​Originally posted on X.com. 

Texas taxpayers fund more than $50,000 per student in government schools, and it’s essential to understand this amount.
Taxpayers fund nearly $17,000 per student annually for maintenance, operations, and debt service. They also pay an additional $33,542 per student in outstanding debt over time. Local voters approved this debt, backed by the state’s Permanent School Fund, funded by taxpayers statewide.

So, while some anti-school choice advocates attempt to twist the numbers, the reality is apparent: taxpayers are pouring over $50,000 per student into the monopoly government school system, yet educational outcomes are declining. This system is failing students, parents, and teachers while taxpayers bear the escalating burden.

Over the past five years, school district debt has soared. Total ISD debt has increased from $133 billion in 2018 to $185 billion in 2023, an alarming rise of nearly 40%. This debt explosion reflects decades of unchecked spending on lavish facilities and nonessential projects while the core mission of educating students has been neglected.

Texas students are falling behind. While per-student spending increased by 42% over the past two decades, 8th-grade math proficiency dropped by 40%. Less than half of classroom expenditures reach teachers, who are overworked and underpaid. In a classroom of 20 students, approximately $340,000 is allocated annually, but teachers see only a fraction of that in their paychecks. Administrative costs and bureaucracy are eating up the bulk of these funds.

Parents are stuck in a system prioritizing the status quo over accountability, leaving them with no options when their children fail government schools. Teachers receive inadequate support, and students—especially those in underserved areas—are denied the opportunities they deserve. Meanwhile, taxpayers continue to fund a broken system that delivers less value for more money.

The solution is universal Education Savings Accounts (ESAs). Under this system, families could receive $12,000 per student for approved educational expenses. This amount would easily cover Texas's average private school tuition, which is $11,340 per year, and still leave room for transportation, tutoring, or extracurricular activities. ESAs would allow parents to tailor their child’s education to meet their unique needs, breaking free from the rigid government school model.

A universal ESA program would benefit families and save taxpayers billions. Current government school spending of $16,792 per student far exceeds the cost of private alternatives. By shifting to a universal ESA model, Texas could save nearly $20 billion annually, as fewer families would rely on the bloated government system. These savings could be used to reduce school district maintenance and operations property taxes, providing a quicker path to eliminating these burdensome taxes.

Critics of school choice claim ESAs will harm government schools, but evidence from over 30 states with school choice programs proves otherwise. Competition drives improvement. Government schools will be forced to cut administrative bloat, prioritize classrooms, and focus on student outcomes to retain students and funding.

Milton Friedman, one of the most influential economists of the 20th century, explained decades ago why school choice is necessary. He argued that introducing market forces into education would improve quality and reduce costs, as in every other sector. When schools must compete for students, they have no choice but to innovate and deliver results.

The recent elections demonstrated that Texans overwhelmingly support school choice. Lawmakers, especially those vying for leadership roles, should take note. Candidates who opposed meaningful reform suffered significant political consequences, reflecting voters' demand for change and failing to implement universal ESAs. This risks alienating those taxpayers and families demanding better outcomes for their children and a better return on their investment.

The $50,000 per student figure is not just a statistic—it’s a testament to how deeply flawed the current system is. Taxpayers are funding more while receiving less. Families are stuck with few choices, teachers are undervalued, and students are falling behind.

It’s time to fund students, not systems. Universal ESAs will empower families, save taxpayers billions of dollars, and restore accountability to Texas education. Texas has the opportunity to lead the nation with a school choice program that sets a global standard for empowering families, improving outcomes, and promoting fiscal responsibility.utcomes, and promoting fiscal responsibility.

Listen here to my interview on The Lars Larson Show. 

Originally posted on X. 

​Despite a 42% increase in per-student education funding since 2011 in Texas, 8th-grade math proficiency has dropped by 40%. 

As administrative costs and bureaucracy grow, less than half of education funding reaches teachers. This is not a teacher problem; it’s a system problem. The current government school monopoly prioritizes funding systems over outcomes, leaving too many students behind. 

The solution is clear: universal school choice through Education Savings Accounts (ESAs).

For decades, the status quo has relied on a rigid, state-determined school finance formula. Taxpayer dollars are funneled into district-zoned public schools, regardless of whether those schools meet students' needs. Families are left with no flexibility, trapped by zip codes, and forced into a one-size-fits-all system. 

While there are success stories, the overall picture is bleak, particularly for underserved communities. The incentives are broken, and the system has little reason to innovate or improve without competition or accountability. Texas families deserve better.

Some argue that vouchers are a sufficient solution. While they expand access to private schools by providing families with a set amount of funding for tuition, vouchers fall short in several ways. They often come with government-imposed regulations that stifle innovation in private schools, and they focus narrowly on tuition, excluding other educational expenses like tutoring, transportation, therapy, or homeschool resources.

This is where Education Savings Accounts stand apart. ESAs give parents control of the funding, which they can use for various approved educational expenses. Whether at a traditional "public" school, charter school, private school tuition, specialized therapy, transportation, tutoring, or homeschool materials, ESAs allow families to build a customized education for their child. 

Unlike vouchers, ESAs empower parents to design an education plan that fits their child’s specific needs, ensuring a student-centered approach.

Critics often claim ESAs will harm public schools, but this fear is unfounded. 

First, public schools will remain an option for families who prefer them. ESAs do not dismantle public education; they introduce competition and give families a choice. 

Second, ESAs save taxpayers money. A universal ESA program in Texas could save nearly $20 billion annually, per my recent article with @brianeharrison in the @dallasnews. 

These savings would provide a significant down payment to cut two-thirds of ISD maintenance and operations (M&O) property taxes, putting Texas on a path toward eliminating them. 

That’s real relief for families while ensuring parents spend taxpayer dollars for improved student outcomes.

The monopoly school model incentivizes maintaining the system over serving students. By introducing competition through ESAs, public or private schools must innovate and deliver value to attract and retain students. 

This realignment of incentives encourages efficiency, improves outcomes, and shifts resources where they are needed most: in the classroom. Teachers, who are often underpaid and undervalued, will also benefit. By reducing administrative bloat and prioritizing funding for classrooms, ESAs can lead to higher teacher salaries and more support for their critical work.

Some opponents suggest that local control is the answer, arguing that the state should get out of the way and let districts innovate. 

While local control is a worthy principle, public schools are constrained by state and federal mandates, making it practically impossible under the current framework. ESAs, by contrast, empower families directly, providing ultimate local control, removing bureaucratic barriers, and giving them the freedom to choose what works best for their children.

The critics of universal school choice often resort to fearmongering, claiming that ESAs will devastate public schools or leave certain students behind. But the data and experience from other states with similar programs tell a different story. 
Over 30 states have some form of school choice, and more than 10 states have implemented universal or near-universal ESAs. Public schools can and do thrive in competitive environments. Families who are satisfied with their local public school can stay, while those who need other options finally have a chance to find the right fit. 

ESAs don’t take away choice—they expand it.

Texas has a chance to lead the nation in putting students first. By adopting universal school choice through Education Savings Accounts, we can empower families, improve outcomes, save taxpayers billions, and reduce the crushing burden of property taxes. 

The current system has had decades to prove itself, and the results are clear: it’s not working for too many students. It’s time to fund students, not systems. Let’s build an education model that values every child’s potential and delivers on the promise of opportunity for all Texans.

​As election day approaches, critical issues like school choice, the federal deficit, Medicare, illegal immigration, inflation, and financial data privacy dominate discussions. From the growing debate on school choice to alarming projections about our national debt, these policies will impact the economic well-being of Americans. Here’s a brief look at where things stand and what’s at stake.
​
Watch the episode on YouTube below, listen to it on Apple Podcast or Spotify, visit my website www.vanceginn.com for more information, and get show notes at www.vanceginn.substack.com.

