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The Farm Bill Feeds Texans

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As Texas dives headlong into its 89th legislative session, all eyes are on the Capitol. However, we don’t want to lose the forest for the trees. Texas may have to set its budget before we know what happens in Washington, D.C. Many of the bills currently introduced in the Texas House and Senate are federally funded through the ‘farm bill’ (the Agriculture Improvement Act of 2018). Without the farm bill, Texas cannot sufficiently fund school meals or the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP).  

Texans must act now. This is a particularly challenging year, as the current provisions for reauthorization expired on Sept. 30, 2024. Republicans reportedly let it expire intentionally so that it could be reviewed under the new administration. The last time this budget changed was in 2018. 

What’s the Problem? 

The presidential election and congressional tactics at the federal level left the farm bill idling until now. We may need a temporary farm bill (by Dec. 20, 2024) to get us through until January’s budget reconciliation (the congressional process of approving the federal budget). This means that the Trump administration has an additional opportunity to cut spending on food and nutrition-based assistance, identified by his platform in both Project 25 and Agenda 47 as opportunities for spending cuts.  

Partisan politicians are using the urgent need to pass the bill to pit farmers against individuals receiving food and nutrition benefits. 80% of the current (2018) bill is earmarked for food and nutrition programs. Before the presidential election, Republicans indicated they would allow the benefits at current levels, but in turn would permanently remove the ability for any future president to increase the benefits. This is unacceptable. If funding for farmers can increase based on market forces, so can food and nutrition benefits. 

Is There a Solution? 

Currently, talks indicate that Congress will either pass a resolution to extend the current version of the bill for one year, through September 2025, or pass a new five-year farm bill by Dec. 20, 2024. A major point of contention is that Senate Republicans are pushing for around $10-15 billion in emergency aid to farmers – innocuous enough, except that they want to pull the money from the nutrition programs’ funding. In turn, Senate Democrats –namely Senator Debbie Stabenow – put forth a farm bill that suggested using money from the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) to fund the aid for farmers. Under the Democrats’ proposal, Texas would get the largest share of the payments and be able to feed its communities. Many viewed the Democrats’ proposal as a win-win, but conservative hold outs are standing firmly against, as Speaker Johnson maintains the GOP will not support IRA funding. Quoted in Dec. 14’s Hagstrom Report, Stabenow and Scott explained: “Republican leadership turned down this $10 billion proposal, rejecting needed economic assistance and increased conservation spending for decades. It is important to stress that this proposal is paid for and does not take any funding away from the critical natural disaster aid that has been requested.” Stabenow’s plan had funding for both farmers and SNAP, but because the GOP refused this compromise, we are at a stalemate with all farm bill-related funding ending on Dec. 20. It is pure partisan posturing that the bill cannot get passed. 

It is true that farmers are hurting and need financial support, especially as climate change continues to worsen. Farmers are key in supporting efforts toward food security, however support for them should not be contingent on other Texans going hungry.  

Why Should You Care? 

Our great state has higher food insecurity than the national average, yet both federal and state governments are poised to slash more funding. The 89th Legislature is considering spending cuts on school lunches, school breakfasts, and who and what SNAP will cover going forward. If a conservative federal government is signaling their support of these cuts, we know Texas will follow suit.  

In addition to potential federal and state cuts to food and nutrition programs, Texas chose to leave nearly $500 million in the hands of the federal government rather than use it to feed approximately 3.7 million kids this summer. Summer EBT funding is a permanent federal benefit, one that Texas chooses not to apply for. Refusing these funds further exacerbates food insecurity in Texas; if SNAP is cut at federal and local levels, our already overstretched food banks – who are also dependent on funds tied to the farm bill – will be used to fill in the gaps. Many Texas children will go hungry. Childhood hunger is shown to decrease academic success, mental health, and of course, physical health.  

What Can You Do? 

The farm bill will foreshadow what’s to come in Texas. If you have school-aged children or support health and well-being assistance for Texans, you should follow what happens to this and other key pieces of state legislation. We need federal funds and state support to continue growing our strong, healthy, and educated workforce.  

