Understanding HB2, HB3 and SB2: A Path Forward for Texas Education?
Article updated 2.23.25 to better reflect additional updates around HB2 & HB3.
The landscape of education in Texas is undergoing a significant shift as lawmakers debate the future of public and private school funding. At the heart of this conversation are key bills: House Bill 2 (HB2) , House Bill 3 (HB3) and Senate Bill 2 (SB2), which propose changes that could impact how education is funded across the state.
The introduction of education savings accounts (ESAs) and changes to the basic allotment for public schools have sparked discussions on both the potential benefits and concerns associated with these proposals.
What HB2 & HB3 Proposes: A Closer Look
Texas House Bills 2 (HB2) and 3 (HB3) both impact public education, with different focuses.
HB2 aims to increase per-student funding, combat antisemitism, and require awareness training in schools. It also adjusts funding formulas to better support schools.
HB3 focuses on increasing classroom funding, boosting teacher pay, and cutting local property taxes. It also targets early literacy, math proficiency, and college/career readiness. Additionally, it includes a program for state-funded private school tuition assistance for parents. — this is the voucher system.
These bills aim to implement an education savings account (ESA) program. Under this plan, families would have the option to redirect state funds meant for public education toward private or alternative schooling. The idea is that by giving parents more control over their child’s education, they can choose the best educational setting for their children, whether it's public, private, or homeschool.
At the same time, proposes a modest increase in the basic allotment for public schools, which would rise from $6,160 to $6,380 per student. While this increase helps address rising costs and could be used to improve teacher salaries, it remains well below inflation-adjusted levels, particularly considering that the basic allotment has stayed the same since 2019. According to a few article, adjusted for inflation, the allotment would need to be about $7,671 by 2025.
A Comparison to Senate Bill 2 (SB2)
In contrast, SB2 suggests a smaller increase to the basic allotment, raising it from $6,160 to $6,235—an increase of just $75. While this increment might offer some relief to public schools, it doesn't fully address the growing challenges schools face, such as teacher shortages and outdated infrastructure. On the other hand, the education savings account program in HB3 is designed to allow families more options, but at the cost of a significant portion of public funding.
Both bills introduce similar frameworks for ESAs, but the key difference lies in how each allocates funding. Both bills are taking $1 billion away from the current public education budget to fund a voucher system.
The Pros and Cons: Where Do We Stand?
Like any major policy change, each comes with their own set of pros and cons. Here’s a breakdown of what I see as some of the key arguments :
Pros of HB2/HB3:
Increased Parental Choice
The ESA program allows parents to use state funds for private or alternative schooling, offering greater control over their child’s education. I am sure for some families the concept of this could be a game-changer for families seeking specialized education programs that better fit their child’s needs.
Some Increase in Public School Funding
Despite the modest increase, HB2 does propose raising the basic allotment to $6,380 per student, which could help districts address some rising costs and make strides toward boosting teacher salaries.
Cons of HB2/HB3:
Potential Public School Funding Strain
The $1 billion allocated for ESAs comes directly from state funds that could otherwise be used to strengthen public schools. This shift in funding negatively impacts the 5.5 million public school students in Texas, particularly in underserved and rural districts.
Insufficient Basic Allotment Increase
Even with the proposed increase, the $6,380 per-student allotment is still below inflation-adjusted levels.The increase in the basic allotment (from $6,160 to $6,380) is insufficient to meet the growing challenges we already face in public schools. These challenges include teacher shortages, outdated facilities, and rising operational costs, among others. The increase needs to be much larger to address these long-standing issues adequately.
The other concern about the $1 billion allocated (out of the current public education budget) for ESAs is that it could essentially divert funds away from public schools, thus "canceling out" the impact of the allotment increase. If a significant portion of the budget is redirected to the ESA program, the net effect on public schools may be much smaller than the increase in the allotment suggests. Despite the increase in funding for public schools, the shift in resources to private education could exacerbate the resource gaps already facing Texas public schools.
Public Schools and Economics: The Community Impact
While the debate surrounding HB2/3 and SB2 is centered around school choice vs. public education funding I think it’s important to consider the broader economic impact of public education on communities. Public schools play a vital role in shaping the future workforce, building social infrastructure, and contributing to the overall well-being of a region. By adequately funding public education, we not only provide opportunities for students but also invest in the long-term economic health of our local communities.
Increased funding for public schools supports not only teachers and students but also creates job opportunities in local communities. Public education funding can help strengthen neighborhoods, support local businesses, and encourage future generations to stay and thrive in their home communities. If the shift in funding from public schools to private options diminishes resources for public schools, it could undermine this important economic cycle.
Will Public Dollars Fund Private Education?
A central question in the debate is whether public dollars should be used to fund private education. While HB2/3 supporters argue that the ESA program offers parents more choices many are concerned about the implications for public education. The concern isn’t necessarily about getting more money for public schools, but rather about how much funding will be taken away to support private schools.
If a student leaves the public school system and uses a voucher to attend a private school, questions arise about whether they can return to public school and have their “prorated” funding returned. How does the voucher payment system work? Is it flexible enough for families to move between private and public education while ensuring that funding follows the student? At this point it sounds like no.
Is It Really More Money for Public Schools?
The real question we must ask ourselves is: Does HB2/3 provide more money for public education, or is it a wash? If we are increasing funding for public education but simultaneously pulling a substantial amount out of the public school system to fund the ESA program, does it balance out? Are we truly providing more resources for public education, or are we creating a situation where the funding is diluted?
No To HB2 & HB3
While these bills offer a clearer structure and a few positive changes for public education compared to SB2, it still doesn’t tackle what I believe is the core issue: using public funds to support private education. The concern is that by funding the voucher program through public education dollars, we risk a scenario where the increase in funding for public schools is essentially negated, as funds are redirected away from public education. Ultimately, this approach doesn’t prioritize public education, which serves everyone, over private options that benefit only a few.
So here’s why it’s a no for me:
Using Public Funds for Private Education: The primary concern is that these bills use public education funds to support private schools through the voucher program, diverting resources away from public schools.
No Real Increase in Public Education Funding: Despite the increase in the basic allotment, the $1 billion allocated for vouchers essentially cancels out the benefits for public schools, as it takes funding away from them.
Lack of Prioritization for Public Education: The bill does not prioritize public education, which serves all students, over private education options that primarily benefit a select few.
Public Education at Risk: The focus on ESAs and private funding risks undermining the already strained public education system, especially in areas that need resources the most.
Collaborative Path Forward
Ultimately, the future of education in Texas rests on finding the right balance between empowering parents with more educational choices and ensuring that our public school system remains robust and fully funded.
It’s crucial that we continue to engage in these conversations, not with the intent to divide, but with the goal of finding solutions that benefit both public and private education in Texas. The key is ensuring that every child, regardless of where they go to school, has access to a high-quality education that sets them up for success.
I believe the idea of school choice is great, but not at the expense of harming our public education system. Why can’t we find innovative ways to fund school choice without tapping into the public education budget? Our teachers and public schools are already tasked with being innovative with fewer resources—shouldn't we prioritize supporting them first?
Have something to say or add? Let me know.
Link to texas HB2 and HB3