Originally published at Texans for Fiscal Responsibility. ​

The State of Texas is pouring unprecedented amounts of taxpayer money into public education with little to show for it. 

From the 2014-15 school year, to the 2022-23 school year, total education spending surged 53% to $92.4 billion, while per-student spending jumped 45% to $16,792. That’s far above inflation’s 28.6% increase. Yet, 76% of 8th graders are below proficiency in math, and 75% in reading.

Clearly, more funding hasn’t improved results for Texas children.  

The problem isn’t underfunding, but overfunding and inefficiency in Texas’s government-run, monopoly education system. There’s no competition or incentive to improve outcomes. 

Universal Education Savings Accounts (ESAs) provide a real solution. 

ESAs let parents direct state education dollars (their tax dollars) to the school or educational service of their choice – public, private, homeschooling, or other options. This competition would force all schools to improve, driving innovation, lower prices, and better outcomes.

Allocating about $12,000 per student through ESAs would reduce the total cost of education from $92.4 billion for 5.5 million students to $75.6 billion for 6.3 million school-age children, saving taxpayers at least $16.8 billion. 

If we focus solely on operational expenditures, ESAs could drop to $12,389 per student for the same spending, or less for savings. The savings should be used to reduce school district property taxes and school debt, further relieving taxpayers. 

Twelve states, including Arizona and Florida, already have universal or near-universal ESAs with positive results. Texas should follow suit.

Governor Greg Abbott has an historic opportunity to lead this charge. Universal ESAs would empower parents, improve educational outcomes, and save billions of taxpayer dollars. 
​
It’s time to stop overfunding a broken system. Universal ESAs are the key to transforming education in Texas. Governor Abbott should keep pushing hard for universal school choice and ESA school finance in the next legislative session and lead Texas toward a brighter future.

​Check out episode 76 of This Week's Economy. I discuss whether the Fed will cut interest rates, the anti-growth message by Harris-Walz, problems with tariffs by Trump-Vance, support by RFK, Jr. of Trump, school choice in Texas, and a boom in cities in red states, and much more. Get the show notes at vanceginn.substack.com.

Parents rightfully demand transparency from their school districts, and too often schools hide how much they're spending and what they're spending taxpayer dollars on. Join Mandy Drogin as she sits down with Vance Ginn, dad of 3, founder of Ginn Economic Consulting, and formerly an economist in the Trump administration, as they break down school finance and dive into how much our schools are spending and what they're spending it on. ​

Originally published at American Institute for Economic Research.

​The school choice revolution shines a bright light on an otherwise dire situation caused by COVID and draconian government efforts, including shutting down schools with little to no sound reason. But it woke a sleeping giant in parents across the country: their kids were learning little at public schools and it was time for them to stand up. Since then, parents have spoken loudly and clearly, with more than 30 states now having a school choice program, including 12 states with a universal or near-universal education savings account (ESA) program.

But Texas is not yet on that list.

Texas is the largest red state and has more than six million school-age kids but has yet to follow the lead of other states with school choice, even when there is overwhelming support for it. Given the recent primary election victories for school choice proponents against incumbents, which rarely happens, there is an opportunity for a big win in the Lone Star State for students, parents, teachers, and taxpayers.

According to the NAEP test, only 24 percent of eighth graders are proficient in math and 23 percent in reading. Texas’s public education system is failing kids. The time for bold action is now: Texas must embrace universal education savings accounts (ESAs) to reclaim its position as a leader in educational excellence.

As states like Arizona, Florida, and ten other states with universal or near-universal ESAs demonstrate the transformative power of school choice, Texas’s delay in adopting ESAs is becoming increasingly urgent. Amid the heated debate over school choice legislation in Texas, the stark reality is that while these states are witnessing improved student outcomes and a more competitive educational landscape, Texas continues to lag despite pouring billions into public education. 

Despite a $20.3 billion increase in the latest two-year state budget for public education — a 33.3 percent boost — student performance in Texas has stagnated. Less than 20 percent of classroom expenditures reach teachers, with much of the budget consumed by bloated administrative costs. The average classroom receives about $340,000 annually, yet teachers, the backbone of our education system, see only a fraction of this amount in their paychecks. 

This inefficiency is a clear sign that the current system is broken.

Economist Milton Friedman’s vision of school choice as a means to dismantle the government’s monopoly on education is more relevant than ever. States that have implemented ESAs are seeing better student outcomes and improvements in public schools due to the competitive pressure of school choice. 

In contrast, Texas remains stuck in a system that fails to deliver its promises, leaving students underperforming, teachers underpaid, and taxpayers questioning where their money is going. As I recently highlighted in my testimony before the Texas House Committee, this stagnation is untenable.

The economic case for universal ESAs in Texas is equally compelling. 

By moving to an ESA model, Texas could reduce its per-student spending from $17,000 for 5.5 million students at public schools to $12,000 for all 6.3 million school-age kids, potentially saving taxpayers $18 billion annually. These substantial savings could then be returned to Texans through lower property taxes, providing much-needed relief as the cost of living rises. 

Moreover, a competitive education system would compel schools to pay quality teachers more, with estimates suggesting salary increases of up to $28,000 annually. The benefits of ESAs extend beyond education; they represent a broader commitment to economic freedom and efficient use of taxpayer dollars.

Recent primary election results show that public support for school choice is overwhelming. 

Yet, despite this mandate, Texas lawmakers have not acted. The path forward is for Texas to pass a universal ESA bill that gives every parent the freedom to choose the best educational environment for their children. This is about more than just improving education — it’s about empowering parents, raising teacher salaries, and ensuring that our taxpayer dollars are spent wisely.

Beyond education, the benefits of ESAs would reverberate throughout the Texas economy. 

A well-educated, adaptable workforce is essential for maintaining Texas’s competitive edge in attracting businesses and fostering innovation. By providing students with the education that best suits their needs, ESAs prepare them for success in a rapidly changing job market, support higher property values, and spur job creation.

Having grown up in a low-income, single-mother household in South Houston, attending private, public, and home schools, I understand firsthand the transformative power of educational choice. Texas has always been a leader, but the state is falling behind in education. 

​Texas must stop following and join the school choice journey across the country to ensure every child has access to a high-quality education tailored to their unique needs. The future of our children, teachers, and economy depends on it. It’s time for lawmakers in every state to act, so universal ESAs become not just a revolution but the norm, empowering Americans for generations to come.

​Tune in to hear my entire testimony and Q&A session from the Texas House public education hearing on August 12th, 2024.

​Hear from me and Texas House Representative Brian Harrison on the importance of school choice during the Texas House Committee hearing on public education on August 12th, 2024.

​Don't miss Dr. Vance Ginn's testimony before the Texas House Committee on Public Ed on August 12, 2024. Taxpayers are already spending too much on a failing monopoly government school system, and universal school choice is needed now!

Read my research for more information on this here. This is the notice of the public hearing.

Chairman Buckley and Members of the Texas House Committee on Public Education:

My name is Dr. Vance Ginn, president of Ginn Economic Consulting. I'm a proud Texan, an economist, a husband, and a father of three. I grew up in a low-income, single-mother household in South Houston. I attended private, public, and home schools before becoming the first in my family to graduate from college, where I earned my doctorate in economics at Texas Tech University. I've dedicated my career to the calling to let people prosper, including more than a decade of working to understand and improve education, school finance, and other policies in Texas and nationwide. Today, I urge you to please consider Texas's critical need for universal Education Savings Accounts (ESAs). 

