November 13, 2023On Friday, November 10th, 2023, the Texas House Select Committee granted approval to House Bill 1 with a 10-4 vote. This noteworthy legislation advocates for the creation of an Education Savings Account (ESA) program, designed to enhance flexibility for families and enable parents to allocate educational funds according to their preferences. Concurrently, the Senate has already passed its own choice legislation in SB 1, which proposes an Education Savings Account Program with a per-student allocation of $8,000. A full vote in the legislature for HB 1 will occur on Friday, November 17, 2023.
Janelle Wood, Founder & CEO of Black Mothers Forum and 2022 Yass Prize Semifinalist, testifies on behalf of all parents to the Texas Legislature in support of the Education Freedom package.
TEXAS ESA BILLS SIDE-By-SIDE
Senate Bill 1 (Passed)
House Bill 1*
ESA amount is $8,000 per student, per year. Unused funds rollover.
ESA amount is 75% of statewide spending per student: approx $10,000-$11,000. No rollover.
Total allocated is $500 million (about 63,000 students statewide)
Public education gets $5 Billion
Total allocated is $500 million (about 48,000 students statewide)
Public education gets $7.5 Billion
Eligibility:
Children from families at or below 185% of the federal poverty level ($55,500 for a family of four). Capped at 40% of funds allocated.
Children from families between 185% and 500% of the federal poverty level (between $55,500 – $150,000). Capped at 30% of funds allocated.
Children whose families fall above 500% of the federal poverty level ($150,000+) do not qualify.
Children with a disability, who did not ‘earn’ a spot from the above requirements. Capped at 20% of funds allocated.
All other children in public, private, or home school or entering Pre-K or K (if fund are remaining)
Eligibility:
Children below the 185%, between 185% and 400%, and above 400% of the federal poverty level.
Children with a disability below 400% federal poverty line ($120,000 for a family of four)
Children whose families fall above 400% of the federal poverty level ($120,000+) do not qualify.
*Passed Committee 11/9. Full vote 11/17