Texas Border Business
Texas Border Business
Austin, TX – February 2025—Governor Greg Abbott addressed misconceptions surrounding school choice and reinforced the program’s benefits for Texas families at the Texas Public Policy Foundation’s (TPPF) annual Texas Policy Summit in Austin. Speaking to an audience of over 500 legislative and policy leaders, Governor Abbott addressed misinformation from school choice opponents and highlighted the program’s true impact.
Governor Abbott refuted claims that the universal school choice program would undermine public education. He emphasized that public schools will continue to be fully funded, and he pointed to record-high per-student funding exceeding $15,000 as evidence of the state’s commitment to education.
“The reality is that those who are entrenched in the status quo do not believe in school choice because it disrupts the monopoly that they have on education,” said Governor Abbott. “Those anti-school choice, they’re going to fight to the very end to discourage members to vote in favor of school choice. But you can tell that we are winning. You can tell that the fight is over because there is a process that shows you the end is near. That is when your opponents have nothing else to resort to other than lying about the facts.”
Abbott made it clear that the school choice program is not exclusive to any one group—it will be available to families across all regions, demographics, and socioeconomic backgrounds. He also reassured homeschooling families that they will maintain full control over their curriculum, pushing back against concerns that school choice could impose restrictions on homeschooling.
Governor Abbott has been a vocal advocate for school choice, declaring it an emergency item during his State of the State Address earlier this month. He underscored that Texas must strive to be the No. 1 state in education, and school choice is a critical step toward achieving that goal.
Additional Priorities: Property Taxes and Border Security
Beyond education reform, Abbott addressed other key issues, including property taxes and border security. He emphasized the need to close loopholes that allow local taxing entities to raise property taxes and proposed requiring two-thirds voter approval for all tax increases.
On border security, the Governor highlighted Texas’ unprecedented efforts. He pledged to continue working with the Trump administration to reinforce long-term security measures to protect the Texas border for the next 40 years.
The Texas Policy Summit, hosted by the Texas Public Policy Foundation, brings together lawmakers, activists, media, and stakeholders to discuss pressing state and national issues. With education reform at the forefront, Governor Abbott used the summit to clarify his position on school choice and reaffirm his commitment to empowering Texas families.
Abbott’s message was clear: Texas must lead the way in education, and school choice is the path forward.
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