Statement from State Senator Molly on Senate Bill 2 Ahead of Floor Vote

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 4, 2025
Statement from State Senator Molly on Senate Bill 2 Ahead of Floor Vote
Austin, TX –Senator Molly Cook (D-Houston) released the following statement regarding Senate
Bill 2, which will be heard on the Senate floor tomorrow:
“Tomorrow, the Senate will take up SB 2, and my district has made it clear where they
stand. I will be voting no with the voices of my community in mind.
“In the ER, I treat every patient regardless of their background or ability to pay. Public
education operates on that same principle, serving every child regardless of what their
family can afford. School vouchers threaten to dismantle that promise. Constitutionally
mandated public education is one of the most powerful pathways, and often the only
pathway, for young people to achieve financial security and opportunity. Our public
schools are the backbone of our communities, providing meals, support services, and a
sense of belonging beyond the classroom. Just like healthcare, privatization of public
education prioritizes profit over people and leaves our most vulnerable neighbors
behind.
“Here's what I've heard from my district: The choice doesn't go to parents, it goes to
private schools to pick and choose students while leaving public schools underfunded.
SB 2's definition of "low-income" is unrealistic, designed to benefit wealthy families,
many of whom already send their children to private schools. SB 2 shifts public dollars
into private companies, draining resources from the schools that serve the vast majority
of Texas children and pushing our state toward financial instability. Private schools
that accept public funds won't be held to the same standards and protections for students
and educators.
“Vouchers divert resources from our public schools and create a two-tiered system:
well-funded private schools for a select few and underfunded public schools struggling
to serve the majority of Texas children. Instead of draining resources, we should be
investing in smaller class sizes, higher teacher pay, and the services that help all
students succeed.”