  • Call your representatives, senators, and the agricultural committee chairs and tell them that allowing Texans to go hungry is unacceptable. Look up your elected officials here. 

Upcoming legislation regarding Texans’ food and nutrition funded by the farm bill: 

  • HB 314 – A proposal to recertify SNAP benefits annually instead of biannually. 
  • HB 820 – An exemption from additional work requirement for students enrolled at least half time and working in federal/state work-study programs.  
  • HB 567 – Allows a grace period for students with insufficient balances on their meal cards and allows students the ability to donate their balances to other students. 
  • HB 434 – Allows SNAP to cover food delivery fees for qualified elderly and disabled recipients. 
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Blog

HealthCare.Gov Enrollment Period Is Now Open!

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All Texans are worth affordable, comprehensive health coverage, yet our state continues to lead the nation with the highest uninsured rate for both adults and children due to our state leaders’ faulty decision making. Health insurance is life-changing — helping Texans detect cancer sooner and address chronic health challenges before pregnancy. This open enrollment period is an opportunity for Texans to find and afford critical medications and services while avoiding crushing medical debt. 

The HealthCare.Gov Enrollment Period Is Now Open

It’s time to check out your options for health coverage through HealthCare.Gov! If you or your family need health insurance for 2025, sign up on HealthCare.Gov from Nov. 1, 2024 through Jan. 15, 2025. Enroll or change plans by Dec. 15 to have coverage begin on Jan. 1, 2025. 

A record 3.4 million Texans enrolled in a plan through HealthCare.Gov last open enrollment period. The number of Texans with health insurance through the Marketplace nearly doubled in the last two years. Perks like increased affordability and new financial help were main drivers behind the increase and will continue through 2025. 96% of Texas consumers got federal financial help to pay for coverage in plan year 2024, and we anticipate many Texans will pay $10 a month or less for coverage in 2025.

DACA ACA Eligibility Became Federal Law!

Earlier this year, the United States Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) finalized a new rule that expands health coverage for Americans with “Deferred Action for Childhood Arrival” (DACA) status by adding that immigration status to the “lawfully present” category. This means that, for the first time this year, DACA recipients will be able to use the ACA Marketplace and qualify for financial assistance to pay premiums to get coverage through the HealthCare.Gov Marketplace.  

This new policy goes live in November 2024, and Every Texan and enrollment assistance partners across the state are excited to support this new avenue for accessible health coverage. DACA recipients who would like to purchase a plan on the Marketplace will have a Special Enrollment Period (SEP) that allows coverage to begin the month after enrollment. This SEP will last through January 2025 to ensure overlap with the national ACA Open Enrollment period.  

Who Can Get Covered Through HealthCare.Gov for 2025?

Even if you’ve checked options for you or your family before, it’s worth checking again! New rules and increased affordability may mean there are more appealing coverage options for your household. 

Coverage continues to be more affordable through 2025 as part of the Inflation Reduction Act. Many Texans can get comprehensive coverage with a $0 monthly premium and low or no deductibles, including:

  • Citizens earning between 100-150% of the federal poverty level (between $15,060 and $22,590 for an individual or between $31,200 and $46,800 for a family of four). 
  • Lawfully present immigrants, including many Legal Permanent Residents who are ineligible for Medicaid, are also eligible for these enhanced subsidies when earning below 150% of the federal poverty level ($22,590 for an individual or $46,800 for a family of four).

People earning more than 400% of the federal poverty level ($60,240 for individuals and $124,800 for families of four) can continue to get help paying for coverage, with premiums capped by a different federal policy at 8.5% of their income.

A new rule from 2023, the “Family Glitch Fix,” bases the “affordability” of a job-based insurance offer on the entire family, not just the employee. This opens up a new window of opportunity for family members to buy HealthCare.Gov insurance that is actually affordable. Families of low-paid workers, small business employees, workers in the service industry, and children under 18 are expected to benefit the most.

