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# Every Texan

Social Justice Requires Public Policy

## Sitemaps

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## Posts

- [SB 1 Is in Effect: See What Every Texan Is Tracking](https://everytexan.org/2026/02/11/sb-1-is-in-effect-see-what-every-texan-is-tracking/) - SB 1, the state budget for the 2026-27 biennium, took effect on Sept. 1, 2025. It represents $338 billion in all funds and $149 billion in general revenue spending (the more discretionary portion of the total). From all funding sources, this is a 1.2% increase over the 2024-25 budget, far below the increase in inflation
- [DOGE’s Slashing of the Federal Workforce Will Cost Texans](https://everytexan.org/2025/04/16/doge-federal-firings-texas-workforce-data/) - DOGE’s illegal firings and gutting of the federal workforce negatively impact Texans and our communities.
- [What a Federal Government Shutdown Means for Texans](https://everytexan.org/2025/10/07/what-a-federal-government-shutdown-means-for-texans/) - For the first time since 2019, the federal government has shut down. This on the heels of the July 4 passage of H.R. 1, the “One Big Beautiful Bill Act”, which delivers disproportionate and devastating impacts to communities by cutting federal funding for key public benefit programs. H.R. 1 cuts $1 trillion from Medicaid to
- [The True Cost of Shifting SNAP to States: Why Proposed SNAP Cost-Sharing Could Strain Texas Budgets and Public Services](https://everytexan.org/2025/04/21/the-cost-of-shifting-snap-to-states/) - Twitter Facebook Linkedin Recent federal proposals suggest states be required to contribute 5%, 10%, or even 25% of the total cost of Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits. For Texas, this could mean shouldering up to $1.79 billion in new annual costs — a massive shift from the current federal-state funding structure. In FY2026, SNAP benefits
- [The One, Big Bureaucratic Bill: Paperwork for All, Food for Fewer.](https://everytexan.org/2025/07/31/snap-texas-work-requirements-full-family-sanctions-hb1/) - News is buzzing with details of the recently enacted H.R.1 (coined the “One, Big Beautiful Bill Act”) which will affect the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) and Medicaid programs millions of Texans rely on. As these changes will operate within existing state policies and processes, we are tracking their projected impacts on Texans—from the $1.8
- [Government Shutdown Impact on Texas SNAP: What To Expect and Do Today](https://everytexan.org/2025/10/23/government-shutdown-impact-on-snap-what-texans-can-expect-and-what-to-do-today/) - Twitter Facebook Linkedin Updated Nov. 6, 2025 As we enter week six of the federal government shutdown, the longest in our nation’s history, 3.5 million Texans who rely on SNAP food stamps to feed their families have lost access to those nutrition assistance funds. Alarming information is circulating across media outlets and on the program
- [Government Shutdown Ends, Leaving 1.5+ Million Texans Without Access to Affordable Healthcare](https://everytexan.org/2025/11/10/government-shutdown-ends-leaving-1-5-million-texans-without-access-to-affordable-healthcare/) - On Sunday, Nov. 9, 60 U.S. Senators voted across party lines to end the longest federal government shutdown in American history, setting the stage for House members to do the same. By choosing not to maintain 2025 funding levels for the enhanced advanced premium tax credits for Marketplace health insurance, Senators voted to make coverage less
- [Compounding Effects: Economic Impact of Federal Cuts to Benefit Programs](https://everytexan.org/2025/04/02/compounding-effects-economic-impact-of-federal-cuts-to-benefit-programs/) - Twitter Facebook Linkedin View the full report as a PDF.Congress has been directed to cut $880 billion from the Health and Human Services budget and another $230 billion from the Department of Agriculture budget over the next 10 years. Exactly how these cuts will be determined is up for debate, yet signals indicate SNAP, administered
- [Texas’ Leading Policy Experts Enter a New Chapter: Parisa Fatehi-Weeks to serve as Executive Director at Every Texan](https://everytexan.org/2026/01/28/parisa-fatehi-weeks-executive-director-every-texan-announcement/) - View this statement as a PDF. For 40 years and counting, Every Texan has driven meaningful policy change inside the Capitol, grounding legislative advocacy in rigorous research and trusted data. Effective Feb. 16, the organization will begin a new chapter by welcoming Parisa Fatehi-Weeks as its next Executive Director. In today’s Texas, and across the nation, policy
- [Highest Tax Rates in the State Fall on Texans of Color](https://everytexan.org/2025/12/19/highest-tax-rates-in-the-state-fall-on-texans-of-color/) - The income groups paying the highest tax rates in Texas are disproportionately Hispanic and Black, whereas the lowest-taxed group (the wealthiest 5%) is predominantly white. Sustainable tax revenue provides the foundation for public education, healthcare, and other essential public services. A fair tax system can support those investments, foster shared prosperity, reduce racial disparities, while helping
- [Recommendations on the Texas Health and Human Services Commission’s Legislative Appropriations Request FY 2028–2029](https://everytexan.org/2025/11/24/recommendations-on-the-texas-health-and-human-services-commissions-legislative-appropriations-request-fy-2028-2029/) - On behalf of Every Texan, thank you for the opportunity to provide input into the development of the Fiscal Year 2028–2029 Legislative Appropriations Request (LAR) for the Texas Health and Human Services Commission (TXHHSC). Every Texan’s mission is to strengthen public policy to expand opportunity and equity for Texans of all backgrounds. We employ data,
- [HealthCare.Gov Insurance Enrollment Period Now Open!](https://everytexan.org/2025/11/11/healthcare-gov-open-enrollment-2025/) - Now is the time to start making sure you have the health coverage you need for 2026! Health insurance is life-changing. This open enrollment period, Nov. 1 to Jan. 15, is an opportunity for Texans to find and afford critical medications and services while avoiding crushing medical debt. Although Congress is not extending enhanced insurance
- [Austin’s Prop Q Would Provide Revenue for Essential City Services](https://everytexan.org/2025/10/24/austins-prop-q-would-provide-revenue-for-essential-city-services/) - In August, the Austin City Council approved a 2026 budget with a $33 million deficit. To cover the shortfall, the city is asking voters to approve Proposition Q on Nov. 4, which would increase property tax rates for Austin property owners by about 10 cents per $100 of property value. Such an election, called a
- [What’s on the Ballot? Every Texan’s Take on the 2025 Constitutional Amendments](https://everytexan.org/2025/09/30/whats-on-the-ballot-every-texans-take-on-the-2025-constitutional-amendments/) - Every Texan supports investments in our state that are likely to benefit all Texans – especially low-income Texans. Every Texan believes in a fair tax system and generally opposes across-the-board tax cuts that sacrifice vital revenue Texans rely on for public education, health care, municipal services, and other important services that state and local governments
- [New Census Data Reflect Rising Challenges in Texas on Health Insurance, Poverty, and Income Inequality](https://everytexan.org/2025/09/11/new-census-data-reflect-rising-challenges-in-texas-on-health-insurance-poverty-and-income-inequality/) - The U.S. Census Bureau’s newly released 2024 American Community Survey (ACS) 1-year estimates provide a fresh look at how families across the country are faring on various economic and social indicators. While some states made progress in reducing poverty and boosting household incomes, Texas continues to stand out for troubling reasons: high poverty, stagnant incomes
- [Testimony to House Intergovernmental Affairs Committee Against HB 46 (89(2))](https://everytexan.org/2025/09/08/testimony-to-house-intergovernmental-affairs-committee-against-hb-46-892/) - View this testimony as a PDF.Every Texan is an independent research organization that, for 40 years, has advocated for public policy for better access to quality health care, food security, education, fairer taxation and good jobs for all Texans. We oppose HB 46, which would strictly limit local government expenditures.Given the broad nature of this
- [Testimony to House Ways and Means Committee Against SB 10 (89(2))](https://everytexan.org/2025/09/08/testimony-to-house-ways-and-means-committee-against-sb-10-892/) - View this testimony as a PDF. Every Texan is an independent research organization that, for 40 years, has advocated for public policy for better access to quality health care, food security, education, fairer taxation and good jobs for all Texans. We oppose SB 10, which would decrease the voter-approval tax rate for many cities and
- [Texas Needs Flood Recovery, Not Political Detours Next Special Session](https://everytexan.org/2025/08/14/texas-needs-flood-recovery-not-political-detours-next-special-session/) - As Texas lawmakers prepare to gavel into another special session, political battles over redistricting threaten to overshadow recovery needs from summer floods.
