PRESS RELEASE: Liberty County Republican Party Stands Against False “School Choice” Bills
LIBERTY COUNTY, TX – April 3, 2025
The Liberty County Republican Party has officially adopted a resolution opposing House Bill 3 and Senate Bill 2, the so-called “school choice” legislation currently before the Texas Legislature. The party’s executive committee voted to reject these bills as contrary to true educational freedom and Republican principles.
“What’s being marketed as ‘school choice’ actually represents an unprecedented expansion of government control over private education in Texas,” said Tommy Brents, Vice-Chair of the Liberty County Republican Party. “These bills violate core Republican principles by creating a new taxpayer-funded education system that would cost billions, expand bureaucracy, and impose government regulations on private and religious schools.”
The resolution highlights multiple concerns with the proposed Education Savings Account (ESA) program, including violations of the Republican Party of Texas Platform, the creation of a quasi-governmental education system, and the imposition of government-mandated assessments on participating students. Most troubling is the requirement that funds may only be used at “pre-approved” schools and for “pre-approved” educational products, effectively e
roding parental authority.
“As a homeschool graduate and father of five homeschooled children, I stand firmly opposed to these bills,” stated Wesley Thomas, Chair of the Liberty County Republican Party. “While they offer the illusion of returning some of my tax dollars, they demand in exchange increased government interference in the educational choices we make for our children. This doesn’t fulfill the mandate that Republican grassroots delegates have repeatedly given our elected officials.”
The Liberty County Republican Party emphasizes that true school choice must come with “no strings attached” as stated in the Republican Party of Texas Platform. The current legislation fails this test by imposing government control, expanding bureaucracy by 46 new positions, and creating a program estimated to cost over $11.2 billion through 2030.
“Although we strongly support expanding educational options for Texas families, these bills offer more control, not more choice, and come with an extremely high price tag,” added Wesley Thomas. “We urge all citizens of House District 18 to contact Representative Janis Holt at (512) 463-0570 to express their opposition to this dangerous expansion of government power.”
The resolution also calls upon the Republican Party of Texas to officially oppose the legislation and for Governor Abbott to withdraw his support for bills that undermine true educational freedom in Texas.
The Liberty County Republican Party represents Republican voters in Liberty County, Texas and works to advance Republican principles of limited government, personal responsibility, and individual liberty.
Make your voice heard on this issue by contacting Representative Janis Holt’s office at (512) 463-0570 regarding HB3.
| Wes Thomas Chairman |
Tommy Brents Vice-Chairman |
Liberty County Republican Party
1808 Sam Houston St #309
Liberty, TX 77575
Phone: (346) 800-4193
Email: info@libertycountygop.org