People who have recently experienced a life change, including losing Medicaid or CHIP coverage, may still be able to buy a Marketplace plan. 

Free Enrollment Assistance Help Is Available. 

There are a few ways to look at options and fill out an application for coverage outlined on HealthCare.Gov. Many Texans, including citizens and lawfully present immigrants, will have options to consider when shopping for health coverage. The process can be confusing and even overwhelming, but trustworthy help is available. 

Community organizations across Texas are standing by to offer free, expert help with the sign-up process. These organizations do not get paid by health plans for referrals; they exist to connect Texas families to health coverage. 

The Get Covered Connector lets you search for Texas enrollment assistance providers’ locations by zip code. Across Texas, community members can make an appointment to get help filling out applications, enrolling, and getting connected to a year-round health coverage support system.

North Texas:

West and South Texas:

  • 67 Counties along the US/Mexico Border: MHP Salud (833.337.2583)

East Texas:

  • Harris and Surrounding Counties: Civic Heart (713.374.1282)
  • Harris and Surrounding Counties: Houston Food Bank (832.369.9390)
  • Harris and Surrounding Counties (specializing in Chinese, Korean, Vietnamese, and communities speaking Asian languages): Light and Salt Association (713.988.4724)

Central Texas:

When searching for enrollment support or looking for information, keep in mind: 

  1. People should not have to pay for help enrolling in Medicaid, CHIP, or Marketplace health coverage. 
  2. The Marketplace, assister organizations, and your state will never threaten you or ask for credit card information or payment to qualify you for health coverage.
  3. No assister, health insurance agent, or health insurance broker should enroll you in a plan or change your plan without your consent. 

To find enrollment help near you, call the Navigator program numbers listed above in your area. If you run into any hurdles or have any feedback or questions, reach out to Every Texan’s Health and Food Justice Programs Manager Lynn Cowles at 512.522.3220 or cowles@everytexan.org.

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Press Mentions

Lynn Cowles in The Texas Tribune: Texas’ order to ask hospital patients’ citizenship status renews focus on the state’s large uninsured population

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Every Texan’s Health and Food Justice Programs Manager Lynn Cowles spoke to The Texas Tribune about Gov. Abbott’s Executive Order GA-46, which requires the Texas Health and Human Services Commission to direct public hospitals to collect demographic information on patients that will enable hospital staff to determine how many inpatient and emergency care patients at the hospital are undocumented. The processes outlined in the Executive Order begin Nov. 1, 2024, also the date DACA recipients around the U.S. will first be able to enroll in Marketplace health insurance through the Affordable Care Act.
 
Read an excerpt below:
 
But there are doubts as to whether Texas will be able to come up with a solid cost figure without a lot of caveats to understand.
 
Data has shown for years that undocumented immigrants who lack access to health insurance plans, Medicaid included, typically use hospitals less than American citizens who are uninsured – Texas hospitals spend $3.1 billion a year on uninsured care that is not reimbursed, according to THA. Even emergency Medicaid spending, which by design, covers undocumented immigrants’ hospital costs in limited circumstances, has gone down in the last five years. And efforts by Florida to answer the same undocumented patient care question have fallen short.
 
“This executive order is intended to scare people into not using any kind of public benefits program,” said Lynn Cowles, health and food justice programs manager at Every Texan, which advocates for better health care in Texas. “It’s pretty classic anti-immigrant rhetoric that will not lead to any new understandings from data collected by (Texas) Health and Human Services.”
 
 
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Blog

Data Brief: Celebrating LGBTQ Texans

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Did you know the state of Texas has more queer people than the state of New York? 

Over 2 million Texans identify as lesbian, gay, bisexual, or transgender, making them the second-highest LGBT-identifying population in any state (next only to California). Queer populations are also often undercounted, so this number is likely even higher. Texas is a big state, and we have more than enough room to accommodate all the identities in our community. However, we have a long way to go before state policy equitably reflects the needs of queer Texans.  

