While the political shockwaves of Tuesday's election continue to reverberate, we are rolling up our sleeves and getting to work -- and asking you to stand by our side.
As federal leaders consider putting health insurance at risk for millions of Americans without a plan to ensure access to high-quality affordable health care, we will ratchet up our efforts to ensure Texas children have a voice in this and other critical national debates.
But we also know that now, more than ever, we can't let the focus on political divisions or the upcoming policy decisions in Washington distract from the high-stakes decisions that our state leaders are going to make when the Legislature meets two months from now.
While most eyes are on Washington, we know that our team can work with state leaders on both sides of the aisle here in Austin and shape policy decisions that will change the lives of thousands -- if not millions -- of Texas kids.
Let me give you an example of what we've been able to accomplish, and why you should make a financial contribution today to ensure that together we can continue this work for Texas kids during the next legislative session.
Thanks to you, we recently uncovered that thousands of Texas babies and toddlers with speech delays, autism, Down syndrome, and other disabilities and developmental delays are missing out on Early Childhood Intervention (ECI) services after state cuts.
While kids from every demographic group lost services, we shined a spotlight on the fact that the greatest loss was among Black children.
As a result of our high-profile report, the Houston Chronicle editorial board, outraged state legislators, and other Texans have called on state leaders to step up and make sure young children receive the services they need to learn to walk, communicate with their families, get ready for school, or meet other goals.
As part of our research, we met a little girl named Zoe. Her dad said to us, “See this -- how she’s holding herself up with little support from me -- that’s ECI. It took us months to get there, but now she can even let go with one hand.”
Together, we can make sure more kids grow up with the support they need to fulfill their potential, just like Zoe.
With you by our side, we will continue to fight for better state policies on ECI, foster care, juvenile justice, school discipline, health coverage for moms and kids, nutrition, mental health, pre-k, child care, and more so that Texas children from EVERY background can reach their potential.
Our efforts together are laying the groundwork for what will be a very important legislative session for children and families in 2017.
Please join us again this year and give a gift to ensure Texas children have what they need to fulfill their promise. Their success will shape not only their future, but also the future of our state.
Together, we will continue to stand up for Texas children.
Sincerely,
Stephanie Rubin, CEO
P.S. We hope you can join us at our Annual Founder’s Luncheon on February 8, 2017 in Austin. Save the date and stay tuned for details.