TO RSVP: Click the link below and enter the password “TPPF” when prompted

Parents across Texas are working hard to educate their lawmakers and communities about the benefits of empowering parents with transparency, quality education, respect, and choice. We aren’t stopping until every parent has access to an education savings account. That’s why parents and coalition members are gathering on August 12th at TPPF to support the House Public Education Committee as it discusses the policy and implementation of ESAs.

As we approach this historic legislative session, we must remember the efforts of the thousands of parents, education advocates, and elected leaders that have brought us to this moment.

Join the Parent Empowerment Coalition in celebrating the fight to bring school choice to Texas.

Complimentary lunch will be provided for in-person attendees. You are also welcome to tune in to the event online via livestream.

Agenda

10:30AM-11:00AM – Guest Check-In

11:00AM-11:05AM – Opening Remarks

• Mandy Drogin – Campaign Director, Next Generation Texas, Texas Public Policy Foundation

11:05AM-11:45AM – “Why We Joined the Fight”: A conversation with parents, educators and school choice implementation specialists

• Colleen Dippel – Founder & CEO, Families Empowered
• Hillary Hickland – Parent; Advocate for Children & Families; Nominee, Texas House District 55
• Rob McClelland – Trustee, Central Texas ISD

11:45AM-12:00PM – Lunch Break

12:00PM-12:45PM – “The Need for Education Savings Accounts in Texas”: Experts from around the country discuss the success and demand of school choice

• Jorge Borrego – K-12 Policy Director, Next Generation Texas, Texas Public Policy Foundation
• Matthew Ladner, Ph.D. – Senior Advisor, Education Policy Implementation, The Heritage Foundation
• Madison Yandell – Education Policy Advisor, PK-12, Office of Texas Governor Greg Abbott

12:45PM-1:30PM – “What do Texans Think About School Choice?”: Polling experts explain the results of recent polls on education savings accounts.

• Michael Adams, Ph.D. – Professor of Political Science and Public Administration, Barbara Jordan-Mickey Leland School of Public Affairs, Texas Southern University
• Richard Johnson, Ed.D. – Director, Booker T. Washington Initiative & Senior Fellow for Urban Education, Texas Public Policy Foundation

1:30PM-2:15PM – “Closing the Deal”: Elected Leader discussion on how School Choice will Pass in Texas

• The Honorable Briscoe Cain – Texas State Representative (TX-128); Chairman, House Agriculture & Livestock Committee
• The Honorable James Frank – Texas State Representative (TX-69); Chairman, House Human Services Committee

Livestream

Click on the following links to watch the event online via livestream:

• YouTube
• TPPF Website
• Facebook
• Twitter/X

Parking

Please see the parking options below and click here for a parking map:

• Metered parking – pay per minute/hour Congress Avenue – 9th Street and surrounding streets
• Peak Parking LLC – $6.00 for first 30 minutes then $3.00 for each additional 30 minutes -176 E 9th St, Austin, TX 78701
• Capitol Tower – $9.00 per hour – 206 E 9th Street, Austin, TX 78701

TO RSVP: Click the link below and enter the password “TPPF” when prompted

*There are two RSVP Options: 1) In-Person (TPPF Theater), and 2) Virtual (Livestream). When you RSVP, you will receive more event information and a reminder before the event.