AUSTIN – Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick issued this statement today following the Texas Senate’s passage of Senate Bill 1, Empowering Parental Rights – Universal Education Savings Accounts (ESA) for Texas Students by Sen. Brandon Creighton, R-Conroe:

“Texans across the political spectrum agree that families must have choice in education to ensure their student has the best chance of success. Thirty-one states, Puerto Rico, and Washington D.C., offer education savings accounts for their students, and Texas students should not be left behind. The Texas Senate has passed school choice bills in 2015, 2017, and now four times this year.

“Many Texas schools are great, most are good but, unfortunately, some do not meet the needs of our students. A one-size-fits-all approach to education in a state with 254 counties and 8,000 campuses leaves many of our students behind and makes no sense. Even students in great schools may not have their unique needs met for a variety of reasons. Different students thrive in different environments. Parents must have options other than just their local public school, and the passage of this universal ESA bill represents a great opportunity to place education freedom back in their hands.”

Some highlights of SB 1, by Sen. Brandon Creighton:

• Provides eligible students an $8,000 ESA per year
• Students would be eligible to apply for an ESA and use the funds for tuition or fees for a private school, purchase of textbooks, instructional materials, or uniforms, costs for academic assessments, and fees for private tutoring or transportation
• The program will be administered by the Comptroller’s office