Big changes are on the horizon for families in one state, and they could mean thousands of dollars in financial support.

Whether you're helping to raise grandchildren, covering back-to-school costs, or exploring alternative education options, these updates may directly impact your household.

A newly passed law is set to reshape how families approach schooling, with financial aid tied to both learning needs and income.


While the program isn’t active just yet, the first phase begins this September—and it’s worth understanding who qualifies.

Here's a closer look at what’s changing, how to prepare, and how families can benefit from the new opportunities.

New law brings education funding changes to Texas

Starting September 1, Texas will begin implementing a new education law that creates a statewide private school voucher program.

Under this law, eligible families could receive up to $30,000 in funding through Education Savings Accounts (ESAs).

The money won’t be accessible until the 2026–2027 school year, but the framework is being set now.

The goal of the program is to give families more flexibility in how they cover education costs—including tuition, transportation, and supplies.

How much could your family receive?

Here’s a breakdown of how the program allocates funds:

• Homeschooling families may receive up to $2,000 per student.
• Private school students could be eligible for up to $10,000.
• Students with disabilities attending private schools may qualify for up to $30,000.

The funds will be distributed through ESAs and can be used for educational expenses such as tuition, tutoring, school supplies, uniforms, technology, and more.


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Who qualifies first?

Not all families will receive the full amount.

Payments will be prioritized based on income level and whether a child has a documented disability.

The Texas Comptroller’s Office will be overseeing the program and is expected to release detailed eligibility and application information in the coming months.

What sparked the change?

The new voucher system was created through the passage of Senate Bill 2 and House Bill 2, after years of debate in the state legislature.

Governor Greg Abbott and lawmakers finalized the deal in June.

Supporters say it gives parents more choice in how and where their children are educated, while critics argue it may divert resources from public schools.


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How families can use the funds

Eligible expenses under the new ESAs include:

• Private school tuition and fees
• Homeschool curriculum and learning materials
• Tutoring and educational therapy
• Technology and school supplies
• Transportation and uniforms
• Extracurricular activities

For grandparents or guardians contributing to education costs, these new benefits could offer significant financial relief.



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Tax-free shopping holidays also help stretch budgets

In addition to the new education law, several states are offering sales tax holidays for back-to-school shopping.

These programs allow families to purchase certain items without paying sales tax during designated dates.

Some of the most notable include:

• Texas: August 8–10 — tax-free clothing, shoes, backpacks, and school supplies under $100
• Florida: All of August — school supplies up to $50, clothing up to $100, and computers up to $1,500
• Connecticut: August 17–23 (third Sunday to following Saturday) — clothing and shoes under $100 are tax-free.
• Ohio: August 1–14 — most tangible personal property under $500 is tax-free
• South Carolina, Virginia, West Virginia, and more also offer their own programs

Even outside of official holiday weekends, some areas like New York City and parts of Pennsylvania provide year-round tax exemptions on certain clothing and school items.

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Retailers offer extra savings

Alongside state programs, major retailers are promoting their own deals during back-to-school season.

Stores like Costco, Target, and others are rolling out discounts on laptops, dorm room gear, backpacks, and more.

Whether you’re prepping for college or restocking your home office, it’s a great time to take advantage of seasonal sales.

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Getting ready for the new funding program

Here’s how Texas families can start preparing now:

1. Stay updated by visiting the Texas Comptroller’s website for announcements.
2. Gather paperwork like income verification, proof of residency, and your child’s current school status.
3. Think ahead about how you might use the ESA funds for your child's unique needs.
4. Talk to educators at your child’s school or learning center to see how these changes might apply.

These education changes could make a real difference for families navigating school costs and planning for the future.

Whether you're a parent, grandparent, or just curious about how state programs are evolving, it's worth staying informed.

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What do you think about these new education payments—and would they make a difference for your family?