TEFA: Texas Families Seek Education Savings

0:00Over 274,000 families in Texas applied for the state's first education savings account program, known as TIFA, before the March 31st deadline. Nearly 35,000 of those applications sought funding for kids with disabilities, while pre-K drew the most interest at over 34,000 applicants. Big cities like Houston, Richardson, Fort Worth, Austin, and San Antonio led the pack regionally. Parents like the Shannases from Dallas shared their story, fighting for support for their three daughters, one with ADHD, dyslexia, and anxiety at a private Catholic school, and nine-year-old twins on the autism spectrum at a therapeutic prep school. They've drained college savings just to cover therapies and current needs, calling it a constant battle that feels life-changing when the right help. Clicks. Under TIFA, kids without disabilities might get $10,000, but those with disabilities could score 30,000 each, with priority for, low-income families earning under 66,000 a year.

1:02It's all decided by lottery, and families pick from nearly 2,300 private schools or homeschool. Selections drop later this month, with 25% of funds hitting accounts by July, giving parents real options to chase their kids, potential without breaking the bank. That's your update from El Paso News today, powered by AI.