- [Testimony to Senate Finance Committee for SB 3](https://everytexan.org/2025/08/13/testimony-to-senate-finance-committee-for-sb-3/) - View this testimony as a PDF.Every Texan is an independent research organization that, for 40 years, has advocated for public policy for better access to quality health care, food security, education, fairer taxation and good jobs for all Texans. At a time when Texans are grappling with the devastating impacts of a natural disaster, this
- [Testimony to Senate Local Government Committee Against SB 9](https://everytexan.org/2025/08/01/testimony-to-senate-local-government-committee-against-sb-9/) - View this testimony as a PDF.Every Texan is an independent research organization that, for 40 years, has advocated for public policy for better access to quality health care, food security, education, fairer taxation and good jobs for all Texans. We oppose SB 9, which would decrease the voter-approval tax rate for many cities and counties
- [Freedom Is Only Ours When Every Person Shares in the Prosperity They Build](https://everytexan.org/2025/07/03/freedom-is-only-ours-when-every-person-shares-in-the-prosperity-they-build/) - As Texans grapple with the certain, immediate, and generational impacts of devastating cuts to the federal funding that has historically provided lifelines for millions, we affirm our commitment to a brighter, more just vision for Texas.
- [Data Brief: 2025 Texas SNAP Recipient Profile](https://everytexan.org/2025/06/25/data-brief-2025-texas-snap-recipient-profile/) - The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) remains a cornerstone program to the food safety net millions of Texans rely on. In 2024, 3.47 million Texans (11.4% of the state population) relied on SNAP to help afford groceries. Even with this essential government program, food insecurity remains widespread in Texas; 17.6% of Texans and more than
- [Texas Governor Vetoes Funding for Kids’ Summer Food: Special Session is an Opportunity to Bring that Money Back to Texas](https://everytexan.org/2025/06/24/texas-governor-abbott-veto-summer-meals-special-session/) - On June 22, Gov. Abbott vetoed funding for Texas’ Summer EBT program. The program would have provided money for groceries during the summer when nearly 4 million Texas children who qualify for free or reduced school lunch during the school year are at home. The governor’s veto stands in contrast to statewide support for Summer EBT.
- [Every Texan Budget Conference Committee Recommendations](https://everytexan.org/2025/05/30/every-texan-budget-conference-committee-recommendations/) - The state budget is the primary means by which our Legislature defines its priorities. We thank the conference committee on the budget for its hard work so far. Yet we believe more can be done to advance equitable policies for all Texans.Every Texan’s mission is to strengthen public policy to expand opportunity and equity for
- [Supplemental Appropriations Bill (HB 500): Key Investments & Missed Opportunities](https://everytexan.org/2025/06/16/supplemental-appropriations-bill-hb-500-key-investments-missed-opportunities/) - The supplemental appropriations bill, passed every legislative session, adjusts funding in the current budget and settles up shortfalls. This session’s supplemental bill, HB 500, changes some appropriations made last session and provides additional funding to supplement the 2024-25 budget. Representing $12.5 billion, the House’s initial version was amended by the Senate, and, on Friday, May
- [Pending Ways and Means House Bills Supported by Every Texan](https://everytexan.org/2025/05/08/pending-ways-and-means-house-bills-supported-by-every-texan/) - The following House bills have been heard in the House Ways and Means Committee but remain pending. We ask that the Committee vote on Monday, May 12 to favorably recommend these bills to the full House.Home AffordabilityHB 203 (Goodwin). This bill aims to benefit renters by providing a property tax exemption to landlords who agree
- [Data Brief: Food Insecurity in Texas](https://everytexan.org/2025/06/11/data-brief-food-insecurity-in-texas/) - Twitter Facebook Linkedin Food insecurity remains a persistent challenge in Texas, impacting more than 4.9 million Texans (16% of the state’s population). The numbers are even more alarming for children: 23% of Texas kids (roughly 1.7 million) lived in food-insecure households in 2022. That same year, the average cost of a meal in Texas was
- [Data Brief: Poverty In Texas](https://everytexan.org/2025/03/11/data-brief-poverty-in-texas/) - Twitter Facebook Linkedin Poverty affects the lives of countless Texas children and families, shaping their access to essential resources, opportunities, and long-term stability. Poverty intersects with education, health, and economic well-being, resulting in systemic barriers that are difficult to overcome. Understanding these disparities is essential to driving meaningful change and developing solutions that meet the
- [Limited Access: How Provider Exclusion Has Reshaped Care for Texas Women](https://everytexan.org/2025/06/10/limited-access-how-provider-exclusion-has-reshaped-care-for-texas-women/) - Since 2011, changes to Texas’s family planning programs, such as provider exclusion policies and significant funding shifts, have contributed to a steady decline in access to essential reproductive health care services. Although enrollment in the Healthy Texas Women (HTW) program has grown in recent years, state data show that fewer women are receiving care—particularly contraceptive
- [Texas Advocacy Groups and Policy Experts Refute Misinterpretation  of Federal Law on In-State Tuition for Undocumented Students](https://everytexan.org/2025/06/06/texas-advocacy-groups-and-policy-experts-refute-misinterpretation-of-federal-law-on-in-state-tuition-for-undocumented-students/) - View our statement as a PDF.On June 4, 2025, the U.S. Department of Justice filed a lawsuit to overturn a long-standing Texas policy that allowed certain undocumented students to pay in-student tuition at public colleges and universities. The lawsuit, backed by Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton, misrepresents federal law and threatens the futures of thousands
- [U.S. House Budget Proposals Will Hurt Millions of Texans](https://everytexan.org/2025/05/30/u-s-house-budget-proposals-will-hurt-millions-of-texans/) - 25 U.S. House members from Texas voted in favor of nearly one trillion dollars in federal funding cuts to Medicaid, SNAP, and other public programs. If House reconciliation bill cuts are approved by the Senate, Texans across the state will suffer.