Despite historic increases in public education funding recently and over time, student performance in Texas is flat or declining. Our state needs to catch up, as many states have educational opportunities that are not available here. Economist Milton Friedman once said about improving education, "The only solution is to break the monopoly, introduce competition and give the customers alternatives." The time is now for Texas to follow this vision with a “Texas approach” for improved education, more pay for quality teachers, and a better economy.

Here are questions to consider during your deliberations:

1. Why are Students and Texas Falling Behind in Education?

• Standardized test outcomes, such as STAAR and NAEP (though flawed as the ultimate accountability factor is parents), indicate that performance remains stagnant or worse over time. For example, only 24% of Texas 8th graders are proficient in math and 23% in reading—the lowest in decades.
• Texas is trailing behind 12 states with universal or near-universal ESAs. If Texas does not act swiftly, we risk falling further behind as other states empower parents, students, and teachers. 

2. Why are Taxpayers Spending So Much on Public Education?

• Texas Legislature increased the total budget from 2022-23 initial appropriations to 2024-25 initial appropriations (for a consistent comparison) by record amounts of $53.2 billion, or 32%, to $219.4 billion in state funds and $56.9 billion, or 21.5%, to $321.7 billion in all funds, includes state and federal funds. 
• The Legislature increased funding to public education by historic amounts of $20.3 billion, or 33.3%, to $80.6 billion in state funds and by $20.7 billion, or 28.6%, to $93.1 billion in all funds. 
  • Despite these historic increases in public education, which brought state funding up to about 50%, the monopoly government school system lacks efficiency. For example, less than 20% of classroom expenditures directly fund teachers; the rest is for administrative and other costs. Moreover, there is no positive correlation between increased funding and improved outcomes, so funding is excessive with exaggerated arguments for more.

3. What is the Path Forward to Meet Texans’ Support for School Choice?

• Multiple surveys show strong public support for school choice, reflecting the widespread desire for educational reform. The path forward should include the Texas Legislature passing a universal ESA bill in the next session and establishing universal ESAs for all Texas families for any schooling parents choose for their kids. 
• This program should use what has worked well in other states to streamline and ensure quick implementation for every student. Public schools would receive less funding under ESAs only if they failed to compete and parents chose better alternatives for their kids. 
  • Ultimately, Texas should shift from spending about $93 billion for $17,000 per student on public education for 5.5 million kids today to a fully-funded ESA model of about $75 billion with $12,000 per student for 6.3 million school-age kids. This reform could save Texans about $18 billion annually, with savings returned to taxpayers by reducing school district M&O property tax rates, putting us on a faster path to elimination.

4. What Does the Research Show on the Benefits of School Choice?

• Studies consistently find that outcomes improve when parents can choose the best educational environment for their children. For example, out of 18 academic studies on school choice, 12 found positive outcomes, including improvements in public schools due to the competitive pressure of school choice. 
• Additionally, universal ESAs could significantly increase teacher pay. Some teachers could see salary increases of up to $28,000 per year. 
• Moreover, increasing school choice has been shown to improve labor market outcomes, support higher property values, and spur job creation.

Conclusion

Texas must lead in the race for educational excellence. The evidence shows that universal education savings accounts will help provide this. Texas should pass a universal ESA bill to ensure every child in Texas has access to a high-quality education tailored to their unique needs. Thank you for your time and consideration. I am glad to be a resource on these issues throughout your deliberation and am happy to answer your questions.

Vance Ginn, Ph.D., is president of Ginn Economic Consulting, affiliate at more than 15 think tanks across the country, and host of the Let People Prosper Show. Dr. Ginn was previously a lecturer at multiple institutions of higher education, chief economist at the Texas Public Policy Foundation, and chief economist at the White House's Office of Management and Budget. He earned his doctorate in economics at Texas Tech University. Follow him on X.com at @VanceGinn and get more of his research at vanceginn.com. 

This research provides support for my testimony on August 12, 2024 before the Texas House Committee on Public Education on advancing educational opportunities in Texas.

Overview

Despite increases in public education expenditures with taxpayer money in Texas, student performance is flat or declining. Texas is falling behind thriving states that offer educational choice as part of the school choice revolution, in which more than ten states have or nearly have universal ESAs. 
​
Economist Milton Friedman, who championed school choice well before it became popular, famously said, "The only solution is to break the monopoly, introduce competition, and give the customers alternatives." Texas can follow this optimistic vision to improve student learning and outcomes, increase teacher pay, and advance parent empowerment from universal ESAs by passing the “Texas approach,” as said by Public Education Chairman Brad Buckley, in the next session. This approach should build on what has worked well in other states rather than starting from scratch to make it universal for every child now. 

Why Universal ESAs?

1. Students and Texas are Falling Behind

• While Texas has historically been a leader in many areas, we are now trailing behind 12 other states that have complete or near-universal school choice with ESAs. These states, including Arizona, Arkansas, Florida, Louisiana, West Virginia, and more, have recognized the power of school choice in driving educational improvement. If Texas does not act swiftly, we risk falling further behind as other states benefit from a competitive education system that empowers parents, students, and teachers. 
• The outcomes of standardized tests (STAAR and NAEP), though flawed in many ways, indicate that performance over time either stays the same or worsens.
  • Despite large increases in funding (see below), student performance is flat or declining, according to the Texas Education Agency’s (TEA) STAAR scores in Texas (see Table 1).
  • The National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP) scores show that only 24% of Texas 8th graders are at or above proficient for grade level in mathematics (the lowest since 2000) and 23% in reading (the lowest since at least 1999).
  • The current system is failing our students and placing an unnecessary financial burden on taxpayers. However, the ultimate accountability factor is parents, who should be in charge instead of politicians and unelected bureaucrats.

2. Excessive and Inefficient Funding of Public Education

• Regarding the total budget, Texas increased appropriations from major funding sources by a record amount in the last session. Unlike the LBB’s reporting in the Fiscal Size-Up, this results from my consistent two-year budget comparison of 2022-23 initial appropriations to 2024-25 initial appropriations. 
  • Comparing estimated/budgeted in 2022-23 to appropriated in 2024-25, as the LBB does, is informative but incomplete. The 2022-23 total amounts include initial appropriations in the General Appropriations Act in 2021, supplemental appropriations in 2023, and other expenditures, whereas the latter two amounts are yet to be available for 2024-25 and will likely increase. 
  • Table 2 shows general revenue funds increased by 21.2%, state funds by 32%, and all funds (including state and federal funds that are all taxpayer money) by 21.5% from the previous budget cycle, which are all historic increases. 
• Regarding public education, the Legislature increased taxpayer funding by $20.3 billion or 33.3% in state funds and by $20.7 billion or 28.6% in all funds (see Table 3). While $12.7 billion in state funds was used to provide new tax relief from school district property taxes, the state provided about $7 billion more to public education. 
  • Despite this historic budget increase for public education, the monopoly government school system remains riddled with inefficiencies, and the return on these expenditures is highly questionable. For example, less than 20% of classroom expenditures directly fund teachers. 
  • Specifically, the average of roughly $17,000 per student going into a classroom of 20 students is $340,000, but teachers receive less than 20% of it for a 10-month $60,000 salary, on average. The rest goes to the non-teaching administrative staff surge primarily to deal with federal, state, and local requirements, including taking standardized tests with questionable results because the ultimate accountability factor of a child’s education is parents. 

