Texas Lawmakers Celebrate Passage of Senate Bill 2, Expanding School Choice

Texas Lawmakers are celebrating the passage of Senate Bill 2 in the Texas House of Representatives, marking what officials are calling the largest “day-one” school choice initiative in the nation.

“Today, the Texas House took the final step to advance Senate Bill 2, the largest day-one school choice launch in the nation,” said Governor Greg Abbott (R). “This is an unprecedented victory for families, students, and the future of our great state.”

Gov. Abbott credited the key lawmakers and the families who supported the measure, saying, “I thank the tireless efforts of Lieutenant Governor Patrick, Speaker Burrows, Chairman Creighton, Chairman Buckley, and the legislators and thousands of Texas families who stood tall in the face of false smears and unrelenting pressure. Now, with historic school choice combined with record public education funding, Texas is on track to lead the nation in education.”

Lieutenant Governor Dan Patrick (R) echoed the sentiment, calling the bill’s final passage a historic moment.

“Today is a historic day for Texas students and parents,” said Patrick. “As Lt. Governor and President of the Senate, the Texas Senate passed school choice six times. The first five bills died in the Texas House, but we never quit.”

He also acknowledged outside support for the measure.

“I especially thank President Trump for making school choice a major initiative of his administration. His pivotal call to House Republicans yesterday morning helped secure a long-awaited victory for Texas parents and students.”

Speaker of the House Dustin Burrows (R) emphasized the dual-track approach of education reform in the House.

“The Texas House today proudly passed our ‘Texas Two Step’ plan to transform education by expanding educational options and investing historic new funding into classrooms across our state,” said Burrows.  “Texas families deserve greater opportunities to tailor their child’s learning experiences to their individual needs, and Senate Bill 2 will deliver this promise to those who need it most.”

Senate Education Chairman Brandon Creighton (R) called the vote a turning point.

“In the U.S., two-thirds of the states have seen incredible success with expanded school choice. Now, Texas will lead with policy that will serve as a national model in Senate Bill 2,” he said.

“Senate Bill 2 paves the way for every Texas kid to thrive,” added House Chairman Brad Buckley (R). “Parents should have every tool in the toolbox to make decisions for their child’s education, and Senate Bill 2 gives them that.”

As the bill advances toward implementation, its supporters say the measure will not only expand educational access but also set a precedent for future reforms across the country.