- [Testimony to the Senate K-16 Committee: CSHB 2](https://everytexan.org/2025/05/21/testimony-to-the-senate-k-16-committee-cshb-2/) - View this testimony as a PDF.Every Texan is an independent public policy organization that uses data and analysis to advocate for solutions that enable Texans of all backgrounds to reach their full potential. We believe all Texans should have access to high-quality education that aids in their social and economic well-being. We are grateful that the
- [Testimony in Opposition to SB 689](https://everytexan.org/2025/05/15/testimony-in-opposition-to-sb-689/) - View this testimony as a PDF.Every Texan respectfully submits this testimony in strong opposition to SB 689 out of concern for the bill’s implications for the efficacy, autonomy, and responsiveness of our local governments and public institutions.SB 689 imposes a sweeping prohibition on diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives across all governmental entities, including counties,
- [HB 1367 Would Equitably Cut County Property Taxes](https://everytexan.org/2025/05/14/hb-1367-would-equitably-cut-county-property-taxes/) - Twitter Facebook Linkedin Every Texan is an independent research organization that, for 40 years, has advocated for public policy for better access to quality health care, food security, education, good jobs, and more equitable tax policy for all Texans. Every Texan supports HB 1367, which would allow Texas counties to provide a flat-dollar homestead exemption
- [The Texas Moving Image Industry Incentive Fund Needs a Script Rewrite (SB 22)](https://everytexan.org/2025/05/05/the-texas-moving-image-industry-incentive-fund-needs-a-script-rewrite-comments-on-sb-22/) - Twitter Facebook Linkedin For more than 40 years, Every Texan has produced quality data to advocate for public policy for better access to quality health care, food security, education, and good jobs for all Texans. SB 22 would create a new fund for the Texas Moving Image Industry Incentive Program (TMIIIP) with an automatic, recurring
- [Testimony to House Ways & Means Committee Against HB 1508](https://everytexan.org/2025/04/28/halbrook-etx-testimony-against-hb-1508/) - View this testimony as a PDF.Every Texan is an independent research organization that, for 40 years, has advocated for public policy for better access to quality health care, food security, education, and good jobs for all Texans. We oppose HB 1508, which would repeal the franchise tax.Repealing the franchise tax would be a big giveaway
- [Testimony to Senate Local Government Committee on SB 23](https://everytexan.org/2025/04/22/testimony-to-senate-local-government-committee-on-sb-23/) - View this testimony as a PDF.Every Texan is an independent research organization that, for 40 years, has advocated for public policy for better access to quality health care, food security, education, and good jobs for all Texans. We have consistently believed that a flat-dollar homestead exemption is the most equitable way to cut property taxes for
- [Testimony to House Ways and Means Committee For HB 4236](https://everytexan.org/2025/04/07/testimony-to-house-ways-and-means-committee-for-hb-4236/) - View this testimony as a PDF. Every Texan is an independent research organization that advocates for public policy to achieve equitable access to quality health care, food security, education, and good jobs for all Texans. For 40 years, Every Texan has supported equity in our public schools and has been a recognized expert in school
- [Testimony to Senate Local Government Committee Against SB 2010](https://everytexan.org/2025/04/07/testimony-to-senate-local-government-committee-against-sb-2010/) - View this testimony as a PDF.Every Texan is an independent research organization that, for 40 years, has advocated for public policy to achieve equitable access to quality health care, food security, education, and good jobs for all Texans. One theme that runs throughout our work is economic security. We believe our state is stronger when more
- [Testimony in Opposition to SB 8/HB 5580](https://everytexan.org/2025/04/29/testimony-in-opposition-to-sb-8-hb-5580/) - View this testimony as a PDF.Every Texan strongly opposes SB 8 and HB 5580. These bills represent a dangerous encroachment on local governance and public safety by mandating municipal cooperation with Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). If enacted, these bills would transform what has historically been a voluntary and context-dependent arrangement into a compulsory one,
- [The State Budget – Are We Done Yet?](https://everytexan.org/2025/04/11/the-state-budget-day-recap-2025/) - Twitter Facebook Linkedin Though the state budget is introduced early in each legislative session, it’s a bill so big it practically takes all session for lawmakers to finalize it. One of the most important days in the Legislature’s budget-writing process is Budget Day, when the bill is brought to the floor of the House of
- [Testimony in Support of HB 4218](https://everytexan.org/2025/04/07/testimony-in-support-of-hb-4218/) - View this testimony as a PDF.At Every Texan, we believe transparency and public access to information are fundamental to a healthy democracy and just policymaking. That’s why we support House Bill 4218, which updates the Texas Public Information Act to ensure communities, advocates, and everyday Texans can access government data in meaningful, usable formats —
- [Short Changing Working Texans’ Unemployment Insurance Program Costs Us All: HB 199 Is Unnecessary, Unfairly Targets Texas’ Rural Counties](https://everytexan.org/2025/04/03/short-changing-working-texans-unemployment-insurance-program-costs-us-all-hb-199-is-unnecessary-unfairly-targets-texas-rural-counties/) - View this testimony as a PDF.Working families contribute greatly to Texas’ economy. The Unemployment Insurance (UI) program provides protection to all workers during economic downturns and unanticipated layoffs. The core value behind UI is that temporary job loss, by no fault of one’s own, should not lead to home foreclosure or hungry families. Finally, UI
- [Data Brief: Medicaid in Texas](https://everytexan.org/2025/04/01/data-brief-medicaid-in-texas/) - Twitter Facebook Linkedin Medicaid is a lifeline for millions of Texas families by providing access to health care coverage for low-income pregnant women, children, seniors, and people with disabilities. Federal and state lawmakers are attacking these benefits to make up for planned tax cuts for wealthy people and corporations. Click below to read our Data
- [The Rise of Multiracial Texans: What Data Tell Us](https://everytexan.org/2025/04/01/the-rise-of-multiracial-texans-what-data-tell-us/) - Twitter Facebook Linkedin About 5.7 million people in Texas identify as two or more races — 19.2% of the state’s population. This is a seemingly large increase from the roughly 488,000 Texans who were classified as multiracial in 2010 — just 2% of the population. However, studies find that changes in design, data processing, and
- [Testimony in Opposition to HB 1478](https://everytexan.org/2025/03/31/testimony-in-opposition-to-hb-1478/) - View this testimony as a PDF.Chair and Members of the Committee,Every Texan and the Coalition Against State Interference strongly oppose HB 1478, which represents an alarming overreach of state authority and undermines the democratic process at the local level.HB 1478 grants the Secretary of State the power to withhold critical funding from voter registrars who
- [Testimony in Opposition to SB 510](https://everytexan.org/2025/03/31/testimony-in-opposition-to-sb-510/) - View this testimony as a PDF.Chair and Members of the Committee,Every Texan and the Coalition Against State Interference strongly oppose SB 510, which represents an alarming overreach of state authority and undermines the democratic process at the local level.SB 510 grants the Secretary of State the power to withhold critical funding from voter registrars who
- [Project Labor Agreements Improve Construction Efficiency on Public Projects: A Research Review](https://everytexan.org/2025/03/26/project-labor-agreements-improve-construction-efficiency-on-public-projects-a-research-review/) - Twitter Facebook Linkedin Project Labor Agreements (PLAs) are agreements between multiple parties used to set the terms and conditions of employment on major projects. Since World War I, PLAs have been used to improve predictability and productivity on large construction projects. For the public sector, PLAs are important construction management tools that deliver timely, cost
- [Testimony to House Committee on Intergovernmental Affairs Against HB 530](https://everytexan.org/2025/03/24/testimony-to-house-committee-on-intergovernmental-affairs-against-hb-530/) - View this testimony as a PDF. Every Texan is an independent research organization that advocates for public policies to achieve equitable access to quality health care, food security, education, and good jobs. One theme that runs throughout our policy work is economic security. We believe our state is stronger when more Texas families are economically secure.
- [Testimony Against SB 37](https://everytexan.org/2025/03/20/testimony-against-sb-37/) - View this testimony as a PDF.Texans know and love their public institutions of higher education. For generations, names like the Longhorns, Aggies, and Red Raiders have stood for more than academic excellence. Legislation such as SB 37 proposes an assault on the academic integrity and intellectual honesty of our state’s proud institutions of higher learning.