3. Public Support for School Choice and Fiscal Responsibility

• Public support for school choice is robust across multiple surveys. Also, consider the results of the Republican primary elections. The time to act is now. 
• The path forward should include the Texas Legislature passing a universal ESA bill next session, establishing universal ESAs for all Texas families. 
  • The approach should use what works well in other states to streamline and start the program quickly for every student. 
  • More taxpayer money should not be spent on public education unless outcomes improve, school district debt should be reduced, more money should go to teachers over administrators, and superintendent pay and other excesses should be changed.
  • Public schools would not get less funding unless they are not competitive and parents choose to send their kids elsewhere. Why would some assume public schools cannot compete and thus get less funding?
• The path forward should include a simplified school finance system based on ESAs funding public, private, home, co-op, charter, and other schooling options. 
  • Texas could move from spending about $17,000 for each of the 5.5 million students, or $93 billion per year, on public education today to a fully funded ESA model with $12,000 for each of the 6.3 million school-age kids, or $75 billion per year.
  • This improved school finance system could save Texans $18 billion annually. The excessive taxpayer money collected should be returned to taxpayers by reducing school district M&O property tax rates for a path to elimination. 

4. Overwhelming Evidence of Success

• The evidence favoring universal school choice is compelling. Studies consistently find outcomes improve when parents can choose the best educational environment for their children. Table 3 from the University of Arkansas shows how this includes improvements at public schools from competitive pressure. 

• Better Outcomes: Out of 18 academic publications then, 12 (67%) found all or some students had improved outcomes, four found no effects, and two found negative effects (based on a limited choice program in Louisiana–but the Louisiana Legislature passed universal school choice this year so should have improvements soon). 
• Better Teacher Pay: While public school districts employ about 90% of Texas teachers, teachers have little bargaining power under the current monopsony system. The introduction of ESAs would create a more competitive labor market, allowing teachers to negotiate better salaries and working conditions. ESAs could lead to an average salary increase of $14,000 per year more for teachers, with some seeing as much as $28,000 per year more.
• Better Economy: Research indicates that increasing school choice improves educational quality, reduces dropout rates, and improves labor market outcomes. School choice supports higher property values, spurs job creation, and provides better matches between students and their educational needs, leading to a more robust and adaptable workforce.

Conclusion

Texas must lead in the race for educational excellence. The evidence is clear: universal Education Savings Accounts will improve educational outcomes, increase economic opportunity, and provide the competitive edge that our state needs. Texas should pass a universal ESA bill so kids in Texas can access a high-quality education tailored to their unique needs. This is an educational reform and a commitment to Texas's future. We can fully fund students with ESAs, who can use them to attend public or other types of schooling, spend less money and pay lower taxes, and improve outcomes and teacher pay through universal school choice.

​
Vance Ginn, Ph.D., is a leading economist and advocate for free-market principles and fiscal conservatism, shaping policies across the U.S. through his work with 15 think tanks. As the founder and president of Ginn Economic Consulting and host of the Let People Prosper Show podcast, Dr. Ginn provides high-impact economic consulting and dives deep into pressing issues with top influencers. With experience as the associate director for economic policy at the White House’s Office of Management and Budget and chief economist at the Texas Public Policy Foundation, his insights are frequently featured in major media outlets. Residing with his family in Round Rock, Texas, Dr. Ginn champions policies promoting economic freedom and prosperity. Find out more about Dr. Ginn at vanceginn.com, subscribe to his newsletter at vanceginn.substack.com, and follow him on X.com at @vanceginn.

​🎧 Join me on the Let People Prosper Show as I dive into a crucial discussion with Dr. Corey A. DeAngelis, a top voice in educational freedom and senior fellow at the American Federation for Children.

We unpack his latest book, "The Parent Revolution: Rescuing Your Kids from the Radicals Ruining Our Schools." Don't miss out as Dr. DeAngelis sheds light on:
👉 The current landscape of school choice in the U.S.
👉 Why school choice is essential and the challenges it faces.
👉 What the future holds for school choice and education savings accounts.

🔗 Follow @DeAngelisCorey on X for more updates!

💬 Like, subscribe, and share to support vital conversations about educational freedom. For more deep dives and updates, subscribe to my newsletter at vanceginn.substack.com and check out vanceginn.com for more resources.
#EducationReform #SchoolChoice #ParentRevolution

Originally published at AIER. 

I​n The Parent Revolution, Corey A. DeAngelis offers a compelling narrative that champions the transformative power of universal school choice in reshaping the American educational landscape. His detailed exposition on how school choice, especially through education savings accounts (ESAs), can fundamentally alter the trajectory of education makes this book an essential read for anyone interested in educational improvement, economic freedom, and societal betterment.

Historical Context and Evolution
DeAngelis pays homage to Milton Friedman, the intellectual progenitor of the school choice movement, and masterfully traces the evolution from Friedman’s voucher system to today’s more sophisticated ESAs. These accounts are not merely funds but keys to unlocking individual potential. By enabling parents’ direct financial control over their children’s education, ESAs facilitate a customized educational experience that can adapt to each student’s unique needs and aspirations. This paradigm shift from institutional funding to individual empowerment is more than a policy adjustment; It is a reclamation of educational agency. 

While my ideal situation would be for politicians and bureaucrats not to be involved in schooling or education, this seems unlikely in the short term, given some form of taxpayer-funded K-12 schooling is in the constitution of every state. We can, however, limit government involvement in education as much as possible. ESAs provide that path so parents are empowered to avoid a monopolistic government school system in favor of a more competitive market for education to meet their kids’ needs, whether that be government schools, private schools, homeschool, co-ops, tutoring, or something else. 

In short, we should “fund students, not systems,” as DeAngelis loves to say, and empower parents, not politicians and bureaucrats.

Empirical Evidence and Societal Benefits
DeAngelis uses abundant evidence to support the effectiveness of ESAs, detailing how states that have implemented these policies witness improved educational outcomes and broad societal improvements. In Arizona and Florida, for instance, where ESAs have been widely adopted, there has been a notable increase in student achievement and parental satisfaction. Moreover, he points to research indicating that school choice initiatives can reduce crime rates and support faster economic growth, underscoring the far-reaching impacts of educational freedom. Real-world examples and testimonials from families benefiting from ESAs add a poignant layer to his argument. These narratives are powerful, illustrating the flexibility of ESAs and their capacity to meet diverse educational needs — from specialized programs for the disabled to accelerated learning for the gifted.

DeAngelis offers a scathing critique of the current public education system, which he rightly calls the “government school system,” focusing particularly on the disproportionate influence of teachers’ unions. He argues that they often prioritize adults’ interests over students’ educational needs, hindering reform and innovation. This critique highlights the entrenched resistance to school choice and positions ESAs as a solution for educational inefficiency and bureaucratic inertia. Moreover, he discusses the misallocation of resources in government schooling, where too much funding is absorbed by administrative overheads rather than being directed into classrooms. He advocates for a more efficient use of educational funds, where money follows the student rather than being tethered to potentially underperforming institutions.

This book is not just an academic treatise but a practical guide for navigating and influencing the complex landscape of educational reform. It is a manifesto for those who believe in the power of education to elevate society and a toolkit for those ready to take part in this crucial endeavor. “The Parent Revolution” serves as a call to arms, providing readers with actionable steps for advocating school choice. DeAngelis outlines strategies for grassroots organizing, legislative engagement, and public persuasion, empowering readers to translate passive agreement into active participation in the educational reform movement. His vision extends beyond immediate educational outcomes. He envisages a society where educational freedom catalyzes lifelong benefits, preparing students not just for tests, but for life. His advocacy for ESAs is framed within a broader narrative of individual liberty and market efficiency.

