Homeschoolers and Public Education Advocates Team to Fight Senate Bill 3

Fearing that state subsidies for homeschool and private school students could mean unwanted regulation down the line, a group of unlikely allies opposes one of Dan Patrick’s signature initiatives.

By Rhonda FanningFebruary 27, 2017 5:11 pm, ,

Homeschoolers and public education advocates aren’t typically allied on much when it comes to education issues. But some activists are teaming up to fight what they see as an encroachment on their schools. It all comes down to Senate Bill 3, a high priority for Lieutenant Governor Dan Patrick.

The bill would subsidize private school education and homeschooling expenses for those who choose to opt out of public education.

Even though the bill seems to be beneficial to parents of homeschoolers, Aliyya Swaby, a public education reporter for the Texas Tribune, says it isn’t surprising that they’re wary of the bill.

“They are concerned that any sort of public money in homeschooling means that eventually more regulations are on the way,” Swaby says.

What you’ll hear in this segment:

– How SB 3 might impact homeschoolers.
– Why there’s a rural-urban divide when it comes to this issues.
– How likely is it that this bill will pass?

Written by Morgan O’Hanlon.