- [Testimony in Opposition to HB 274 and HJR 86](https://everytexan.org/2025/03/19/testimony-in-opposition-to-hb-274-and-hjr-86/) - View this testimony as a PDF. Every Texan stands in strong opposition to HB 274 and HJR 86, which seek to strip the City of Austin — and its nearly one million residents — of the local autonomy and democratic governance afforded to every other municipality in Texas. This legislation is not just an overreach; it
- [Testimony to the Senate Committee on Health and Human Services Against SB 379](https://everytexan.org/2025/03/18/testimony-to-the-senate-committee-on-health-and-human-services-against-sb-379/) - View this testimony as a PDF.Chair Kolkhorst, Vice Chair Perry, and esteemed committee members —I appreciate the opportunity to testify today. My name is Amber O’Connor, and I work for Every Texan. We are against SB 379 because it creates barriers to food access by moving the onus of determining product eligibility to small businesses
- [Texas Taxes Are Upside-Down. Big Tax Cuts Don’t Help.](https://everytexan.org/2025/03/17/texas-taxes-are-upside-down-big-tax-cuts-dont-help/) - Twitter Facebook Linkedin Texas’ tax system is upside-down. When it comes to funding our public services, schools, and state and local governments, Texans with lower incomes are expected to pay more than their fair share. The latest edition of the Comptroller’s Tax Exemptions and Tax Incidence report from January confirms this yet again.Sources of State
- [Testimony to House Committee on Judiciary & Civil Jurisprudence Against HB 32](https://everytexan.org/2025/03/13/testimony-to-house-committee-on-judiciary-civil-jurisprudence-against-hb-32/) - View this testimony as a PDF. Every Texan believes that social justice requires public policy. Since its founding in 1985, Every Texan has leveraged public policy to expand opportunity and equity for Texans of all backgrounds. Every Texan is a nonprofit organization that researches, analyzes, and advocates for public policies to achieve equitable access to
- [No Chance at Choice: Vouchers Violate Texan Values](https://everytexan.org/2025/03/11/no-chance-at-choice-vouchers-violate-texan-values/) - View this testimony as a PDF. When the framers of the Texas Constitution created our biennial Legislature in 1876, they considered the need to protect Texans from the meddling of out-of-state power brokers. That forethought continues to serve Texas students today as external and internal forces, driven by private interests, push our state toward an expensive,
- [Alternatives to Property Tax Cuts: Ensuring a Just and Equitable Tax System for Every Texan](https://everytexan.org/2025/03/11/alternatives-to-property-tax-cuts-ensuring-a-just-and-equitable-tax-system-for-every-texan/) - Twitter Facebook Linkedin View the full report as a PDF.With a record $33 billion carryover balance in 2023, lawmakers spent $23 billion on a massive property tax cut package just two years ago. Now, they’re set to do it again. On top of existing, automatic cuts established by prior legislation, the 89th Legislature’s initial budget
- [Testimony to the House Public Education Committee in Support of HB 2](https://everytexan.org/2025/03/06/testimony-to-the-house-public-education-committee-in-support-of-hb-2/) - View this testimony as a PDF.Every Texan is an independent public policy organization that uses data and analysis to advocate for solutions that enable Texans of all backgrounds to reach their full potential. We believe all Texans should have access to high-quality education that aids in their social and economic well-being.HB 2, as introduced, makes
- [Testimony to House Ways and Means Committee Against HB 8](https://everytexan.org/2025/03/05/testimony-to-house-ways-and-means-committee-against-hb-8/) - View this testimony as a PDF.Every Texan is an independent policy research organization that advocates for equity-focused policies to help all Texans reach their full potential. We believe our state policymakers should wisely invest in our state and our people.Every Texan opposes HB 8. By continuing to cut taxes, HB 8 would harm our schools
- [Testimony to House Delivery of Government Efficiency (DOGE) Committee](https://everytexan.org/2025/03/05/testimony-to-house-delivery-of-government-efficiency-doge-committee/) - View this testimony as a PDF.Every Texan is an independent public policy organization that uses data and analysis to advocate for solutions that enable Texans of all backgrounds to reach their full potential. We appreciate Texas lawmakers’ work to increase transparency and efficiency in state government. Every Texan uses research, information, and data to understand how
- [Leadership News: Introducing Every Texan's Interim CEO](https://everytexan.org/2025/03/04/leadership-news-introducing-every-texans-interim-ceo/) - As Every Texan bids a fond farewell to our visionary CEO, Marisa Bono, we are pleased to announce that Dr. Michelle Smith will join our team as interim CEO of Every Texan.From 2018 to 2024, Dr. Smith was a valued leader at Raise Your Hand Texas, a statewide advocacy organization focused on improving public education
- [Texas Family Act: The Freedom to Care for Your Newborn Baby](https://everytexan.org/2025/03/04/texas-family-act-the-freedom-to-care-for-your-newborn-baby/) - Twitter Facebook Linkedin From Amarillo to McAllen, all Texans value our families and our freedom. Yet, most working Texans do not have the financial freedom or the choice to stay home and take care of their newborn baby. The Texas Family Act is working parents’ solution to this statewide problem. The program will provide wage
- [Testimony: Vouchers Violate Texas Values](https://everytexan.org/2025/01/29/testimony-vouchers-violate-texas-values/) - View this testimony as a PDF. When the framers of the Texas Constitution created our biennial Legislature in 1876, they did it in part to prevent the meddling of out-of-state power brokers. That forethought continues to serve Texas students today as external and internal forces push our state toward an expensive, unequal, and harmful voucher program.
- [Testimony to House Ways and Means Committee](https://everytexan.org/2025/02/27/testimony-to-house-ways-and-means-committee/) - View this testimony as a PDF. Every Texan is an independent policy research organization that advocates for equity-focused policies to help all Texans reach their full potential. We believe our state policymakers should invest in our state and our people.Preserving our state and local revenue is crucial for our public schools, health care, infrastructure, and other
- [Testimony to the House Appropriations Sub-Committee on Article II](https://everytexan.org/2025/02/26/testimony-to-the-house-appropriations-sub-committee-on-article-ii/) - View this testimony as a PDF. Every Texan (formerly CPPP) appreciates the opportunity to submit recommendations and comments on Texas Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC) for the House Appropriations Sub-Committee on Article II. The Benedictine Sisters of Boerne, Texas, founded Every Texan (formerly CPPP) in 1985 to advance public policy solutions for expanding access to health
- [Kinship Care in Texas Benefits Children and Saves the State Millions](https://everytexan.org/2025/02/26/kinship-care-in-texas-benefits-children-and-saves-the-state-millions/) - Twitter Facebook Linkedin View as a PDF. Many Texas children are cared for by extended family members or close friends when their parents are unable to. These “kinship care” arrangements often involve grandparents, siblings, aunts, uncles, or trusted family friends stepping in to provide stability and support. While some kinship care arrangements are established through formal
- [Testimony to the Senate K-16 Education Committee “On” SB 26](https://everytexan.org/2025/02/24/testimony-to-the-senate-k-16-education-committee-on-sb-26/) - View this testimony as a PDF.Every Texan is an independent public policy organization that uses data and analysis to advocate for solutions that enable Texans of all backgrounds to reach their full potential. We believe all Texans should have access to high-quality education that aids in their social and economic well-being.Teacher quality makes the greatest
- [Leadership News: Join Every Texan in thanking CEO, Marisa Bono, for her leadership.](https://everytexan.org/2025/02/18/leadership-news-marisa-bono/) - It is with deep gratitude that Every Texan announces the departure of our CEO, Marisa Bono. On March 2, 2025, Marisa will transition to a new role at the Texas Alliance of Child and Family Services (TACFS), where she will continue to champion the values Every Texan holds dear — improving the lives of children,
- [Food Insecurity Is a Texas Crisis](https://everytexan.org/2025/02/18/food-insecurity-is-a-texas-crisis/) - Twitter Facebook Linkedin View as a PDF. Where you live shouldn’t determine whether you can feed your family. Geographical justice in food security means ensuring everyone, no matter their race, income, zip code, or any other factor, has access to nutritious food. Areas designated as Low-Income (LI), Low-Access (LA), or both (LI/LA) are often called food
- [Texas Workers Want Unions](https://everytexan.org/2024/05/01/texas-workers-want-unions/) - The more Texans who organize in the workplace, the better shot we all have at closing the widening gap between the wealthiest few and working families.
