Majority Of Texans Reject Taxpayer-Funded Private School Vouchers In Recent Poll

In Texas, school choice remains a hot-button issue, and a new poll has stirred up plenty of conversation. According to a survey of 1,275 likely Texas voters by Unified for Texas Workers and Z to A Research, 65 percent oppose a private school voucher program that would use taxpayer dollars to fund private and parochial schooling. That means most Texans—95 percent of Democrats, 72 percent of Independents, and 42 percent of Republicans—aren’t on board with diverting funds from our public schools. Even more telling, 85 percent say that the proposed $10,000 voucher wouldn’t even cover the cost of private school tuition, and 82 percent agree that vouchers don’t guarantee “school choice,” since private schools can still set their own admission standards.

For parents with children in public schools, opposition is even starker—70 percent are against vouchers. On the topic of school funding, a significant 78 percent of voters, including 61 percent of Republicans, believe that Texas public schools are underfunded. With an overwhelming 85 percent calling for more investment to reduce class sizes and boost teacher pay, it’s clear that Texans are leaning toward strengthening our public education system instead of subsidizing private options. In fact, 71 percent of those surveyed said they’d be less likely to support a state legislator who votes in favor of vouchers.

The controversy came to a head at a recent town hall in a rural district when Texas Rep. Cody Harris—one of the co-sponsors of a proposed voucher program—found himself on the receiving end of passionate opposition. Parents and educators in attendance weren’t shy about their displeasure; at one point, a voice yelled, “Don’t threaten people, it’s a town hall,” before many headed for the exit. Harris, who has flip-flopped on school vouchers in the past, left the meeting earlier than expected and later described the disruption as “troubling,” comparing it to a “Palestinian-style protest.”

Whether you’re a staunch supporter of public education or you favor school choice, one thing’s for sure—Texans expect respectful debate. As discussions continue, our community in Lubbock and across the state will be watching closely, determined to find the right balance between fiscal responsibility and quality education for Texas' children.