The passing of Senate Bill 2, which establishes a private school voucher program in Texas, is a profoundly disappointing moment for our state. This isn’t just bad policy; it’s a betrayal. A betrayal of students in marginalized communities, students with disabilities, and rural districts already stretched thin. A betrayal of the families these leaders were elected to serve.

By diverting public funds to private and often exclusionary schools, this bill widens educational inequity. Latinos represent the largest demographic in Texas public schools, with 53.2% of enrollment in 2023-24, yet they continue to bear the brunt of systemic underfunding and resource disparities. These 3 million Latino students continue to be harmed by policies that neglect public education. For families struggling to make ends meet, even with vouchers, private school tuition exceeds what these subsidies can cover. This program does not offer choice; it offers false promises. 

At Jolt Action, we believe education is a right, not a privilege. Schools should empower all students, regardless of income, immigration status, or zip code. While today’s decision adds an additional $7.7B to public education, the Legislature must do more to address the urgent needs of underserved students and their communities. But this fight is far from over. Here’s how we are stepping up, and how our community can unite to counter the impact of this harmful policy:

• Community Mobilization: Jolt will continue organizing young  Latinos and their families and fostering generational movements to fight for policies that uplift our communities, not sideline them. 
• Educating Our Communities: Driving leadership initiatives like Levántate y Lucha to empower young Latinos with the knowledge and skills to advocate and organize around policies that affect them.
• Fostering Civic Participation: Jolt registered over 34,000 people to vote in the last election cycle and through continued voter registration drives and civic education we will ensure our communities have a decisive voice in shaping a more inclusive future.

   

As an organization that empowers the next generation of young Latino leaders, we believe in a Texas where every child—no matter their background or financial situation—has access to a great public education. That’s why we cannot back down. We’ll keep organizing, educating, and fighting for the schools our communities deserve. Because Texas doesn’t need vouchers—it needs leaders who invest in all our children.

Learn more about how you can join the movement and support our efforts at jolttx.org.

In solidarity, 

Jackie Bastard 

Executive Director,  Jolt Action