- [Testimony to Senate Local Government Committee on SB 4](https://everytexan.org/2025/02/13/testimony-to-senate-local-government-committee-on-sb-4/) - View this testimony as a PDF.Every Texan is an independent public policy organization that uses data and analysis to advocate for solutions that enable Texans of all backgrounds to reach their full potential. Every Texan opposed the property tax rate cuts enacted by the 88th Legislature, and we will continue to oppose any additional property tax
- [2024 Texas Kids Count: Putting Kids First for a Brighter Future for All](https://everytexan.org/2025/02/10/2024-texas-kids-count-putting-kids-first-for-a-brighter-future-for-all/) - Twitter Facebook Linkedin The 2024 Texas Kids Count Data Book highlights the state of child well-being across Texas with a focus on health, education, and economic security. According to the 2024 Annie E Casey Foundation Kids Count data book, Texas ranks 43rd in the U.S. in overall child well-being. The Annie E Casey Foundation’s data
- [Count Every Student: Attendance-Based Funding Leaves Too Many Students Behind](https://everytexan.org/2025/02/07/count-every-student-attendance-based-funding-leaves-too-many-students-behind-2/) - Twitter Facebook Linkedin Education is the bedrock of an informed society and the bridge to self-sufficiency. Every parent in Texas, regardless of their race or circumstance, wants their child to have access to a high-quality education. Parents and community members often assume that every child enrolled in a public school is funded for the full
- [Support Our Public Schools! Vote to Approve Your Local VATRE](https://everytexan.org/2024/11/05/support-our-public-schools-vote-to-approve-your-local-vatre/) - Twitter Facebook Linkedin As we head to the polls on Election Day, many Texans across the state will find school district voter-approved tax ratification elections (VATRE) on their ballots. Due to funding shortfalls, more than 40 districts – from Austin to Fort Stockton – are asking voters to allow tax rate increases this year to
- [Testimony to Senate Finance Committee on SB 1 - Texas Education Agency](https://everytexan.org/2025/02/10/testimony-to-senate-finance-committee-on-sb-1-texas-education-agency/) - View this testimony as a PDF.Every Texan is an independent public policy organization that uses data and analysis to advocate for solutions that enable Texans of all backgrounds to reach their full potential. We believe all Texans should have access to high-quality education that aids in their social and economic well-being. Senate Bill 1 prioritizes tax
- [Every Texan Report to the Community Commission on Truth and Transparency on Texas' Hydrogen Development](https://everytexan.org/2025/02/07/every-texan-report-to-the-community-commission-on-truth-and-transparency-on-texas-hydrogen-development/) - Twitter Facebook Linkedin Every Texan recently participated in the Texas Climate Jobs’ Community Commission on Truth and Transparency on Texas’ Hydrogen Development. Our submission highlights existing trends, challenges, and barriers Texas workers face in gaining access to safe, high-quality, union jobs. Every Texan provides data and policy analysis to show how Texas’ low union density
- [Texas For All Education Fund Launches State of the People Video Series](https://everytexan.org/2025/02/05/texas-for-all-education-fund-launches-state-of-the-people-video-series/) - Texas For All Education Fund Launches State of the People Video Series.The State of State Address Does Not Tell The Real Story of TexasToday, Texas For All Education Fund, the 501(c)(3) branch of Texas For All, announced the launch of the State of the People video series, a bold new project highlighting the realities of
- [Testimony to the Senate Finance Committee: Current Border Militarization Operations Are a Wasteful Attempt at Deterrence](https://everytexan.org/2025/01/29/testimony-to-the-senate-finance-committee-current-border-militarization-operations-are-a-wasteful-attempt-at-deterrence/) - View this testimony as a PDF.There is little return to show on past border militarization investments. Beginning in 2021, the Governor launched a multi-year campaign called Operation Lone Star that, in part, allowed his Trusteed Programs office to distribute billions of dollars in grants to once resource-starved border communities. SB 1 prepares to double down
- [Catch Up Quick: 2026-27 Biennial Revenue Estimate (BRE)](https://everytexan.org/2025/01/13/catch-up-quick-2026-27-biennial-revenue-estimate-bre/) - The Legislature does not have a revenue problem – It has a spending problem. With this sizable estimate for the biennium, we again have a rare opportunity to make up for decades of underfunding – particularly in Texas public education.
- [First Look: 2026-27 Budget Bills](https://everytexan.org/2025/01/29/first-look-2026-27-budget-bills/) - The Texas House and Senate laid out their initial funding proposals for the 2026-27 biennium in budget bills HB 1 and SB 1.
- [Low Pay and High Turnover in Texas State Agencies Cost Us All. State Agency Employees Respond to Low Pay, High Turnover, and Understaffing.](https://everytexan.org/2025/01/14/low-pay-and-high-turnover-in-texas-state-agencies-cost-us-all-state-agency-employees-respond-to-low-pay-high-turnover-and-understaffing/) - Twitter Facebook Linkedin This report spotlights the voices of state workers, who share their experiences navigating unprecedented and historic staff turnover. The report finds that: Low pay is the primary driver of high turnover and short staffing.Without the pay needed to attract and retain employees, existing employees are given increasingly heavy workloads and face challenging working
- [Texas Poised to Pass on $450 Million to Feed Kids in the Summer Again in 2025](https://everytexan.org/2024/12/17/texas-poised-to-pass-on-450-million-to-feed-kids-in-the-summer-again-in-2025/) - New data shows the local economic impact of Summer EBT in counties across the state. In Summer 2024, Texas was one of only 13 states that chose not to participate in Summer EBT, a new federal nutrition program that provides a grocery benefit to families with low-income students to make up for the loss of school
- [Testimony to Senate Local Government Committee on Property Tax Cuts](https://everytexan.org/2024/11/07/testimony-to-senate-local-government-committee-on-property-tax-cuts/) - View this testimony as a PDF.Every Texan is an independent public policy organization that uses data and analysis to advocate for solutions that enable Texans of all backgrounds to reach their full potential. Every Texan opposed the property tax rate cuts enacted by the 88th Legislature, and we will continue to oppose any additional property tax
- [The Farm Bill Feeds Texans](https://everytexan.org/2024/12/16/the-farm-bill-feeds-texans/) - Twitter Facebook Linkedin 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
- [Raising Wages and Protections for Workers Lifts All Texans](https://everytexan.org/2024/12/13/raising-wages-and-protections-for-workers-lifts-all-texans/) - Twitter Facebook Linkedin Raising Wages and Protections for Workers Lifts All Texans How Higher Wages Drive Our Economic Progress Unless otherwise noted, this report relies on data from the Economic Policy Institute. Working families from Amarillo to Corpus Christi are worth dignified wages that can put nutritious food on the table and strengthen Texans’ ability to prosper. When
- [State of Working Texans 2024](https://everytexan.org/2024/12/13/state-of-working-texans-2024/) - The State of Working Texans series provides fact-based research and policy analysis to underscore that people are our state’s greatest resource.
