AUSTIN, TEXAS – Today, the American Federation for Children, a national school choice organization based in Dallas, released the following statement on the Texas House’s deliberations on HB1.

Statement from Nathan Cunneen, Communications Strategist, American Federation for Children:

“This year, Texas has come closer to passing school choice than ever before. Governor Abbott, the Senate, and the overwhelming majority of Texans support school choice options for families. Despite this support, the Texas House stripped ESAs out of the legislation, though they will likely still pass HB1. 

The vote to remove the ESA was 84-63, an eleven-vote increase for school choice since the Herrero amendment last spring (86-52). This vote shows that support for school choice is increasing, and we expect progress to continue.

While we’re disappointed in the result of this round, we are confident that the Texas Senate will make every effort to include education savings accounts in the legislation ultimately sent to the Governor’s desk. This fight is far from over, and we look forward to the House having another chance to support Texas families soon.”