Scott Jensen started by highlighting the many years it took for school choice and ESA programs to spread around the country and how COVID-19 resulted in frustrated parents looking for other options for their children, with universal ESAs being now discussed more.

Rob Fairbank pointed out that COVID-19 also resulted in parents looking into virtual education options.

Heidi Nesset explained that we should fund every child rather than funding schools. Rep. Cunningham @CharlesTX127 reminded us that everyone was paying for public schools, even parents sending their kids to private schools, and public schools should remain one of the options.

Rep. Cunningham @CharlesTX127 and Rep. Leo Wilson @TerriLeoWilson discussed what led Texas to its burdensome charter application process and why Rep. Cunningham filed HB 2890 during the 88th #txlege to change the approval vote threshold.

Sarah Raybon gave encouraging data from existing programs from which Texas can learn. Rep. @TerriLeoWilson : "Texas should have been first. This is Texas after all," but the Representative is confident Texas will get there.

Rep. Cunningham and Rep. Leo Wilson, as well as all panelists, restated that parents loved their children and knew what's best for them. Sarah Raybon answered some concerns, explaining current ESA platforms won't allow parents to buy items or services that have not been approved

For next session, panelists warned against language that is too restrictive and recommended universal eligibility while putting special needs & low income children first, and making the program easy to use and implement.

Rep. Leo Wilson and Rep. Cunningham wished for a standalone ESA bill while other public education issues could be addressed separately.