SB 2 Is a Recipe for Segregation, Not Student Success

Edit: SB 2 is currently HB 3. Current status here.

Here in Austin, we celebrate the delightfully unconventional. We revel in the wonderfully weird. At Little Twist Bakery, we embody that spirit, twisting it into every meticulously crafted rugelach. But that spirit —the audacious joy that fuels creativity and community — is under siege.

Texas Senate Bill 2 (SB2), the so-called "school choice" program, is nothing more than a school voucher scheme poised to gut our public education system. Think of it like putting a dollar into a vending machine for a bag of chips, only to get a pack of gum instead. If you're short on time, scroll to the bottom for actionable steps beyond (or in addition to — no judgment) kicking the machine. If you’ve got a few minutes, read on.

From Public School Chalk Dust to Flour Power: A Story of Access

I’m a product of the public school system, and I wear that badge with pride (and maybe a dusting of powdered sugar). My parents, immigrants who quickly learned the unspoken rules of American education, understood that opportunity was often dictated by geography. They saw how school quality varied dramatically by zip code, creating a system where access to a good education depended on what you could afford.

They were resourceful — let’s just say that. They ensured we had access to the best public schools they could manage, even if it meant bending, but never breaking, the rules. It wasn’t about some mythical "meritocracy" — it was about access. Access to resources, to dedicated teachers, to a system that, despite its flaws, still offered a fighting chance. Success, especially for immigrant families and families of color, is rarely a straight path. It’s a mix of hard work, resilience, navigating systemic barriers, and, frankly, a lot of luck.

My public school teachers weren’t just educators; they were cultivators, nurturing potential in a system that (at least then) offered relatively equitable access, even if the larger societal playing field remained profoundly uneven.

And now? The class bullies and others who had peaked in high school may have found their second peak, and I’ve traded scalpels for spatulas, but the fight for a just world continues. As I raise my own twin toddlers, with their beautiful blend of Asian and Jewish heritage — cultures that deeply value education — I’m even more fiercely committed to ensuring they, and ALL children, have access to the best public education possible. SB2 threatens to crumble that future. That is something I, and every person who gives a damn, will not allow.

The School Voucher Charade and Stale Promises

SB2’s language is carefully crafted, deceptively benign. They call it “choice,” but it’s a rigged game. Imagine a bakery that touts a “choice” of treats, but only offers day-old, slightly-off options while the truly exceptional pastries are locked behind a velvet rope of privilege. That’s the voucher system: a mechanism that benefits those already ahead while further sidelining those facing systemic hurdles. James Talarico, former San Antonio public school teacher and current Texas Representative, delves deeper about vouchers as "welfare for the wealthy" in this short video.

Make no mistake — the architects of SB2 will preach empowerment. Don’t be fooled. This isn’t about opportunity; it’s about:

• Starving the System: Vouchers act as fiscal parasites, siphoning critical funds from public schools. Every dollar diverted means fewer resources for classrooms bursting at the seams, teachers burning the midnight oil on lukewarm coffee, and a curriculum slowly withering, especially in underserved communities.

• Selective "Inclusion" (otherwise known as sanctioned segregation): Private schools get to pick and choose. “Special needs? Our resources are limited.” “Learning differences? Perhaps another institution is a better fit.” It’s a system that promises “separate but equal” — but history reminds us that “separate” never translates to truly equal.

• Profit Over Potential: This isn’t about nurturing minds; it’s about turning education into a marketplace where children’s futures are traded like stocks, with little regard for long-term equity.

The Evidence is Clear: Indiana and Arizona’s Cautionary Tales

TLDR: Here's a list of current states with voucher programs and education outcomes - spoiler: it's bad. This Stanford article summarizes the negative impact school vouchers have on students and taxpayers.

Indiana has the largest voucher program in the nation. A report from the Center for Tax and Budget Accountability (CTBA) shows an enduring achievement gap and a fiscal black hole.

Then there’s Arizona, practically a case study in voucher-induced disaster. Save Our Schools Arizona reported:

• Public School Funding Plummets: Vouchers have siphoned hundreds of millions away from public schools, leading to teacher shortages, increased class sizes, and cuts to essential programs like art, music, and special education. The hardest-hit schools? Low-income and predominantly BIPOC communities.

• Lack of Accountability: The expansion of vouchers meant less oversight, raising serious concerns about transparency and effectiveness.

Rugelach and Resistance: Time to Rise

At Little Twist Bakery, we believe in more than just delicious pastries; we believe in a just and equitable society. Each layer of our rugelach represents a layer of commitment — a dedication to a world where every child, regardless of circumstance, has access to a quality education. A world where opportunity isn’t a privilege, but a right.

SB2 is an affront to that vision. It’s a calculated maneuver that will ultimately harm the very children it claims to help, leaving behind broken promises and deepened inequality. We need to resist — like a perfectly proofing dough, ready to rise.

Take Action Today

The Texas House of Representatives will decide this battle. Here's what you can do:

1. Find Your Representative: Contact Your Texas House Rep

2. Make Your Voice Heard: Demand a vote of NO on SB2.

3. Share this post with other Texans who care about education

4. Consider donating directly to local organizations like the ones listed below

Let’s show Texas that our children are worth more than political posturing. Let’s fight for a future where every child has the opportunity to flourish.

Want to support this fight while satisfying your sweet tooth? Order here. Proceeds from our rugelach sales are donated to causes such as Texas Freedom Network and Texas Freedom to Read.

For good food and even butter causes,
Autumn