“The Parent Revolution” is a profoundly influential book that offers a clear, economically sound, and morally compelling case for universal school choice across America and the world. It is an indispensable resource for anyone interested in the intersection of education, economics, and policy. DeAngelis advocates for significant education reform and provides a detailed roadmap. His book reaffirms the critical role of choice and competition in improving education, making it a must-read for anyone interested in empowering parents and improving students’ educational outcomes. The key is, of course, to: “Fund students, not systems.”

Originally published at Texas Scorecard.

Texas can pass bold school choice legislation when the next legislative session starts in January 2025. This could finally happen because of the recent election wins in the House primaries, efforts led by Gov. Greg Abbott. 

The election wins include pro-school choice candidates beating anti-school choice incumbents or filling seats of retiring anti-school choice members. More incumbents, including House Speaker Dade Phelan, were forced to a runoff in May. Moreover, 80 percent of Republicans voted for Proposition 11 on the primary ballot to support school choice, which matters in a dominantly red state.

In the evolving educational reform landscape, universal education savings accounts (ESAs) provide the best path to empower parents to decide their children’s education. They are also a practical, fiscally responsible strategy for reimagining the future of education. At least 10 states have passed universal school choice, and more are likely to do so soon. 

But these states haven’t reached the pinnacle of what a competitive education system should look like. The optimal school choice approach should liberate education from the constraints of the monopoly government school system, draw upon successful market-driven solutions, and offer a simplified education finance system.

The Texas Legislature essentially controls the current school finance system with funding from taxpayers through taxes collected by the state, school district, and federal governments. The inefficiency and ineffectiveness of the status quo are stark, including questionable but relevant declining test scores. This highlights a critical need for an approach that better serves students’ and families’ unique needs and aspirations.

The state’s school finance system is based on many factors to the school system, but the Texas Education Agency recently reported that the average funding per student was $14,928 in the 2021-22 school year. Total funding was $80.6 billion for 5.5 million students. Of course, this is how much is spent, but the actual cost of the monopoly government school system is hidden and driven higher by politics rather than market outcomes.

ESAs provide flexibility in covering many educational services, including various schooling options, tutoring, testing, and other related expenses. This empowers parents to customize their children’s education to suit individual learning styles and interests. This adaptability is vital for fostering environments where children excel academically, socially, and emotionally.

Implementing a universal ESA program demands a framework that balances simplicity with accountability, ensuring the focus remains on expanding educational opportunities and improving student outcomes. 

While many current ESA programs run alongside the government school system, this doesn’t provide the most competitive framework. Running them in tandem, whereby the funding remains the same or even increases for government schools while creating a new system to fund ESAs, is costly and lacks the incentives for optimal outcomes. 
Instead, we should pursue a simplified education finance approach that maximizes competition, reduces costs, and lowers taxes by funding students, instead of a system.

A bold proposal would provide parents with an ESA of $10,000 per child for the school year but paid monthly or the preferred frequency to choose any approved schooling, including government, private, charter, home, co-op, tutoring, or other types of schooling. With about 6.3 million school-age children in Texas, the annual total expenditure would be $63 billion, or $17.6 billion less than what’s being spent today on government schools.

Parents could receive an ESA of as much as $12,800 per student to keep the same expenditures as today. However, given the bloated bureaucracy and misguided direction of government schools, the $10,000 amount would help force efficiencies while reducing taxpayers’ costs and incentivizing new education providers.  

The lower cost of $17.6 billion would provide an opportunity for substantial school property tax relief. Combining ESAs and property tax relief would further accentuate the proposal’s appeal, addressing the lack of school choice and burdensome property taxes. 

The bold approach eliminates most, if not all, of the current antiquated government school finance system with one that gives parents a way to meet their children’s unique learning needs best. It would help alleviate the hardship for many families that can choose alternatives for financial reasons, pay lower property taxes, or have money remaining to invest in their children’s quality of life and educational pursuits.

As states across the nation begin to recognize the transformative potential of this bold universal school choice approach, the momentum is undeniable. This trend underscores a growing consensus on the need for educational systems that prioritize choice, flexibility, and parental empowerment. 

By breaking free from the monopoly government school finance system and embracing a bold ESA finance approach that empowers parents, we can pave the way for a future where every child can achieve their full potential.

Originally published at Dallas Express. 

National School Choice Week was last month, a time when all states should be celebrating the educational freedom they provide to teachers, parents, and, most of all, students. Sadly, only about 20% of states have embraced universal school choice, with Texas being among the 80% failing to partake in the school choice revolution. 

Texas leads the nation in many respects, but our educational landscape continues to lag behind. Without universal school choice, we will continue regressing, compelling families to seek superior educational options elsewhere. The consequences of this regression are already evident, making it imperative for Texas to act.

School choice through education savings accounts (ESAs) would allow families to direct their money for their children’s education to approved schooling providers. These include traditional public schools, charter schools, private schools, virtual learning, co-ops, and homeschooling. ESAs are the gold standard for school choice, and 13 states have already adopted them.

ESAs put the power in the hands of parents, where it should be, by giving them the funds for education to choose which schooling best meets their kids’ unique needs. It’s essential to distinguish ESAs from controversial “vouchers,” as ESAs offer a more comprehensive range of educational choices. 

Rather than funding following the child from a government school to a private school with vouchers, the funding goes to the parents, who decide how to use it with ESAs. This also helps break the connection between dollars going directly to an institution where politicians and bureaucrats can regulate. Instead, ESAs give freedom for different types of schooling to compete in a market without the many rules that hamper government schools today.

While there was a glimmer of hope in late 2023 for Texas to pass ESAs, the legislation, which had many problems, failed due to insufficient support from Democrats and rural Republicans. This setback carries considerable weight, particularly when other states embrace the competition and innovation accompanying universal school choice. 

Texas can’t afford to be left in the shadows. The consequences of our state’s hesitancy in progressing toward educational freedom are evident. 

According to The Heritage Foundation, between 2007 and 2022, rural Texans, a group purportedly opposed to school choice, witnessed a 20-point decline in 8th-grade math scores and a 12-point decrease in 8th-grade reading. Regarding 8th-grade reading scores across the state, we are four points below the national average. The subpar results are disturbing, with Texas spending an average of nearly $15,000 per student.

Moreover, the pandemic has underscored the need for flexible and diverse learning options. Families faced unprecedented challenges during school closures, revealing the shortcomings of a one-size-fits-all educational approach that left substantial learning loss. Universal school choice can serve as a crucial buffer, ensuring students have access to adequate and adaptable learning environments, whether in-person, virtual, or a combination.

The heart of the matter lies in the freedom of educational options. 

School choice makes diverse educational opportunities accessible to families, dismantling the notion that quality education is a privilege reserved for the affluent. Every parent deserves the freedom to choose the best path for their child’s education. 

As it stands, taxpayers fund schools that may not benefit their children. Redirecting these dollars back into the hands of parents creates a system where informed choices determine the efficacy of schools. This fosters competition, improving the educational landscape for teachers and students. And entrepreneurs will have many more opportunities to open new schools not available today in a market dominated by government schools and destructive regulations.

Texas must also consider the long-term economic impact of educational choices. The state is cultivating a skilled and adaptable workforce by fostering an environment where students can access tailored educational experiences. This, in turn, attracts businesses and ensures the state remains competitive in an ever-evolving global economy.

The Lone Star State stands at a crucial crossroads. Embracing universal school choice is not just a necessity: it is an investment in the future, unlocking the potential of our students and helping every child receive the education they deserve. 

​The time for choice is now. Texas must lead the charge in providing its citizens with the educational freedom they need to thrive in the 21st century or risk getting left behind. 

​Thank you for listening to the 45th episode of "This Week's Economy."

Today, I cover:

1) National: 

-DeSantis drops out of the race, and New Hampshire primary results put Trump and Haley fairly close, so what happens next? 

