Senator Cook Votes Against SB 2, Vows to Continue Fighting for Texas Public Schools

the senate of the state of texas
The Honorable Molly Cook
State Senator, District 15
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Contact: Daphne Alcala (512) 463-0115 February 5, 2025
Senator Cook Votes Against SB 2, Vows to Continue Fighting for Texas Public Schools
Austin, TX –Today, after hours of debate, amendments, rigorous discussion, and unified
demonstration by the Senate Democratic Caucus, the Texas Senate passed SB 2, legislation that
fundamentally disrupts our public education system by establishing "education savings accounts"
(ESAs) and spending hard-earned taxpayer dollars on private school tuition. While some
amendments improved the bill's oversight and accountability measures, ultimately, the final
version remains a deeply flawed program that, in practice, harms more Texas children than it helps.
Senator Cook (D-Houston) offered the following statement:
“I voted no on Senate Bill 2 after hearing from students, parents, teachers, and staff
across public, private, and homeschool communities in Senate District 15 who have
expressed overwhelming concerns about this program's impact on our community. As
much as Senate Democrats went to bat for our public school children, standing together
with solutions, and fighting for accountability, this bill still passed, despite
overwhelming opposition from the thousands of constituents we represent. Texans do
not want their public education system dismantled.
“The devastating impact on neighborhood schools in Senate District 15 and across the
state will further deepen the existing educational disparities that already affect our most
vulnerable students. When we invest in opportunities that serve the most vulnerable,
we serve everyone. Instead of addressing teacher shortages, outdated resources, and
underfunded special education programs, this legislation forces our public schools to
do more with less. I cannot support a program that compromises the opportunities and
future for Texas children.”
Throughout the debate, Senator Cook worked to improve the bill’s accountability measures,
offering amendments to strengthen transparency and ensure taxpayer dollars are spent responsibly.
Floor Amendment #25 would have required educational service providers and private schools
participating in the ESA program to make their budgets public, just as public schools are required
to do. Unfortunately, the amendment failed on a vote of 11-20.
Senator Cook also proposed Floor Amendment #30 to clarify in statute that any taxpayer money
used to promote the ESA program would count toward the bill’s existing 3% administrative

spending cap, preventing excessive or unaccounted-for marketing expenses. While this
amendment was rejected by the bill’s author and failed by the same margin, the author did provide
verbal clarification on the record that marketing costs are included in the 3% spending cap.
“I appreciate Chairman Creighton's willingness and collaboration to incorporate a
proposed requirement that private schools receiving state funds through this program
must have a physical presence in Texas, even if they offer digital instruction. Additional
accountability and oversight measures were needed to help keep Texas taxpayer dollars
in Texas.
“As much as we fought to improve this bill, SB 2 remains fundamentally flawed. It is
a misguided attempt at education reform that leaves public schools struggling, adds
additional burdens on families, and prioritizes private interests over public good. I will
continue advocating for our teachers, students, and families as SB 2 heads to the Texas
House.”