With the start of the school year just two weeks away, there’s renewed focus on changing how Texas funds K-12 education. A new poll from the University of Houston and Texas Southern University shows widespread support for school vouchers, allowing parents to use taxpayer dollars for private, including religious, schools.
The poll reveals strong backing for vouchers across the political spectrum. Political science professor Mark Jones from Rice University, who contributed to the poll, noted, “Support for vouchers was stronger than we anticipated.”
Of the over 2,000 adults surveyed in late June and early July, 73% of Republicans and 65% of Independents favor the idea. Surprisingly, even among Democrats, who typically oppose vouchers, 55% support some version of the program.
“This indicates that roughly two-thirds of Texans are in favor of school vouchers for all parents,” Jones said.
This poll is part of Texas Trends 2024 and reflects shifting political dynamics. Governor Greg Abbott, who struggled to pass voucher legislation last year due to internal Republican disagreements, may find more success this session. With many opposing Republicans no longer in the House, Abbott is optimistic about securing votes for his proposed Educational Savings Accounts (ESAs) in 2025.
Jones noted that the debate is likely to shift from whether to pass the ESA plan to how it will be implemented. The poll also highlights differing opinions on whether the program should be universally available or based on income criteria.
