Coda Rayo-Garza serves as Every Texan’s Director of Research and Data. She is a fronteriza born and raised in Laredo, Texas. Coda has worked in the nonprofit and government sectors in various roles and is also a former Lecturer of Political Science. A first-generation college graduate and daughter of immigrants, Coda earned her M.A. in Political Science from the University of Texas at San Antonio and a B.A. in Philosophy from Texas State University. She is also a current PhD student in Applied Demography at the University of Texas at San Antonio. Her areas of expertise include racial, ethnic, gender, and poverty disparities, especially along border areas. Coda currently serves on the Board of Directors for Communicare Health Centers, Blue Horizon Texas, and Fiesta Wishes (which she co-founded). Coda is also co-authoring a book through Polity Press titled Latinos in the US: Diversity and Change. When she is not working, Coda is spending time with her children and partner, likely at a local park or library.
Where to find me during session: Crunching numbers and defending survey data
My surprising hobby: I play the drums
Was Texas undercounted in the 2020 Census? This question affects us all, as population data is used to determine redistricting, funding allocation, and more. What do we know so far
School districts that accept funding from the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) are required to agree to keep students safe and maintain equity and fiscal effort. As parents, students, and
Census data is an essential source of information for community decision-making. It underlies redistricting processes, funding allocation, and the ability of state and local governments to identify and work toward
The American Rescue Plan (ARP) gives Texas policymakers an opportunity to invest in an equitable recovery plan for Texans of all backgrounds. Texans are working hard to ensure their families
The population of Texas children continues to grow, but we are still not adequately meeting the needs of our children and families. Texas is ranked as the 5th worst state
Over 1 million Texans are currently receiving unemployment insurance benefits, which have been critical for them and their families, and for starts to get back on its feet, and more
Every Texan supports HB 4139 relating to the Office for Health Equity. The COVID-19 pandemic is disproportionately burdening Black and Hispanic Texans and has magnified long-standing health inequities for communities
All children deserve the opportunity for a healthy life. However, in Texas, not all children have the food security, healthcare access, and economic security they need to thrive due to
As the spread of COVID-19 became a global pandemic, disrupting every facet of our daily lives, Texas schools pivoted without warning or additional funding to continue the promise of public
This op-ed was originally featured in the Austin-American Statesman. As Governor Abbott lays out his State of the State address on Monday, we wanted to share our perspective from Every Texan on
