Texans support school vouchers in new poll
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A majority of Texas adults support school voucher legislation, according to a poll released Monday.
Why it matters: The findings, by the University of Houston and Texas Southern University, bolster Gov. Greg Abbott's argument that the majority of Texans support his push to dole out tax dollars to help families pay for a private education.
Driving the news: The poll found that 65% of respondents support the creation of a school voucher program.
- 69% of respondents said they support educational savings accounts, which allow parents to opt out of their local school district and use tax money for private schools, online schooling or tutors.
- The poll surveyed nearly 2,300 people and was conducted between June 20 and July 1 using data company YouGov.
The intrigue: A poll conducted by the Texas Hispanic Policy Foundation in April had the opposite result.
- In that poll of about 1,600 likely voters, 57% of respondents said they disapproved of using tax dollars to provide school vouchers to all Texas parents, while only 36% signaled support.
Catch up quick: Abbott and his allies have vowed to enact some form of voucher program when the Texas Legislature convenes next year.
- They tried and failed to pass such legislation in 2023, even after several special sessions, due to opposition from Democrats and rural Republicans.
Yes, but: In this year's Republican primary, Abbott-backed newcomers ousted several incumbents who opposed vouchers.
- Their likely election in November puts Abbott's plan to pass the program back on track.
Between the lines: While the new poll bodes well for Abbott, school vouchers are low on a list of education priorities Texans want the Legislature to address, according to a University of Texas poll.
- That poll, conducted in 2023, showed that Texans care more about school safety, teacher pay, curriculum and parental rights more than the governor's "school choice" agenda.