Op-Eds

Health Agency Consolidation Can Succeed — With Support

During the recent legislative session, state lawmakers gave our health and human services agencies the difficult task of consolidating several departments and services. While we expressed our concerns about the consolidation plan during the legislative session, it's now time for us all to work together to make it as successful as possible. 

Pushback on Cuts Underscores Support For Early Intervention

Meredith is one of many Texas children who has benefited from the state's Early Childhood Intervention (ECI) program. This past session the state Legislature put in motion a broad range of cuts that would reduce the resources available for children helped by ECI, as well as other Texas children in need.

New Breastfeeding Law Is Good News for Texas Babies

The premise behind a new state law is simple: Texas mothers shouldn't have to choose between their job and breastfeeding their child. That's the dilemma that Anna Johnson-Smith, an experienced kindergarten teacher in a school district outside Waco, faced with when she had her baby in 2012.

Early Childhood Assistance Should Be a Priority

The recent bipartisan reaction against proposed cuts to acute care therapy services for children with disabilities illustrates a growing recognition that children's first few years shape the rest of their lives and should be a priority.

Laws Address Mental Health Woes at School

Millions of Texas public school students have headed back to class, starting a school year that we hope will put each of them on track to reach their potential and continue our state's prosperity into the next generation. Many will have a better chance of succeeding now that the Texas Legislature has passed a number of bipartisan bills recognizing that backpacks and school supplies aren't the only things students bring with them to school.

Children Need Support Before They Reach Crisis

Texas lawmakers took important steps last session to protect children after a crisis in their lives becomes evident, but made little progress in keeping Texas kids out of these situations.

Despite Fryer Rules, Schools Must be Part of Obesity Strategy

While children are at school, and parents are not there to encourage them to take veggies over fries or milk over soda, they rely on schools to be a good partner in steering their children toward healthy choices.

Texas moms have a right to breastfeed

We often hear that being a mom is one of the hardest jobs in the world. Our elected leaders have the chance to make the job a littler easier for mothers who both work and breastfeed. Let's make sure that they do.