Fort Worth families who rely on Texas Education Freedom Accounts are confronting an uncertain future after Gov.-elect Gina Hinojosa (D) announced her intention to end the private‑school component of the program. In a recent interview with KPRC 2, Hinojosa said her top priority is to keep public money supporting public schools.
What the program currently provides
The state‑run accounts award up to $10,474 per student attending a private school, with higher amounts—up to $30,000—for students who qualify for individualized education programs. Homeschoolers receive a flat $2,000 award. Payments are made in three installments: 25 % in July, another 25 % in October, and the remaining half on February 1, 2027, provided the student stays enrolled in a participating school.
As of the October 1 report, 116,574 accounts had received funding, representing roughly 42 % of the 274,000 applications filed. About 62 % of participants come from households at or below 200 % of the federal poverty level.
Hinojosa’s plan and legislative hurdles
Hinojosa’s education platform calls for repealing the private‑school portion of the program and directing the money to public schools. She said she would support legislation to achieve this goal, but any repeal must pass both chambers of the Texas Legislature. Republicans, who are projected to hold a Senate majority, could block such legislation.
Even if the private‑school portion is repealed, the program’s existing budget—$1 billion for the current biennium ending August 31, 2027—remains in place. Future appropriations, beginning September 1, 2027, will be decided by lawmakers and could be reduced or eliminated without changing the underlying law.
Comptroller‑elect Eckhardt’s role
Comptroller‑elect Sarah Eckhardt, a state senator from Austin, said she will administer the program while reviewing spending and academic outcomes. She emphasized that she does not have the authority to “cherry‑pick” or veto legislation passed by the Legislature.
Eckhardt can conduct audits and enforce compliance, but any repeal must come through the legislative process, not by executive announcement.
Impact on families
Families with accounts in good standing will continue to receive payments without filing a new annual application, though eligibility does not guarantee future funding. Unused balances carry forward, and advance tuition payments for the 2027‑28 school year are currently permitted. If a child leaves a participating school, the school must return any advance payments to the state.
Jazmin Duran, a Fort Worth mother, moved her three children from a charter school to St. Rita Catholic School after receiving an award. She recalled the emotional moment of learning about the funding, saying, “When I got in my car, I remember I called my mom, and I just started crying.” St. Rita’s principal, Kindra Johnston, reported enrollment of 153 students, up from 114 the previous year.
What’s next?
The fate of the Education Freedom Accounts hinges on upcoming legislative sessions and the next state budget. Hinojosa could veto appropriation items related to the program, but the Texas Constitution prevents a retroactive veto of the current budget. Any changes to eligibility or funding levels will require both legislative approval and appropriate budget allocations.
For families currently using the accounts, staying informed about legislative developments and confirming continued participation will be essential as the state navigates this policy crossroads.
Original reporting: The Dallas Express — read the source article.