-Real GDP for Q4 2023 was up 3.3%, but the contribution of costly, unproductive government spending makes the real private GDP rate lower.

-The stock market has been better under Trump than Biden through three years of their terms, but Trump can’t necessarily take the credit. Will he try?  

-Grocery prices have moderated but have still outpaced earnings since 2019; what does it mean to you? 

-Why the tax code shouldn’t serve as social engineering, but why does Congress try? 

2) States: 

-National School Choice Week highlights which states need to provide universal education freedom. Is your state next?  

-My new paper with Sal Nuzzo of the James Madison Institute notes how Florida can reduce its sales tax burden, but will they do it?   

-State-level jobs report reveals that job growth is slow across most states, but Texas leads in job creation. How does your state do? 

3) My Media Hits & Other: 

-My recent commentary reveals what’s really going on in the labor market.

-My latest bonus LPP episode with Brad Swail of Texas Talks shares my thoughts on the economy, Texas, property taxes, immigration, and more. 

-Last week’s LPP episode with ⁠Matt Mitchell⁠ reveals how Estonia is freer than the U.S.  

-Set your alarms for Monday so you don’t miss my upcoming episode with Dr. Bruce Caldwell on Friedrich Hayek and much more.

Please like this video, subscribe to the channel, share it on social media, and provide a rating and review. Also, subscribe and see show notes for this episode on Substack (www.vanceginn.substack.com) and visit my website for economic insights (www.vanceginn.com).

This commentary was originally published at The Center Square here. 

A record number of states have passed universal school choice so far this year, but it seems Texas won’t be among them. Given the lack of universal school choice in multiple bills this year, I’m relieved it hasn’t passed in Texas yet.

I’ve long been a researcher and staunch supporter of universal school choice. The way to do this is by making the eligibility and funding for education savings accounts (ESAs) available for all 6.3 million school-age students. ESAs put the power of choosing kids’ schooling in parents’ hands by picking public, private, home, co-op, micro, or other types of schooling. ESAs would be funded through the current school finance system and other general funds or new tax credits as necessary.

After the Texas Legislature failed to pass a school choice bill in the regular legislative session earlier this year, Texas Gov. Greg Abbott added school choice to the third and fourth special sessions. The first two special sessions focused on property tax relief and border security.

The latest $7.6 billion K-12 education-related bill supported by Gov. Abbott in the fourth special session was killed in the House.

The massive education bill died after Rep. John Raney, R-College Station, introduced an amendment to remove Texas’ first ESA program from the bill. The amendment passed with 21 Republicans joining all Democrats, essentially killing the bill as it likely is stuck until the special session ends Dec. 7.

Gov. Abbott asserts that he will keep fighting for school choice, with the possibility of calling more special sessions. But trying to pass universal school choice before the next regular session in 2025 would be a mistake.

This progress was historic as it was the first time since 2005 that a school choice bill had passed out of the House Public Education Committee and made it to the House floor. The Senate has passed school choice bills out of its chamber many times since then, including several times this year.

The latest House bill allocated $7.1 billion for additional public school funding and only $486 million for ESAs. Put another way, that’s more than $14 for public schools for every $1 for school choice, which amounts to providing an ESA of $10,700 to only 45,400 students, or just 0.7% of the 6.3 million school-age kids.

Texas is long overdue to join the growing number of states that have passed it. But there’s no path to real school choice for every student in Texas now because of politics, not from a lack of support among Texans.

A recent University of Houston survey found that 47% of Texans support school choice “for all parents, regardless of income,” and only 28% oppose it. The support exceeds opposition to it across all demographics, including rural areas.

The politics of this is a strange bedfellows of some Republicans and all Democrats spreading fear based on teacher union claims that public schools won’t survive. But doesn’t that fear concede that those schools in a monopoly government school system can’t compete and aren’t serving families well?

The best chance to pass true universal school choice, not the minimal and problematic school choice in the House’s and the Senate’s bills, is to vote out representatives who prioritize teacher unions over Texans. Then, come back to the regular session in 2025 and pass a bill that won’t let Texans continue to fall behind. This is how to help students, parents, and teachers–who would see better pay and benefits through school choice.

Gov. Abbott is leading the way. He recently endorsed 58 House Republicans who voted against Raney’s amendment and made his first endorsement of a candidate running against an incumbent who voted for the amendment.

Some argue that more Texas public school funding is the answer instead of school choice. But as Texas continues to increase funding for public education to record levels, a recent public school ranking shows that Texas public schools rank 13th worst of all 50 states. In another ranking, only 23% of 8th graders performed at or above the National Assessment for Educational Progress (NAEP) proficiency level on its nationally recognized exam.

This means that 77% of 8th graders in Texas scored below proficiency on this national exam. Clearly, the monopoly government school system is failing students in Texas. More funds will not fix this monopoly government school system problem; only more parental freedom will.

Although history was made this year, these efforts aren’t enough. Universal school choice with ESAs for every parent to choose the type of schooling for their kids must be the outcome for better student outcomes, higher teacher pay, more parental opportunities, and greater taxpayer benefits.

Gov. Abbott has been pushing the correct path of universal school choice for more than a year. But given the current makeup of the Legislature, especially in the House, he should give passage of school choice a rest for now.

Texans can only hope that the 2024 election will yield a new wave of politicians who reflect what they want: putting kids first.

The Texas Legislature just found out it has a huge opportunity to correct its profligate spending failures made earlier this year. But instead, they’re gearing up to spend more at the expense of strapped taxpayers. This would be a fatal error for the Lone Star State.

Texas Comptroller Glenn Hegar recently released the Comptroller's Revenue Estimate (CRE). This report acts like a financial checkup to confirm sufficient tax revenue available to cover expenditures based on the state’s balanced budget amendment.

The current two-year tax revenue for 2024-25 was updated higher to $194.6 billion available for general spending, an increase of 24.8% from the previous budget. This certified revenue estimate exceeds the $176.3 billion appropriated by the 88th Legislature for general purposes, resulting in a projected surplus of $18.3 billion.

This large amount is from a more vibrant economy than previously estimated and could go a long way to putting school property taxes on a path to elimination. Yet the Texas Legislature’s recent out-of-control spending habits indicate taxpayers probably won’t get more property tax relief than the minimal amount passed this year. 

The state wants to increase spending on a government school system in the current third special session rather than on students to have universal school choice. And spending could go up by more than $13 billion outside of the expenditure limit if voters approve most of the 14 constitutional amendments on the state ballot this year.

Add it all up, and it’s no wonder that Texans find living in many places across the state unaffordable.

While Texas has witnessed major economic achievements this year, such as noteworthy records for labor force participation and job creation, the 88th Legislature's actions raise serious concerns about the future. 

This year, the Lone Star State passed its largest spending increase, largest corporate welfare, and just the second-largest property tax cut in state history, which the latter will underwhelm homeowners when they get their bills. This could be a major problem for Republicans who have touted this as the “largest property tax cut in the world” or the “largest property tax cut in Texas history.” 

While Texans grapple with an affordability crisis, spending the state surplus and voters approving the proposed ballot items, except propositions 3 (prohibit wealth taxes) and 12 (abolish Galveston County treasurer’s office), would add insult to injury. 

Rather than squandering the surplus, the Texas Legislature should prioritize strengthening the Texas Model by: 

1. Spending less at the state and local levels, strengthen the state’s spending limit with the rate of population growth plus inflation covering all state funds, and have that spending limit also cover local government spending similar to Colorado’s Taxpayer’s Bill of Rights.

2. Taxing less by putting local property taxes on a path to elimination using surpluses to reduce school district M&O property tax rates until they are zero. Local governments should leverage their surpluses to reduce their property tax rates until they are zero.    

