We've been awfully busy at the Capitol in recent days. Here's a quick recap of key bills for Texas children.
Support SB 818/HB 2664 to Improve Nutrition and Fitness in Early Child Care
Interactive Map: ECI Enrollment Trends by Texas County
Why Legislators Should Fund Pre-k Quality Through the New Grant Program (With Maps By Legislative District!)
Building Healthy Foundations for Kids
Call Key Budget-Writers to Support Full Funding for Pre-k Quality Grants
Three Ways to Speak Up About Funding for Health and Human Services Priorities
Fully Fund Pre-k Grants and Address Non-Academic Barriers to Student Learning
Testimony to House Appropriations Article III Subcommittee
High-quality early education and support for students facing non-academic challenges are critical for ensuring student success. We urge the Subcommittee to maintain the current level of annual funding for the high-quality grant program by providing $236 million and direct TEA to develop a plan to coordinate resources available for addressing non-academic barriers, among other steps.
Five Smart Bills for Texas Pre-k & Child Care
Deep Concerns Regarding the Across-the-Board Cut in the Senate Budget
Testimony to the Senate Finance Committee
We urge the Committee to withdraw the across-the-board cut contained in Article IX of the Senate budget and consider each program’s funding needs on a case-by-case basis. The proposed $1 billion cut would undermine the state’s efforts to improve child protection. It would lead to Medicaid cuts far in excess of the controversial therapy rate cuts for children with disabilities. It would also make it harder to reach full funding for the new pre-k grant program and other services that are critical to the success of children.