ALEC Policy Champions Deliver Universal Education Freedom to Texas
ALEC is proud to honor Gov. Abbott, Lt. Gov. Patrick, Speaker Burrows, Sen. Creighton, and Chairman Buckley for proving that bold reforms are possible when policymakers put families first.
The American Legislative Exchange Council (ALEC) is thrilled to recognize Texas Gov. Greg Abbott, Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick, Speaker Dustin Burrows, Sen. Brandon Creighton, and House Education Committee Chairman Brad Buckley as policy champions for their efforts to successfully pass SB 2 into law. This legislation will establish the largest universal education freedom account (EFA) program in the country, which millions of Texas students can apply for.
The EFA program created by SB 2 will provide up to $8,000 in scholarship funds for most students, with higher amounts available for those with special needs. These scholarships can be spent on a variety of approved educational expenses like tuition, testing fees, therapies for students with special needs, and more.
The legislature appropriated $1 billion in funding for the first year. If applications for the EFA program exceed the amount of funding available, then students with the greatest need are prioritized.
Abbott, Patrick, Creighton, and Buckley made universal education freedom a top priority in the 2025 session, as they have done in past sessions. They were relentless advocates for parents’ rights and the ability to choose the best school for their children. The difference this year was the newly elected Speaker of the House, Dustin Burrows, who made it clear from day one that he was going to ensure universal education freedom passed the Texas House of Representatives.
With the enactment of SB 2, Texas went from having no education freedom programs to having the nation’s largest. This momentous achievement was made possible by the tireless efforts of these five leaders who listened to families, stood strong in the face of opposition, and delivered lasting change. Their work will open doors of opportunity for millions of students across Texas—and inspire lawmakers across the nation to follow suit.
ALEC is proud to honor Gov. Abbott, Lt. Gov. Patrick, Speaker Burrows, Sen. Creighton, and Chairman Buckley for proving that bold reforms are possible when policymakers put families first.