- [2023 Texas Kids Count: Putting them first creates a better future for us all](https://everytexan.org/2023/06/14/aecf-2023-kids-count-report/) - All of us depend on a robust economy, so all of us need a childcare system that ensures parents can find care when and where they need it. It benefits everyone when parents can work to support their children, knowing that they are safe and cared for while on the job. Yet, our nation’s care
- [2021 KIDS COUNT Data Book: Texas Children Deserve Better](https://everytexan.org/2021/06/21/2021-kids-count-data-book-texas-children-deserve-better/) - 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 in the nation for children, per today’s release of the 2021 KIDS COUNT Data Book. Over the past decade, Texas has consistently ranked in the
- [2022 KIDS COUNT Data Book: Texas children need us now more than ever](https://everytexan.org/2023/03/17/2022-kids-count-data-book-texas-children-need-us-now-more-than-ever/) - Texas is home to 10% of all children under 18 living in the United States. The nearly 7.5 million children living in Texas reflect the nation’s growing diversity. The number of children in Texas is projected to increase to over 8.5 million by 2060. If the saying, “demographics are destiny,” holds true, then it’s time
- [2024 Kids Count National Data Book: Texas Still Fails Its Children](https://everytexan.org/2024/06/12/2024-kids-count-national-data-book-texas-still-fails-its-children/) - This year, AECF highlights two important factors preventing children from higher achievement: chronic absence and adverse childhood experiences. The combination of learning losses and the impact of these contributing factors will require immediate action from Texas policymakers to make investments in our future — because all children deserve a fair opportunity to reach their academic potential.
- [Data Brief: Honoring Indigenous Texans](https://everytexan.org/2024/11/25/data-brief-honoring-indigenous-texans/) - Twitter Facebook Linkedin American Indian and Alaska Native History is Texas History.American Indian and Alaska Native (AI/AN) Texans are integral to the fabric of our state through their key contributions to our infrastructure, economy, and political sphere. This StoryMap explores historical and contemporary data on AI/AN Texans while highlighting the significance of disaggregating data into
- [HealthCare.Gov Enrollment Period Is Now Open!](https://everytexan.org/2024/11/01/healthcare-gov-enrollment-period-is-now-open/) - This open enrollment period is an opportunity for Texans to find and afford critical medications and services while avoiding crushing medical debt.
- [From the Desk of Our CEO: Post-Election Reflections](https://everytexan.org/2024/11/08/post-election-reflections/) - We know this week has been difficult for many of our loved ones, communities, partners, and friends, and we are still processing everything that has happened. This is an uncertain time, yet one thing remains clear: now is not the time to back down. We must continue to push forward. At Every Texan, one of our
- [Lynn Cowles in The Texas Tribune: Texas’ order to ask hospital patients’ citizenship status renews focus on the state’s large uninsured population](https://everytexan.org/2024/10/18/lynn-cowles-in-the-texas-tribune-texas-order-to-ask-hospital-patients-citizenship-status-renews-focus-on-the-states-large-uninsured-population/) - Twitter Facebook Linkedin 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
- [Jaime Puente in The Washington Post: Texas may pay schools to use curriculum critics call overtly Christian](https://everytexan.org/2024/07/18/jaime-puente-in-the-washington-post-texas-may-pay-schools-to-use-curriculum-critics-call-overtly-christian/) - Twitter Facebook Linkedin Every Texan’s director of Economic Opportunity Jaime Puente was interviewed for The Washington Post on The Texas Education Agency’s proposed curriculum to pay school districts to teach elementary language arts lessons that critics say disproportionately focus on Christianity. Read an excerpt below: Despite the rise of inflation, Texas legislators have not given teachers a
- [Lynn Cowles in The Associated Press: Florida hospitals ask immigrants about their legal status. Texas will try it next.](https://everytexan.org/2024/09/19/lynn-cowles-in-the-associated-press-florida-hospitals-ask-immigrants-about-their-legal-status-texas-will-try-it-next/) - Twitter Facebook Linkedin 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
- [Chandra Villanueva on KUT Austin: Why do so many Austin-area school districts have budget deficits?](https://everytexan.org/2024/07/18/chandra-villanueva-on-kut-austin-why-do-so-many-austin-area-school-districts-have-budget-deficits/) - Twitter Facebook Linkedin Every Texan’s director of policy and advocacy Chandra Villanueva was interviewed about Austin ISD’s ongoing, multimillion-dollar budget. She says the solution is simple. Read an excerpt below: For school finance expert Chandra Villanueva, the No. 1 way to fix the budget woes school districts are confronting is pretty straightforward: Raise the basic allotment, the
- [Erin O'Malley in The Texas Tribune: Despite warnings, Texas rushed to remove millions from Medicaid. Eligible residents lost care.](https://everytexan.org/2024/09/26/erin-omalley-in-the-texas-tribune-despite-warnings-texas-rushed-to-remove-millions-from-medicaid-eligible-residents-lost-care/) - Twitter Facebook Linkedin 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
- [Texas Has A Long History of Voter Discrimination Based on the Pretext of Voter Fraud](https://everytexan.org/2024/10/16/texas-has-a-long-history-of-voter-discrimination-based-on-the-pretext-of-voter-fraud/) - There is an extensive history in Texas of using false allegations of voter fraud or election integrity as a proxy for voter suppression – so much so that, for years, Texas had to get prior approval from the DOJ for any electoral change.
- [Data Brief: Celebrating LGBTQ Texans](https://everytexan.org/2024/10/15/data-brief-celebrating-pride-month/) - Twitter Facebook Linkedin 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
- [Data Brief: Hispanic Heritage Month 2024](https://everytexan.org/2024/10/08/data-brief-hispanic-heritage-month-2024/) - Twitter Facebook Linkedin 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
- [Data Brief: Celebrating Asian and Pacific Islander Texans](https://everytexan.org/2024/10/03/data-brief-celebrating-asian-and-pacific-islander-texans/) - Following Asian and Pacific Islander Heritage Month, Every Texan recognizes and applauds the valuable contributions of Asian and Pacific Islander Texans.
- [Testimony to the Sustainable Property Tax Relief, Select Study](https://everytexan.org/2024/09/25/testimony-to-the-sustainable-property-tax-relief-select-study/) - While HB 3 made an ongoing financial commitment to property tax cuts, no similar promises were made to the children of Texas to keep pace with rising education costs or fix other funding shortfalls.
- [Data Brief: Bilingual Texans](https://everytexan.org/2024/09/23/data-brief-bilingual-texans/) - Twitter Facebook Linkedin 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
- [Recapture: The Most Misunderstood Aspect of the School Finance System](https://everytexan.org/2022/07/28/recapture-the-most-misunderstood-aspect-of-the-school-finance-system/) - Read our full report about recapture and the school finance system here.In our new report, Recapture: The Most Misunderstood Aspect of the School Finance System, we highlight how recapture takes the blame for the Legislature not fully funding our schools. No matter where we live, Texans want our children to have access to a good education.
- [Texans Are Worth High-Quality State Services](https://everytexan.org/2024/09/20/texans-are-worth-high-quality-state-services/) - Twitter Facebook Linkedin When we provide Texans access to well-funded public resources, fair wages, and dignified jobs, we create a state where everyone can thrive. The responsibility to ensure shared prosperity lies with the Texas Legislature, unfortunately, state leaders fail to take advantage of opportunities to do so. The systemic underfunding of our government and
- [Testimony on Harris County’s Guaranteed Income Program in the Senate Committee on Local Government](https://everytexan.org/2024/09/04/testimony-on-harris-countys-guaranteed-income-program-in-the-senate-committee-on-local-government/) - Guaranteed income programs are invaluable for many families. These piloted and means-targeted programs enable individuals to afford groceries, ease housing costs, cover medical expenses, and care for their families.