3. Regulating less by removing barriers to work, removing occupational licensing restrictions, reforming safety nets, and passing universal school choice.

Strengthening the Texas Model isn't just about fiscal responsibility; it's about securing a thriving future for generations to come. Texas, with its unique spirit and determination, can continue to lead the way, fostering an environment where free-market capitalism thrives and individuals prosper.

The surplus, instead of being frittered away on needless pursuits, should be a catalyst for transformation that redefines the Lone Star State's destiny, safeguards liberty, and sows the seeds of enduring prosperity.

​Originally published at The Center Square.

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​Today, I cover:

• National: The unfortunate human and economic costs of the Hamas-Israel war, Republicans nominate new US House speaker, latest CPI report shows that inflation remains high:
  • And will until the Fed cuts its balance sheet and Congress spends less, and real average weekly earnings decline:
• States: Texas began a special session this week in efforts to tackle School Choice, vaccine mandates by businesses, and border security, and the Legislature is considering a large education funding increase which should be rejected and just pass Universal School Choice
  
• Other: I appreciated the opportunity to speak as a keynote speaker at East Texans for Liberty meeting. Please reach out to me if you’d like for me to speak at your event.
  • Don't miss my other latest outreach efforts with an interview on the Cato Daily Podcast, new commentary published by American Institute for Economic Research on Hong Kong's declining economic freedom, and recent essay at Online Library of Liberty on what Homer taught us about the perils of big government.

Originally published at Texans for Fiscal Responsibility.

​Texas Gov. Greg Abbott (R) is again promoting what could be universal school choice during the third special session in Texas that starts on Oct. 9th. That would be among the best actions Texas can make, the other being eliminating property taxes. 

School choice expert Corey DeAngelis recently noted, “Education funding is meant for educating children, not for protecting a particular institution. It’s time for Texas to fund students, not systems.”

In the Texas Legislature’s regular session this year, several school choice bills were proposed, but all died. State Sen. Brandon Creighton (R-Conroe) had the best case for education savings accounts (ESA) in Senate Bill 8, and it passed the Senate with an 18-13 vote. But it died in the House Public Education Committee, where other school choice bills have died in previous sessions. 

Creighton’s proposal sought to establish an ESA program, the gold standard for school choice already adopted by ten states. 

ESAs provide parents with funds for each child, which can be used for various approved education-related and approved expenses. These expenses include traditional public schools, private school tuition, homeschooling materials, tutoring services, and more. They aren’t the derogatory word of “vouchers” thrown around by anti-school choice folks. Vouchers move funds from a government school to another school. 

ESAs, on the other hand, provide funds to parents for them to use for their kids, which is why they have been determined to work well within our constitutional system and provide accountability by parents on how they use the funds. This market-based, limited-government approach provides a productive path to achieving the goal of improving student outcomes at the least cost to taxpayers.

But naysayers in the education system and supposed religious freedom advocacy groups are raising the alarm against school choice.

Clay Robinson, spokesperson of the Texas Parent Teacher Association, recently asserted, “The more money you have to spend on private schools, the less you have to spend on public schools,” echoing a widely-held concern among rural voters. These arguments, however, are based on misleading premises. 

In reality, government schools wouldn’t have less spending on it unless parents chose to send their kids elsewhere because those schools didn’t meet their kids’ unique needs. This should be a concern for government school proponents, but this isn’t something that they want to address. Instead, proponents just want more funding for a flawed monopoly system. More funding should be rejected, as there is more being spent on government schools in Texas than ever before with dire outcomes.

And rural school districts and their advocates who have long been the barrier to getting school choice passed have nothing to worry about. If there aren’t any other options for students, then they will continue to attend government schools. But I wonder if they know that, when there is competition in the marketplace, other options pop up meeting the demand; which would be a great outcome for families and teachers.

ESAs can address a pressing issue of quality teachers. Texas teacher salaries are reported to lag behind the national average, which doesn’t account for the lower cost of living in Texas compared with many other states. 

However, this could contribute to a teacher shortage statewide, along with other concerns by teachers of the problems at government schools, including a large increase in funding to administrators rather than teachers. Only about 20% of every dollar going to the classroom goes to the teacher, so government schools should correct this failure before receiving any additional funding. 

The current government-run monopoly schooling system isn’t helping educators even as the system has received at least 16% in inflation-adjusted spending per student since 2002. 

Teachers in many states where government schools hold a monopoly have little to no negotiating power as they are stuck in the state’s pay schedule based on tenure and other limited factors. Moreover, lower-income families often find themselves trapped within government-run schools determined by district lines. And all of this is at a huge cost to taxpayers, threatening people of losing their homes from exorbitant property taxes, and declining student outcomes.

ESAs, while not a silver bullet, substantially expand educational options, directing tax dollars to parents to do what’s best for their kids rather than to a bureaucratic, failing schooling system.

States that have embraced universal school choice with ESAs are fostering competitive education markets, driving innovation, and achieving notable improvements in educational outcomes. Parents gain the power to choose the best educational options for their children, while teachers benefit from more professional opportunities and negotiating power.

So, is the current government school system truly the best option for Texas? The answer will become apparent if we implement universal school choice for all children. Otherwise, the Lone Star State risks falling behind other states prioritizing educational freedom and student achievement.

America’s system of free-market federalism, when allowed to function, reveals what works and what fails, resulting in a more prosperous society over time. Education deserves the same opportunities for experimentation and innovation. 

School choice has the potential to break the government-run schooling monopoly that stifles innovation and keeps costs high with declining outcomes. Equal funding to parents, who are taxpayers, for their kids, can reveal which schooling options truly earn parental support, thereby incentivizing educators and administrators to innovate and provide our children with the education they deserve.

As the third special legislative session starts, the Texas Legislature must prioritize responsible stewardship of taxpayer funds and embrace the transformative potential of universal school choice. It’s time for Texas to lead the way, empowering parents, nurturing educational freedom, and ensuring our children have the brightest possible future. Anything less would be a disappointment, and worse, a tragedy for the future of the bright young minds of tomorrow.

​It’s an exciting time as millions of students return to schools in Texas this month. The bright young minds are ready to take the next step in their unique paths for a prosperous future.

But what’s depressing is that few students in Texas will attend the best school for them. This is because Texas – the largest red state – has yet to adopt universal school choice.

Why the delay? Mostly misinformation.

School choice is “any policy that allows families to take their children’s education dollars to the approved education provider of their choosing – be it traditional public schools, public charter schools, private schools, virtual learning, or homeschooling.”

The gold standard of school choice is Education Savings Accounts (ESAs). Universal or near-universal ESAs have been adopted by eight states so far: Arkansas, Arizona, Florida, Indiana, Montana, South Carolina, Utah, and West Virginia. Other states have passed limited school choice.

With ESAs, all parents receive an allotted amount for each child that they can use however they wish for approved education-related expenditures. Some parents choose to send their child to their local public school district and use the money for school supplies. Others put it toward private school tuition, and others toward homeschool curriculum and tutoring.

The possibilities of using ESAs are extensive to best meet the unique needs of students.

But Texas trails behind in school choice because voters living in rural areas fear “that any kind of educational competition will decimate rural public schools and drain them of funds.”

This circular concern proves the point that school choice advocates have been making for years: if a school, be it public, private, or charter, fails due to the existence of ESAs, then that school lacks the competition required to keep and attract parents.

And herein lies misinformation.

A recent article from the Dallas Morning News on this subject claimed, “Did you know parents can take their children to any school they desire? If a parent wants their child to attend a charter, private or public school, the parent has the power to choose.”

