Governor Abbott urges Texans to support school choice bill

Governor Greg Abbott addressed a gathering at the Texas Public Policy Foundation in Austin, urging Texans to support a universal school choice bill. This event, known as Parent Empowerment Day, coincided with the Texas House Public Education Committee's public testimony on House Bill 3.

"If you look at opponents of school choice, they have a single goal: they want more money," said Governor 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."

Governor Abbott encouraged Texans to participate in the committee hearing and express their support for school choice, emphasizing that parents and children are central to this initiative. He assured attendees that their involvement would contribute significantly to achieving school choice for every parent and child.

Addressing over 300 parents and students present, Governor Abbott praised Speaker Dustin Burrows for his unprecedented support of school choice in Texas history. He also refuted claims about the negative impact of school choice, asserting that it has widespread support across demographics and regions in Texas. The Governor reiterated that public education would remain fully funded and homeschool parents would retain control over their curriculum.

The event featured several state representatives alongside Governor Abbott, including Speaker Burrows; Representatives Daniel Alders, Paul Dyson, Caroline Harris Davila, Cole Hefner, Hillary Hickland, Carrie Isaac, Mike Olcott, Nate Schatzline, Shelby Slawson, Valoree Swanson, and Steve Toth.

In his recent State of the State Address for 2025, Governor Abbott identified school choice as an emergency item for this legislative session.