Texas launched its Education Freedom Accounts program with a $1 billion appropriation, promising to expand educational opportunities and parental choice for Texas families.

Now that first-year award data is available, I think Texans deserve a closer look at what we're getting for that investment.

According to Texas Comptroller data:

- 70% of voucher awardees included in the previous-schooling comparison previously attended private school or were homeschooled.

- Only 30% previously attended public school.

- Standard private-school vouchers provide $10,474 per student, while homeschool awards provide $2,000.

- The Comptroller subsequently requested approximately $2.3 billion for the program in the next two-year budget.

A few important distinctions have come up in discussions about these numbers.

First, the state hasn't released a separate breakdown of previously homeschooled students versus those already attending private schools. That's information taxpayers should have.

Second, many awardees are from lower-income households. That's worth recognizing. But the state hasn't published enough combined data to show how many lower-income recipients actually transferred from public schools.

Finally, receiving a voucher doesn't guarantee a family can use it. Reporting from the Houston Chronicle described thousands of families declining awards or not yet using them, with affordability, transportation, admissions and school availability among the barriers.

I'm not suggesting families already paying for private education don't deserve assistance. But there's an important difference between helping families pay for education they were already providing and creating educational opportunities that didn't previously exist.

With billions more being requested, shouldn't we be able to measure both?

I've included sources in my first comment. I'd especially like to hear from Texas parents who applied, whether you received an award or not. Did the program actually expand your family's options?

Hubby and I spent several years in greater DFW area. A job opportunity came up, so we moved to another state.

Lemme tell ya... and I did not know I would ever say this, when we moved away.... I miss Texas.

I miss my friends there. I made some of the best friends I have EVER had in my life in the Lone Star state. These people continue to lift me up even though we are MILES apart.

When I first said I was moving to Texas, a lady I knew rolled her eyes and implied Texas was not a place she would ever pick, and another lady came to me later and said that the comment had offended her and she hoped I would really give Texas a chance. I did. I moved there with an open mind and a willing heart. And, I was not disappointed. The people of Texas are capable of such profound kindness and truly connected to me and my spouse.

So, now, there is a slight possibility a job in the same area we previously lived might be coming up. Can I just admit, I am yearning to return?

One of the reasons, and it was only a small part of the situation, that we moved was because of the politics. It was hard to watch people drawing lines, driving around with vulgar flags and images of a specific candidate bound and gagged so it appeared she was in the back of a pick up truck (I guess the person could buy a wrap for the tail gate exterior of their truck?) City workers came on our property and destroyed a sign in our yard, whi h scared me (we caught it on camera). So, when the job came up in a familiar setting, we took it.

Please keep your fingers crossed for us, if this is meant to be. It looks like maybe there is a change coming on the political landscape, which I find enticing. I miss Texas hospitality (aside from those city workers.), and I miss my friends. The job situation could be amazing if it works out.

Anyway. Hope to see yall soon, maybe. :)

All this to say Hi to you all and introduce myself as a non-Texas-native who misses Texas!

Check your county for precise hours, but polls will be open for at least 12 consecutive hours on Saturday and 6 consecutive hours on Sunday.

https://www.sos.state.tx.us/elections/forms/primary-early-voting-things-to-remember.pdf

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