If only that were true.

But when the average private school tuition in Texas is over $10,000, and the charter school waitlist is over 70,000, asserting that “parents can take their kids to any school they desire” misunderstands how unattainable alternative schooling options are for many children, especially those in lower-income or single-parent households.

I grew up in a lower-income, single mother household in South Houston, Texas, so this limitation hits home.

Fortunately, I had the opportunity to go to a small private school from kindergarten to second grade because my mother worked there. I attended a government school from third grade to sixth grade. Then my grandparents and father helped my mother fund my home schooling from seventh grade to twelfth grade. I then went on to be a first generation graduate with a doctorate in economics from Texas Tech University.

Unfortunately, too many don’t have those same opportunities that I was blessed to have. This must change.

While ESAs do not remove every barrier, as schools have limited seats and some areas may only have government schools. But they substantially widen the array of options by helping alleviate some of the financial burden by putting tax dollars where they belong: funding students instead of systems.

The states that have adopted universal school choice with ESAs are allowing a more competitive market to work in education, and it will be exciting to see how competition fuels improvements in educational outcomes. Not only are parents in these states more equipped to send their children to the best schooling options for them, but teachers are also empowered with more options for where to take their professional services that best meet their needs.

Are government schools the best option in Texas? Implement universal school choice, and the answer will become apparent. Otherwise, the Lone Star State will lag behind more forward-thinking states that value educational freedom and student achievement.

There is a high likelihood that school choice will be part of a called special session by Texas Gov. Greg Abbott (R) in October. Let’s hope so because the longer Texas waits, the further students will fall behind.

Originally published at The Center Square.

​In today's episode of "This Week's Economy," I discuss the latest GDP report, the House Republicans passing a new debt ceiling bill, School Choice, state budgets, social media bans, and more.

Thank you for listening to the 6th episode of "This Week's Economy,” where I briefly share my insights every Friday morning on key economic and policy news at the U.S. and state levels.

Today, I cover:
1) National: Findings from the latest GDP report released yesterday (April 27th) and the debt ceiling bill passed by House Republicans;
2) States: Updates on Universal School Choice and budgets across states, especially Texas and Louisiana; and
3) Other: Bills circulating on restricting social media, and more.

You can watch this episode on YouTube or listen to it on Apple Podcast, Spotify, Google Podcast, or Anchor (please share, subscribe, like, and leave a 5-star rating).

For show notes, thoughtful economic insights, media interviews, speeches, blog posts, research, and more at my Substack directly in your inbox.

The school choice revolution in the form of universal ESAs is sweeping the nation. This is extraordinary news for students, parents, teachers, and the economy.

Florida recently became the fourth state to adopt universal school choice in 2023. Earlier this year, Iowa, Utah, and Arkansas joined the rebellion against “public” school monopolies by passing universal school choice after West Virginia and Arizona ignited the revolution last year. There are now more than 10 states with education savings accounts (ESAs), and more likely coming soon.

But Texas, Louisiana, Ohio, Alabama, and other states must follow their lead or have their students and economies be left behind.

Although there are still naysayers slowing progress, the tide for school choice is growing as more parents and teachers are persuaded that school choice empowers them and their students. But an often overlooked benefit of school choice is it supports a stronger economy.

Evidence shows that school choice is connected to improved student outcomes, increased teacher pay, and growing economic opportunity, to name a few of its benefits. School choice’s positive effects on these measures counter the problems in the “public” school system, which is an oxymoron.

“Public” schools can exclude students, which a public good can’t do. Also, any positive benefit of this so-called “public good” is questionable at best, given declining test scores and long waiting lines for charter schools.

More accurately named, government schools are funded by taxpayers and operated by government employees. As the only “free” option and a monopoly in states without school choice, government schools have little incentive to improve the flawed one-size-fits-few approach.

This also contributes to many high-quality teachers being underpaid. Government schools have few reasons to efficiently manage funds because they keep getting more taxpayer money regardless of their outcomes. This helps explain why too much money goes to over-paid administrators instead of teachers, and taxpayers don’t get what they pay for regarding academic and work outcomes.

Taxpayers pay about $16,000 per student per year, and that continues to increase over time even after adjusting for inflation. And yet, our students are underperforming academically, falling behind kids in other countries. These outcomes were exacerbated by school shutdowns during the pandemic that left students even less equipped, but this has been a longer-term trend.

More school choice is needed to motivate government schools to stop promoting mediocrity.

In states like Arizona, where all students above the age of five who live in the state are allotted the same amount of funds, parents of all types now have a range of options, no matter their demographic or socioeconomic status.

School choice is finally letting free markets, meaning free people, work in an arena that’s been monopolized by the government for too long.

Yes, taxpayers would still fund ESAs. But until states decide to get out of the schooling market, the next best alternative is to allow competition whereby the dollars follow the child instead of to a system.

In states like Florida with ESAs, parents can vote with their dollars on the best schooling options for their children, forcing all schools, including government schools, to stay competitive if they hope to attract and keep students by providing the best educational outcomes and extracurricular activities.

Giving families more freedom to choose schools, tutoring, and other resources for their unique kids will better equip them to perform better academically and in their careers.

Instead of most students — and almost all underprivileged students — being shuffled through the same one-size-fits-few government schooling system, ESAs allow students to flourish into well-rounded adults, leading to better careers, a more productive workforce, and a faster-growing economy.

The positive economic ripple effects of a society with more access to better education are myriad.

More educated societies tend to experience less crime, decreasing burdens on public services and increasing social trust, which is crucial for the economy. Additionally, more education is linked to higher incomes and improved health. These reduce the number of people in poverty, which reduces the number of people dependent on safety nets funded by taxpayer money, thereby reducing government spending and taxes, resulting in even better economic outcomes.

All these elements are conducive to happier, healthier people with more means to prosper, produce, and innovate, which in many ways is the bedrock of a better economy and livelihoods.

With more than 10 states providing the option of ESAs, including four states providing universal ESAs this year, why not take it to all 50? Texas, Louisiana, Ohio, Alabama, and others ought to be next or risk their students and economies being left behind.

Originally posted at the Daily Caller.

In today's episode of the "Let People Prosper" podcast, which was recorded on February 27, 2023, I'm joined by Randan Steinhauser, who shared her insights on School Choice, including:

1. Why School Choice puts students, parents, and teachers first;
2. How government-run schools are a failing system that put families last and educational bureaucrats first; and
3. Why Universal Education Savings Accounts (ESAs) are the best path forward for school choice in Texas and beyond, and much more.

You can watch this interview on YouTube or listen to it on Apple Podcast, Spotify, Google Podcast, or Anchor (please share, subscribe, like, and leave a 5-star rating).

​Randan Steinhauser’s bio and other info (here):

• Randan Steinhauser is the Founding Partner of Steinhauser Strategies, which she launched in 2013 after relocating to Austin from Washington, D.C. Randan specializes in issue advocacy, non-profit, and corporate communications.
  
• Randan’s career began in the Governor’s Office in South Carolina. In 2009 she joined the staff for U.S. Senator Jim DeMint in Washington, D.C. and later transitioned into the non-profit world working in foreign policy and education reform for former U.S. Secretary of Education Betsy DeVos.
  
• She has worked in more than 30 states on issue advocacy and political campaigns. Randan assists clients with media relations, coalition development, strategic communications, and government affairs.
  
• Originally from South Carolina, Randan is a graduate of The University of South Carolina. She attended The Women’s Campaign School at Yale University and is currently pursuing her Master’s in Communication from Johns Hopkins University. She is the proud mother of four including a set of identical twins.
  
• Find her on Twitter (@RandanMarie).