Texans of all races, genders, sexual orientations, and incomes believe in the freedom to thrive, to be ourselves, and to have a say in the decisions that impact our lives. To be successful, however, we need resources we can rely on. We celebrate the diversity of queer Texans while recognizing the urgent need to remove and prevent harmful policies. According to a survey by the Trevor Project, 90% of LGBTQ young people aged 13-24 say that recent politics have negatively impacted their well-being, and 45% of transgender and nonbinary youth report that they or their family have considered moving to a different state because of anti-LGBTQ politics and laws.   

Our state is home to an estimated:  

  • 92,900 transgender adult Texans (Williams Institute)
  • 735,000 gay or lesbian adult Texans  (Census Bureau Household Pulse Survey Cycle 4)
  • 1,267,000 bisexual adult Texans (Census Bureau Household Pulse Survey Cycle 4)

This means that at least one in every 11 Texas adults identify as LGBTQ. Another estimated 100,000+ youth (aged 13-17) identify as LGBTQ, with roughly one-third (29,800) identifying as transgender.  

Today, Texas state leaders who are aligned with the wealthy few have abandoned everyday Texans. By shaming and fueling hatred toward Texas’ queer community, they deny us the freedom to thrive. Queer Texans have the same aspirations as others in our state – to live long, happy, and healthy lives. However, economic security and health indicators indicate that LGBTQ Texans are more likely to struggle for a myriad of reasons. Past and present anti-LGBTQ politics and laws drive discrimination against LGBTQ Texans, preventing them from thriving in our communities. The Movement Advancement Project tracks state-level laws related to outcomes for queer residents, and Texas ranks at the bottom. Unfortunately, we are not alone; 29% of America’s LGBTQ population live in states where laws affect them negatively – many of whom live in the South. 

Tracking LGBTQ+ data is essential to understand and address the unique challenges this population faces. Accurate data collection reveals disparities in health, housing, economic security, and safety, which in turn helps policymakers create informed and inclusive policies. The U.S. Census Bureau is enhancing its data collection efforts through the Household Pulse Survey and others to incorporate Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity (SOGI) questions, as outlined in the Census Bureau’s SOGI Data Action Plan. 

At Every Texan, we believe social justice requires robust public policy. Our mission is to strengthen public policy to expand opportunity and equity for all Texans. Comprehensive and accurate data informs our research, policy recommendations, and education of policymakers and stakeholders. 

Queer Texans live across the state, not just in our major metropolitan areas. We must do more to protect their rights and livelihoods. Explore this data story to learn more about what data is available about LGBTQ+ Texans, and what disparities still exist. 

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Blog

Data Brief: Hispanic Heritage Month 2024

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With more than 12 million people, Texas’ Hispanic and Latino population makes up 40% of the state’s total population. As the largest ethnic minority, Hispanic Texans profoundly influence the state’s cultural, economic, and political landscapes. From artists and activists to entrepreneurs and educators, the community’s contributions are far-reaching and vital in shaping our state’s identity.

Historical figures like José Sarria, the first openly gay person to run for public office in the U.S., paved the way for greater representation and civil rights. Leaders like Dolores Huerta, co-founder of the United Farm Workers, championed movements for social justice and labor rights. Selena Quintanilla, a cultural icon, brought Tejano music to the mainstream. Today, more than 8.9 million Hispanic and Latino Texans shape our industries, culture, and future through their contributions to the workforce. 

The Hispanic and Latino population in Texas is diverse; most identify as multiracial. We’re witnessing a sharp rise in multiracial identification among Hispanic and Latino Texans, from 2% in 2010 to 51% in 2023. The U.S. Census uses the terms “Hispanic” and “Latino” to describe people from Spanish-speaking cultures, based on standards developed in 1977 by the Office of Management and Budget (OMB). 

A Data Story of Hispanic and Latino Texans

As we honor Hispanic Heritage Month, this data story examines key trends — demographic growth, educational attainment, and workforce contributions — that underscore the vibrant roles of the Hispanic and Latino community in Texas.

