEC proudly recognizes the unwavering commitment of key Texas policymakers who made this historic achievement possible. Governor Greg Abbott, Lieutenant Governor Dan Patrick, President Pro Tempore Brandon Creighton, Speaker Dustin Burrows, and House Education Committee Chairman Brad Buckley demonstrated an unwavering commitment to making universal education freedom a reality for millions of Texas families.
“ALEC has championed education freedom for decades because we understand that students succeed when families are empowered. With the support of the Education Freedom Alliance and bold leadership from Texas lawmakers, the Lone Star State is expanding opportunity for parents, unleashing innovation in the classroom, and laying the foundation for long-term student success,” Nelson concluded.