- [Celebrating 60 Years of Food Assistance](https://everytexan.org/2024/09/04/celebrating-60-years-of-food-assistance/) - Twitter Facebook Linkedin 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
- [Harris County’s Guaranteed Income Program  Will Build Financially Resilient Communities](https://everytexan.org/2023/06/30/harris-countys-guaranteed-income-program-financially-resilient-communities/) - View this testimony as a PDF here.Harris County, the third largest county in the nation, has made a powerful stride towards advancing racial justice and economic equality by establishing a guaranteed income program. The program aims to provide low-income families unconditional financial support, empowering them to adequately meet essential needs such as housing, groceries, transportation,
- [Testimony to Senate Finance Committee on Property Tax Cuts (Video)](https://everytexan.org/2024/09/04/testimony-to-senate-finance-committee-on-property-tax-cuts-video/) - Shannon Halbrook, Director of the Invest in Texas Team, testifies to the Senate Finance Committee to advocate for equitable tax policies. Read this testimony as a PDF here.
- [Summer Electronic Benefits Transfer Alleviate Summer Hunger for 3+ Million Kids](https://everytexan.org/2024/05/21/summer-electronic-benefits-transfer-alleviate-summer-hunger-for-3-million-kids/) - Twitter Facebook Linkedin View the full factsheet as a PDF here.In December 2022, a bipartisan Congress created a new, permanent program to provide food dollars to low-income families with school-age children over the summer months but made it optional for states to enact. Officially called Summer Electronic Benefits Transfer, or Summer EBT, it would provide
- [The Impact of Food Insecurity on Texas Military Families](https://everytexan.org/2024/05/30/the-impact-of-food-insecurity-on-texas-military-families/) - Twitter Facebook Linkedin Recent findings from the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) together with data from the Military Family Advisory Network (MFAN) highlight how food insecurity negatively impacts the well-being of our service members in Texas. With a large number of military personnel stationed in Texas, addressing this issue is crucial not only for the
- [High Hopes, but Low FAFSA Completion Rates](https://everytexan.org/2024/06/17/high-hopes-but-low-fafsa-completion-rates/) - Twitter Facebook Linkedin At the start of the year, educators and families across the U.S. were excited about the release of a better FAFSA. Texans from all corners of this state deserve and desire access to post-secondary opportunities that are affordable – regardless of race, class, or gender. The latest FAFSA cycle brought high hopes
- [Another Year of Record Affordable Care Act Marketplace Enrollment](https://everytexan.org/2024/07/12/another-year-of-record-affordable-care-act-marketplace-enrollment/) - Twitter Facebook Linkedin Texas saw record enrollment growth in both new and returning customers on the Affordable Care Act (ACA) Marketplace for 2024. A number of factors drove these historic gains, including an extension of federal subsidies supporting low-cost coverage and mass coverage loss due to Medicaid unwinding. By the NumbersMore people enrolled in better
- [Undocumented Texans Paid $4.9 Billion in State and Local Taxes in 2022](https://everytexan.org/2024/08/06/undocumented-texans-paid-4-9-billion-in-state-and-local-taxes-in-2022/) - Undocumented immigrants are essential contributors to Texas’ economy and robust job growth. Regardless of their citizenship or immigration status, immigrant families pay state and local taxes to support vital public services that benefit all of us, such as schools and colleges, roads, parks, and libraries. A new report from the Institute on Taxation and Economic
- [Gov. Abbott’s Executive Order Will Increase Distrust in Texas Health Systems, Diminish Health Outcomes, and Harm State Economy](https://everytexan.org/2024/08/09/gov-abbotts-executive-order-will-increase-distrust-in-texas-health-systems-diminish-health-outcomes-and-harm-state-economy/) - GA-46 requires Texas HHSC to direct public hospitals in the state to collect information on undocumented patients.
- [The Texas Workforce Is Resilient and Undervalued](https://everytexan.org/2024/08/12/the-texas-workforce-is-resilient-and-undervalued/) - The labor of working Texans fuels our titan economy, and we deserve job conditions that fully recognize the significant contributions we make to our state’s economic abundance.
- [Why “Food is Medicine” Initiatives Are Important in Addressing Food Insecurity](https://everytexan.org/2024/07/31/why-food-is-medicine-initiatives-are-important-in-addressing-food-insecurity/) - Twitter Facebook Linkedin Lawrence Robinson was a Health and Food Justice Policy Intern from September 2023 to May 2024The food we consume is a crucial determinant of health, as quality nutrition prevents and manages chronic diseases. However, 1 in 8 Texans experience food insecurity and rising rates of diet-related conditions. These data mirror the national average
- [Texans Find Common Cause Under the Banner of Public Education](https://everytexan.org/2024/06/20/texans-find-common-cause-under-the-banner-of-public-education/) - One of the great pleasures of defending public education in Texas is the opportunity to meet fellow Texans and discuss the issues vital to our state. Recently, it was my honor to join the Park Cities Republican Women for their May meeting, hosted at the Museum of Biblical Art in Dallas. Billed as a “debate”
- [Trends Among Texas Mothers Highlight Need for Policy Reform](https://everytexan.org/2024/05/28/trends-among-texas-mothers-highlight-need-for-policy-reform/) - Twitter Facebook Linkedin Texas mothers deserve access to dignified jobs that support both their families and full participation in the workforce. Women are essential to Texas’ economy, and their workforce participation will play a critical role in shaping the state’s future economic well-being. Currently, more than 4.6 million women (16 and older) participate in the
- [The Battle of Tax Cuts, Vouchers, and School Funding: A Tale of the 88th Texas Legislative Session](https://everytexan.org/2024/05/13/the-battle-of-tax-cuts-vouchers-and-school-funding-a-tale-of-the-88th-texas-legislative-session/) - Twitter Facebook Linkedin Read the full white paper as a PDFThe Legislature is obligated by the state constitution to fund our public education system. Currently, 5.5 million Texas children rely on the Legislature to ensure schools have the resources to prepare them to be informed citizens, join the workforce, and achieve the social mobility necessary
- [New Policy Removes Barrier to Health Access for DACA Recipients](https://everytexan.org/2024/05/21/new-policy-removes-barrier-to-health-access-for-daca-recipients/) - Twitter Facebook Linkedin A new federal policy ensures people with “Deferred Action for Childhood Arrival” (DACA) status are no longer barred from participating in the Affordable Care Act (ACA) Marketplace. For years, a different legal definition of people who are “lawfully present” improperly excluded DACA recipients, who do have legal status across other federal programs.
- [Children Face Food Insecurity This Summer as Texas Turns Down Federal Food Aid](https://everytexan.org/2024/05/21/children-face-food-insecurity-this-summer-as-texas-turns-down-federal-food-aid/) - Twitter Facebook Linkedin Summer is quickly approaching, and with it comes a challenge for children who usually get free or reduced-price meals at school: food insecurity. The Summer Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT) program, a federally-funded program, aims to help low-income families feed their children when school is out. This EBT program is a vital effort supported
- [Testimony to Senate Committee on Border Security](https://everytexan.org/2024/06/12/testimony-to-senate-committee-on-border-security/) - Our state is spending billions of taxpayer dollars and making it more dangerous and more difficult to be an immigrant in Texas by continuing Operation Lone Star and pursuing anti-democratic policies such as SB 4. Yet, newly arrived Texans continue to power our economy.