While there is much to celebrate, significant disparities in economic standing and health care coverage persist in 2023: 

  • Poverty Rates: 2.2 million Hispanic and Latino Texans live below the poverty level, representing almost 54% of all Texans experiencing poverty. Their poverty rate stands at 18.3%, which is higher than the state average of 13.7%.
  • Household Income: The median income for Hispanic and Latino households is $62,906, one of the lowest compared to Asian ($113,899) and white ($90,486) households.
  • Health Care Coverage: Hispanic and Latino Texans have one of the highest uninsured rates in the state compared to other racial and ethnic groups at 25.6%, or 3.1 million Texans. 

Honoring the Legacy, Building the Future

The data tell a powerful story; Hispanic Texans are integral to the state’s growth and future. From education to construction, their contributions shape every corner of Texas. As we reflect on this heritage, we know that Texas’ Hispanic community will continue to play a pivotal role in driving progress for generations to come.

 

Note on Data Collection, Survey Instruments, and Inclusion: Unless otherwise noted, the data in this brief are from the U.S. Census Bureau’s 2023 American Community Survey, 1-Year estimates. Data collection efforts across many survey instruments have yet to fully include the diverse identities of Texans. Therefore, the demographic breakdown in this brief primarily reflects binary, cisgender sex-disaggregation of data, though such a binary focus excludes important information about transgender and gender-nonconforming populations. The categories of race and ethnicity also do not adequately reflect the multiracial and multiethnic populations of Texas. The primary sources for data collection in our state must evolve to be more inclusive and representative of the geographic, social, and cultural dimensions that define race and ethnicity.



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Press Mentions

Erin O’Malley in The Texas Tribune: Despite warnings, Texas rushed to remove millions from Medicaid. Eligible residents lost care.

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Senior Policy Analyst Erin O’Malley spoke with The Texas Tribune about Medicaid Unwinding, which ended in more than 2 million Texans – most of them children – being removed from coverage.

Read an excerpt here:

“For three years during the coronavirus pandemic, the federal government gave Texas and other states billions of dollars in exchange for their promise not to exacerbate the public health crisis by kicking people off Medicaid.

When that agreement ended last year, Texas moved swiftly, kicking off more people faster than any other state.

Officials acknowledged some errors after they stripped Medicaid coverage from more than 2 million people, most of them children. Some people who believe they were wrongly removed are desperately trying to get back on the state and federally funded health care program, adding to a backlog of more than 200,000 applicants. A ProPublica and Texas Tribune review of dozens of public and private records, including memos, emails and legislative hearings, clearly shows that those and other mistakes were preventable and foreshadowed in persistent warnings from the federal government, whistleblowers and advocates.

Texas’ zealousness in removing people from Medicaid was a choice that contradicted federal guidelines from the start. That decision was devastating in Texas, which already insures a smaller percentage of its population through Medicaid than almost any other state and is one of 10 that never expanded eligibility after the passage of the Affordable Care Act.

“The difference in how Texas approached this compared to a lot of other states is and was very striking. It wanted everybody off, anybody extra off, even though we knew that meant that state systems would buckle under the pressure,” said Erin O’Malley, a senior policy analyst with Every Texan, a left-leaning statewide advocacy group.”

Read the full article on The Texas Tribune. 

 

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Blog

Data Brief: Bilingual Texans

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Being a Texan means having pride in your identity and the vast opportunities in our state’s diversity. Texas’ rich cultural diversity makes it a desirable home for many, while also playing a key role in our economic growth. Considering the more than 9 million people who speak a language other than English in Texas, – 6 million of whom are bilingual – it’s necessary to study the trends surrounding the languages Texans speak. These data sets offer insight into the opportunities these populations lack or possess in comparison to their English monolingual counterparts, thereby guiding policy decisions to address any identified disparities. 

