Texas Comptroller requests $2 billion for school voucher program

Texas Comptroller Don Huffines has requested that lawmakers double the funding for the state’s private school voucher program to $2 billion for the 2028–29 biennium. The appropriations request seeks to increase the program’s base funding by approximately $1 billion to accommodate growing demand.

According to the request, the funding would be split to support both current participants and students on the waitlist. Current data indicates nearly 110,000 students are participating in the program, while approximately 106,000 students remain on the waitlist. The Comptroller’s Office noted that the request is driven by the need to serve families as interest in the program continues to grow.

The Texas State Teachers Association has criticized the proposal, arguing that taxpayers require more transparency regarding program enrollment. The association expressed concern that diverting tax dollars to private and religious schools could exacerbate budget deficits in public school districts, noting that 70% of families currently in or pending for the program already utilize private or home schooling.