WASHINGTON—The Heritage Foundation released the following statements today praising Texas’ passage of universal school choice legislation. After years of hard work by parents and school choice advocates at Heritage and across the country, more than half of America’s K-12 students will have access to school choice once the Texas bill is signed into law.
Dr. Kevin Roberts, president of The Heritage Foundation and Heritage Action for America:
“This is a historic victory for Texas families and the future of our nation. Revitalizing the Republic starts in the classroom. Thanks to the bold leadership of Governor Abbott, Lieutenant Governor Patrick, Speaker Burrows, and legislative champions like Chairmen Creighton and Buckley, Texas has created the largest day-one school choice program in the nation, putting the state on a pathway to becoming the best in America for educating our kids.
“By ensuring that tax dollars follow a student to the school of their parents' choice, Texas has put families in the driver’s seat, empowering them to make the best decisions for their children’s future. This policy change isn’t just a win for Texas—it’s a win for every student, every parent, and every taxpayer who believes in the principle that education should be about serving the needs of kids, not entrenched systems.
“The revolution in education is underway. Heritage stands proudly with the parents, students, and lawmakers who made this moment possible. Texas has proven that when conservatives fight, we win—and that victory isn’t just for today’s families, but for generations of Americans to come.”
Ryan Walker, executive vice president of Heritage Action for America:
“For too long, our education system has failed families across the country. Heritage Action has championed school choice to empower students and their families since our founding. Today, we are witnessing a wave of states adopting school choice policies, handing authority back to parents and increasing opportunities for students.
“Parents deserve the freedom to choose the best educational opportunities for their children. We commend Texas Governor Abbott, House and Senate leadership, and Texas lawmakers for their commitment to a student-first approach.”
Dr. Lindsey Burke, director for Heritage’s Center for Education Policy, and Jason Bedrick, research fellow:
“This is a historic victory not just for Texas, but for the entire school choice movement. More than half of K-12 students nationwide will now be eligible for school choice.
“This is more than a milestone—it’s a tipping point. America is rapidly moving away from the district school model and toward an education system that empowers families to choose the learning environments that align with their values and work best for their children.”
Heritage has been one of the leading voices on school choice for decades and has done extensive research on the topic and its benefits to students. To learn more about how school choice will benefit rural Texas and students, visit “From Surviving to Thriving: K-12 Choice and Opportunity for Rural Texas Students and Teachers.”