Method 

This data brief explores the outcomes experienced by the various language speakers in Texas. For context, the bilingual population is calculated by taking the intersection of two variables: “speaks language other than English at home” and reports English proficiency “well” or “very well.” The English monolingual population reports only being able to speak English. The non-English, monolingual group speaks English “not well” or “not at all,” and reports speaking a language other than English at home.  

Who Are Bilingual Texans?  

Language diversity across the state provides different trends to explore. Explore the geographic distribution and household structures by language below. 

Language Isolation 

The linguistically-isolated population in Texas consists of households where: 

  • No person age 14+ speaks only English at home, or
  • Households where no person age 14+ who speaks a language other than English at home also speaks English “very well.”

This population’s cultural richness is an asset to the state, yet these Texans also face unique social and economic challenges. Exploring these different characteristics and trends is crucial to better identifying local and state support for these linguistically isolated communities.

Economic Well-Being of Linguistically Diverse Texans  

Multilingualism is a crucial part of the Texas economy. With such a diverse landscape, multilingual employees are able to cater linguistically and culturally to different clientele. Although reports showcase the benefits that dual speakers bring to the workforce, it’s important to dive deep into Texas trends to explore how we compare to the national landscape.

Even though bilingualism is considered an asset in many workplaces, there seems to be a slight disproportionate benefit based on what types of languages someone speaks. It is also important to note that the economic benefit of bilingualism seems to be context-dependent; jobs that don’t require higher education may be more receptive to those who speak another language because they are able to interact with a larger customer base. It could also be that bilingual speakers – specifically immigrants – bring valuable skill sets that aren’t captured by formal education, whereas jobs that require advanced degrees likely have English as their dominant language and use communication skills that benefit English monolinguals.  

Nevertheless, dual speakers play a significant role in our cultural landscape and economic growth with their unique skill set, one that must be preserved through education policy. Every Texan supports policy proposals that involve hiring and retaining bilingual teachers and programs. 

A Texas for Everyone 

At Every Texan, we believe the most effective way to ensure every Texan has access to good health care, education, and jobs is to strengthen public policy. In our exploration of Texas’ language landscape, the data in this brief provide valuable insight into specific policy priority areas. For example, we uncover disparities in health care coverage for bilinguals and non-English monolinguals compared to their English monolingual counterparts – not a new data trend, but one that’s grown over time in part due to Texas’ Medicaid unwinding. National reports conclude that the language barrier leads to a greater likelihood of food insecurity for those with limited or nonexistent English-speaking abilities. 

Creating a more prosperous state means investing in every Texan at every crossroads. The diversity of language populations in Texas will only continue to grow, along with the disparities, unless policy is implemented to change course. To give every Texan the best opportunity to care for themselves and their families, policy intervention is necessary to make public resources more accessible without diluting the diversity these groups bring to our growing state.  

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Press Mentions

Lynn Cowles in The Associated Press: Florida hospitals ask immigrants about their legal status. Texas will try it next.

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Every Texan’s Health and Food Justice Programs Manager Lynn Cowles spoke to The Associated Press about Gov. Abbott’s Executive Order GA-46, which requires the Texas Health and Human Services Commission to direct public hospitals in the state to collect demographic information on patients that will enable hospital staff to determine how many inpatient and emergency care patients at the hospital are undocumented. The processes outlined in the Executive Order begin Nov. 1, 2024, also the date DACA recipients around the U.S. will first be able to enroll in Marketplace health insurance through the Affordable Care Act.
 
Read an excerpt below:
 
Whatever data Florida and Texas do collect likely will be unreliable for several reasons, researchers suggested. Health economist Paul Keckley said the report released by Florida state officials could have “incomplete or inaccurate or misleading” data.
 
…
 

In Florida and in Texas, people who aren’t in the U.S. legally can’t enroll in Medicaid, which provides health insurance for low-income people — except in the case of a medical emergency.

Multiple factors can affect the cost of care for people who are in the U.S. without legal permission, experts said, especially the lack of preventive care. That’s especially true for people who have progressive diseases like cancer, said Dr. James W. Castillo II, the health authority for Cameron County, Texas, which has about 22% of the population uninsured compared to the state average of 16.6%.

