Support for school choice in Texas jumps 38% in 6 years 

A recent poll reveals 58% of registered Texas voters support school choice, a significant increase from just 6 years ago.

The University of Texas at Austin released the results of its June Texas Politics Project Poll this week, asking respondents a number of questions across a spectrum of issues.

In one question, respondents were asked whether they “support or oppose: establishing a voucher, educational savings account (ESA), or other ‘school choice’ program in Texas.”

This year, 58% were in favor and 27% opposed, with another 15% responding with “don’t know/no opinion.”

According to a table of previous years’ results shared by school choice advocate Corey DeAngelis, support for school choice is up 38% since 2017, when 42% of respondents expressed support. 

The findings are similar to a recent poll by the Texas Hispanic Policy Foundation which found “58% of Texans support (25% strongly) and 42% oppose (29% strongly) legislation similar to that contained in Senate Bill 8 which would establish educational savings accounts/vouchers in Texas.” 

Senate Bill 8 seeks to introduce education saving accounts which would provide families some state funding for educational expenses, including private school tuition.  

“Texas parents should have the right to choose the best school for their kids, and every Texas child deserves the opportunity to attend a good, safe school where they can learn and thrive,” said Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton in a press release about the bill in March. “Today I issued a legal opinion which informs the Texas Legislature that there are no constitutional barriers to enacting school choice in Texas.”  

The measure passed the Senate 18-13 in April before the bill stalled in the House where restrictions were added, leading Gov. Greg Abbott to vow to veto it for not going far enough. 

“The latest version does little to provide meaningful school choice, and legislators deserve to know that it would be vetoed if it reaches my desk,” Abbott wrote. “Instead, the original House version of the Senate bill provinces a more meaningful starting point to begin House-Senate negotiations.” 

The governor is expected to call a second special legislative session to get the school choice bill across the finish line.