Governor Greg Abbott last night pledged to expand education freedom for all Texas students at a Parent Empowerment Night held at Reflections of Christ's Kingdom World Outreach International (The R.O.C.K.) packed with over 350 parents, students, educators, and parent empowerment advocates in Houston. 

"The time for school choice is now in the great state of Texas," said Governor Abbott. "Texas wants to see all of our children well-educated—and the best way to do it is by empowering parents to choose the best education option for their child. We can have the best of both worlds by fully funding public education and school choice—and in the best of both worlds, mom and dad are in charge of their kids. Our kids should have access to the number one education system in the United States, and we will do that by empowering parents and passing school choice this session."

The Governor was joined by Gallery Furniture Owner Jim "Mattress Mack" McIngvale, two-time World Heavyweight Champion and Olympic Gold Medalist George Foreman, The R.O.C.K. Founder and Senior Pastor Dr. Dana Carson, The Imani School Founding Head and Executive Director Patricia Williams, Booker T. Washington Initiative Director Dr. Richard Johnson, Texas Public Policy Foundation Campaign Director Mandy Drogin, and other parent empowerment advocates.

Speaking from the stage of The R.O.C.K.'s Fellowship Hall, Governor Abbott detailed his plan to keep public schools fully funded while also expanding state-funded Education Savings Accounts to every Texas student. The Governor highlighted the importance of protecting parents' fundamental role as the primary decisionmakers in their child's education. Additionally, he pointed out that a majority of rural, urban, and suburban Texans want to protect parents' right to access their child’s school curriculum, school libraries, and classroom materials. Governor Abbott also noted the quality of public education improved in states that empowered parents to choose the best education option for their child.

Parent Empowerment Night brings together education leaders and stakeholders to discuss education reform and the growing need for parental empowerment in their children’s education.

In his 2023 State of the State address, Governor Abbott announced education freedom for Texans as an emergency item for the 88th Legislative Session. Read the Governor’s education freedom for all Texans emergency item.