At that point, he said, “it’s usually much harder to treat, much more expensive to treat.”

Texas community groups, policymakers and immigration attorneys are partnering with Every Texan, a nonprofit focusing on public policy and health care access, to encourage people to not answer the status question, said Lynn Cowles with Every Texan.

Read the full article on The Associated Press.

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Blog

Celebrating 60 Years of Food Assistance

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As a centerpiece of his War on Poverty, President Lyndon B. Johnson signed the Food Stamp Act of 1964 on August 31 of that year. Now known as the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), more than 3.3 million Texans currently rely on this program to provide food for their families. In a state as great as ours, too many families experience food insecurity and face difficulties meeting basic food needs. When Texas families struggle to make ends meet – juggling finances to cover rent, utilities, and transportation – often little is left for food. 

Texans who provide kinship care to the children of family members are particularly in need of food assistance programs; nearly 42% of Texas children in state care are placed with relatives after being removed from their homes by Child Protective Services. Many more are living away from their parents in informal or voluntary kinship care placements, though the vast majority of those children live with grandparents. Often on fixed income, grandparents who take in grandchildren are at greater risk of experiencing poverty and food insecurity. 

President Johnson understood and addressed these struggles by creating a permanent food assistance program, which has evolved significantly in the last 60 years. Initially, people would purchase “stamps” at a level similar to what the family would spend on food and then receive a bonus, or benefit, based on income level. The Food Stamp Act of 1977 eliminated the need to purchase “stamps” to receive the benefit while also establishing national eligibility for participation. As a result, the amount of benefits a family receives is based on the household’s size, income, and expenses. 

In the early 2000s, Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT) cards – similar to credit or debit cards – started to replace paper stamps. The transition to EBT cards reduces stigma for the families using food stamp benefits while also reducing costs and fraud within the program. The program was renamed SNAP in the 2008 Farm Bill. 

While the federal government fully funds SNAP benefits, the state and federal governments share the administrative costs. Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC) administers SNAP and is charged with making accurate eligibility determinations, issuing payments, overseeing participating retailers, and preventing fraud. 

Unlike the 38 states that do not count assets, Texas chooses to impose a vehicle asset test (VAT) on all SNAP applicants in addition to income limits. That means our state factors in a car’s value when determining if a family is eligible for SNAP benefits. In 2001, Texas set a resource limit of $5,000 in countable cash, a first vehicle worth up to $15,000, and any additional vehicles could be worth up to $4,650 (any excess vehicle value counts towards the cash resource limit). Those limits were never indexed to inflation, so they’ve lost purchasing power over the decades and no longer reflect the cost of safe and dependable family cars or trucks. Fortunately, in 2023 the Legislature updated Texas’ SNAP VAT to $22,500 for first vehicles and $8,700 for each additional vehicle. This change will help thousands of Texans – including families with young children, the elderly, and kinship care providers – who face hunger every month simply because they need a car to survive.

In 2023, HHSC formally recognized food security as a significant, non-medical component of individual, family, and community health. HHSC’s 2023 Non-Medical Drivers of Health (NMDOH) Action Plan includes ways to build on the foundation laid by the 1964 Food Stamp Act by assessing current HHS SNAP enrollment and utilization data to enhance the program’s use. By increasing the number of people enrolled in SNAP and ensuring that eligible community members are able to use the program to its fullest, Texas can improve health outcomes and stabilize access to healthy food.

However, Texas is currently experiencing an eligibility system crisis that requires legislative intervention. SNAP benefits have lapsed for anywhere from tens to hundreds of thousands of eligible Texans due to paperwork backlogs at HHSC. These failures not only expose Texas to the threat of federal financial sanctions and/or the loss of federal funds, but far more importantly, these failures cause real suffering. Failure to take immediate action to address the eligibility system crisis amounts to an explicit decision to increase financial hardships and human suffering among low-income Texas children, the elderly, and individuals with disabilities today and for years to come. 

