Governor Abbott Champions School Choice Bill at Texas Parent Empowerment Day

Governor Greg Abbott (R) spotlighted the growing support for a universal school choice bill during Parent Empowerment Day at the Texas Public Policy Foundation in Austin. As the Texas House Public Education Committee began taking public testimony on House Bill 3, the Governor urged Texans to express their support for school choice and testify in favor of the bill.

“If you look at opponents of school choice, they have a single goal: they want more money,” said Gov. Abbott. “More money is not a goal. It’s a means to an end. Our goal is bigger, bolder, and better. Our goal is to put Texas on a pathway to ranking No. 1 in educating our kids.”

Abbott emphasized that the focus should be on giving Texas families more control over their children’s education, rather than prioritizing financial interests. He urged parents and children to take action by attending the committee hearing and registering their support.

“It’s essential that you show up to the committee hearing and register your support in favor of school choice. When you do that today, I can assure you that you have done your part, and we will succeed in delivering school choice for every parent and every child,” He added.

The Governor also praised Speaker Dustin Burrows (R) for his continued advocacy of school choice, marking him as the first Texas Speaker to push for such a policy. Abbott dismissed claims that school choice would harm public education, asserting that it has overwhelming support from Texans across all demographics and regions. He also reassured the public that public education would remain fully funded under the new system and that parents who homeschool their children would retain control over their curriculum.

Governor Abbott has reiterated his commitment to making Texas the top state in the nation for education, and has pledged that with a school choice program, Texas will be put on a pathway to becoming the top state in the nation for education.