Texas comptroller asks lawmakers to double school voucher funding to $2 billion

Texas Comptroller Don Huffines is asking lawmakers to roughly double the state’s private-school voucher funding to more than $2 billion for the 2028–29 budget cycle. The request includes continued funding for participating students, money for those on the waitlist and additional funds for students whose awards may increase when they move from homeschooling to private schools. Nearly 110,000 students are participating in the program’s first year, while roughly 106,000 remain on the waitlist; state data indicates about 70% of participating or invited families previously attended private school or were homeschooled. Supporters say the request reflects strong demand for education choices, while the Texas State Teachers Association argues that expanding vouchers would divert tax dollars from public schools and that lawmakers need more information about recipients. The Legislature is expected to consider the request when it takes up the next two-year budget in January.