An effective eligibility and enrollment system forms the foundation for meeting the needs of eligible, low-income Texans. Its most basic function is to process eligibility accurately and without delay. Maintaining a system that can do that consistently takes meaningful investments. 

When the Legislature goes back into session this January, they should reflect on the vision of President Johnson and ensure no Texas family goes hungry due to an inadequate eligibility system and unnecessary barriers to participation.

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Testimony

Testimony on Harris County’s Guaranteed Income Program in the Senate Committee on Local Government

Read this testimony as a PDF here.

Unlocking the Potential of Guaranteed Income for Every Texan 

Every Texan deserves the opportunity to thrive and ensure a bright future for themselves and their families. 

In recent years, guaranteed income (GI) programs have been invaluable for many families. These piloted and means-targeted programs have enabled individuals to afford groceries, ease housing costs, cover medical expenses, and better care for their families. The immediate, tangible benefits of guaranteed income have garnered strong support nationwide. 

Guaranteed income has deep U.S. roots, gaining traction in the 1960s through civil rights leaders like Dr. Martin Luther King and President Nixon’s negative income tax proposal that would have provided a minimum income to low-income families. It is a proven approach used for decades in Alaska, where direct cash transfers from the state’s oil and mineral revenues are distributed to all residents annually.

Harris County’s GI pilot program joins at least 150 initiatives across the country, including cities like Austin and San Antonio. Many of these programs are at least partially funded using federal funding from the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA).

Meeting the Demand to Address Our State’s Economic Precarity 

The immediate demand for Harris County’s GI program is clear: despite our state’s economic power, working Texans and their families are not reaping the benefits of the booming economy we create. Texas’ widening economic gap has resulted in one of the nation’s highest poverty rates, with nearly two in five Texans struggling to meet their basic needs. This disparity is particularly acute among Black, Latino, and rural communities.

The lack of economic security and concern over insufficient family budgets is driven by stagnant wages created by an outdated minimum wage, underpaid jobs, and a tax system that overburdens low-income Texans. This affects people’s ability to save. In Houston, about 43% of Houstonians cannot cover a $400 emergency from savings, with Black (67%) and Hispanic/Latino (53%) residents more than twice as likely to face this challenge than other racial and ethnic groups.   

Leveraging Local Governance for More Resilient Communities 

Localities have a deep understanding of their communities’ needs and are best positioned to allocate resources effectively. Investing in direct cash policies using ARPA funds is not just an opportunity—it’s a necessity. These federal dollars must be spent, or they will be forfeited, missing a critical chance to support those who need it most. Direct cash investments empower families during uncertain times, providing immediate relief that can drive long-term stability.  

Harris County’s GI program would establish a minimum income level to prevent participants from falling below it. This is a rare opportunity to invest in their future; letting these funds go unused would be a missed opportunity for meaningful change. Evidence shows that direct cash transfers are spent prudently on necessities, and over time, participants can use this support to build toward long-term goals. GI programs can:  

  • Help workers invest in themselves and their communities: Guaranteed income programs empower individuals to take risks and pursue better jobs by providing financial stability. In Austin’s pilot program, participants used guaranteed income to invest in education at times by adjusting their work hours and having better access to transportation options, all of which helped them advance in their careers.
  • Nurture stronger families with time to care for loved ones: Guaranteed income programs strengthen families by relieving financial stress, giving caregivers the time and support they need to care for loved ones. This financial stability enhances access to quality food and medical care, helping families meet their basic needs and fostering a healthier, more supportive environment for everyone.
  • Improve family budgets to meet rising living costs: Guaranteed income programs help families keep up with rising living costs and offer crucial relief during financial crises. By providing a steady income, these programs help cover unexpected expenses, such as emergency care or unforeseen bills. Participants also experienced better housing affordability, with fewer late rent payments and reduced eviction rates.

Read this testimony as a PDF here.