- [New Federal Updates to Affordable Care Act Marketplace Policy](https://everytexan.org/2024/05/06/new-federal-updates-to-affordable-care-act-marketplace-policy/) - The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS), the federal agency in charge of regulating most types of health insurance, just released a final rule that makes changes to the ACA Marketplace. The new final rule, called “Notice of Benefit and Payment Parameters for 2025,” includes many wins for Texas families who rely on care from the
- [CMS’ New Rules Govern “Junk” Short-Term Health Coverage and Insurance-Like Products](https://everytexan.org/2024/04/29/cms-new-rules-govern-junk-short-term-health-coverage-and-insurance-like-products/) - As if navigating health coverage options isn’t hard enough for most Texans, a multitude of health plans not required by federal law to comply with the consumer protections in the Affordable Care Act (ACA) have proliferated the marketplace in recent years. Intended to be short-term, stopgap coverage for emergency situations, these plans are not regulated
- [Testimony on Senate Health and Human Services Committee Interim Legislative Charge: Health Insurance](https://everytexan.org/2024/05/15/testimony-on-senate-health-and-human-services-committee-interim-legislative-charge-health-insurance/) - View this testimony as a PDF Every Texan (formerly CPPP) appreciates the opportunity to comment on the 2024 Senate Interim Legislative Charges. The Benedictine Sisters of Boerne, Texas, founded Every Texan in 1985 to advance public policy solutions for expanding access to health care. We became an independent, tax-exempt organization in 1999. Today, we prioritize policies
- [Written Testimony to Senate Committee on the Implementation of SB 17](https://everytexan.org/2024/05/14/written-testimony-to-senate-committee-on-the-implementation-of-sb-17/) - Read this testimony as a PDF hereEvery Texan is an independent public policy organization that uses data and analysis to advocate for solutions that enable Texans of all backgrounds to reach their full potential. We believe in all Texans having access to high-quality and affordable education that aids in their social and economic well-being.Every Texan
- [From the Desk of Our CEO: SCOTUS’ Decision to Overturn Roe v. Wade](https://everytexan.org/2022/06/29/from-the-desk-of-our-ceo-scotus-decision-to-overturn-roe-v-wade/) - I am gravely disappointed in the Supreme Court’s decision to overturn Roe v. Wade, effectively upending decades of constitutional protection of reproductive autonomy. Without federal protection, abortion will be illegal in Texas. This decision to limit access to reproductive health care is a threat to life and our economy that will cost all Texans. For
- [Op-Ed: Put Texas Kids First](https://everytexan.org/2023/05/30/op-ed-put-texas-kids-first/) - There are more than 73 million children under 18 living in the U.S., and over seven million of them call Texas home. The biennial Texas Kids Count report brings together data across five categories of child well-being, including health, education, economic well-being, environmental impact on children’s health, and safe communities and schools. This year’s report
- [New Federal Policies Help Eliminate Barriers to Medicaid and CHIP Access for Texans](https://everytexan.org/2024/04/24/new-federal-policies-help-eliminate-barriers-to-medicaid-and-chip-access-for-texans/) - The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS), Texas’ partner in administering Medicaid and Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP), released a final rule to better streamline the application, eligibility determination, enrollment, and renewal processes it regulates across states and public insurance coverage types. Overall, the goal of these policies is to reduce the “churn” of
- [Texas Is the Tale of Two Economies](https://everytexan.org/2024/03/14/texas-is-the-tale-of-two-economies/) - Working Texans produce a booming and robust state economy by many measures, but the benefits are not equitably distributed among us.
- [Kimberly Clarida in The Houston Chronicle: UT Austin DEI layoffs disproportionately affected women and Black staffers, records show](https://everytexan.org/2024/04/22/kimberly-clarida-in-the-houston-chronicle-ut-austin-dei-layoffs-disproportionately-affected-women-and-black-staffers-records-show/) - Senior Policy Analyst Kimberly Clarida was interviewed about the recent DEI-related layoffs at the University of Texas Austin, which disproportionately affected female and Black employees. Read an excerpt below: The dozens of employees laid off by the University of Texas at Austin this month when it closed a former diversity, equity and inclusion office were mostly women
- [Amanda Posson in The Dallas Morning News: Frisco, McKinney and Plano have some of the largest gender pay gaps in the country](https://everytexan.org/2024/03/12/amanda-posson-in-the-dallas-morning-news-frisco-mckinney-and-plano-have-some-of-the-largest-gender-pay-gaps-in-the-country/) - Senior Policy Analyst Amanda Posson spoke with the Dallas Morning News about new report findings that place Frisco, Plano and McKinney in the top 10 cities with the largest gender pay gaps. Read an excerpt below: Tuesday marks Equal Pay Day, an awareness event coined by the National Committee on Pay Equity in the 1960s to illustrate the
- [Even a Perfect Score on the GED® Doesn’t Count as College-Ready in Texas](https://everytexan.org/2018/11/14/even-a-perfect-score-on-the-ged¬ae-doesnaot-count-as-college-ready-in-texas/) - A high school diploma is critical for all Texans to be self-sufficient and provide for their families. In 2015, Texas launched 60x30TX, the state’s strategic higher education plan aimed at ensuring 60 percent of Texan adults between the ages of 25 and 34 earn a postsecondary credential by 2030. Though 60x30TX aims to make Texas
- [Saving for College: 529 Plans and Children’s Savings Accounts](https://everytexan.org/2018/11/27/saving-for-college-529-plans-and-childrens-savings-accounts/) - There is no greater tool than education for boosting opportunity and combating poverty. Figuring out how to pay for higher education, especially as the costs rise and state supports drop, is a critical challenge. Investing for future education expenses is a priority for many Texas families. With numerous investment vehicles, it’s important to begin understanding
- [Will Texas Drop the Ball on Funding Higher Education?](https://everytexan.org/2019/02/04/will-texas-drop-the-ball-on-funding-higher-education/) - Higher education is a critical tool for economic prosperity for all Texans. The outcome of the 2019 Texas legislative session, during which lawmakers determine state financial support in 2020 and 2021 for higher education and other state-supported services, has a significant impact on Texas students. This month, the Texas House and Senate introduced their budget
- [College Students Left to Fend for Themselves as State Support Declines](https://everytexan.org/2019/02/12/college-students-left-to-fend-for-themselves-as-state-support-declines/) - "Degrees of Debt: What to Do About Rising College Debt in Texas" is a three-part data series by the Center for Public Policy Priorities. Part 3/3Part 1: Why Is Texas Investing Less and Expecting Better College Graduation Rates?Part 2: Don’t Forget Financial Aid for Non-Traditional Students Postsecondary education is critical for driving prosperity for all Texas families.
- [Don’t Forget Financial Aid for Non-Traditional Students](https://everytexan.org/2019/02/12/dont-forget-financial-aid-for-non-traditional-students/) - "Degrees of Debt: What to Do About Rising College Debt in Texas" is a three-part data series by the Center for Public Policy Priorities. Part 2/3Part 1: Why Is Texas Investing Less and Expecting Better College Graduation Rates?Part 3: College Students Left to Fend for Themselves as State Support Declines Postsecondary education is critical for
- [Why Is Texas Investing Less and Expecting Better College Graduation Rates?](https://everytexan.org/2019/02/12/why-is-texas-investing-less-and-expecting-better-college-graduation-rates/) - "Degrees of Debt: What to Do About Rising College Debt in Texas" is a three-part data series by the Center for Public Policy Priorities. Part 1/3Part 2: Don't Forget Financial Aid for Non-Traditional StudentsPart 3: College Students Left to Fend for Themselves as State Support Declines Postsecondary education is critical for driving prosperity for Texas families. Increasingly,
- [A Better Way to Do Free College in Texas](https://everytexan.org/2019/02/19/a-better-way-to-do-free-college-in-texas/) - Higher education is a critical driver of economic progress and family financial stability in Texas. However, the cost of higher education has been consistently increasing while the Texas Legislature has decreased the state’s overall investment in higher education, creating a college affordability crisis. To address the crisis and encourage student enrollment, many cities, community college
- [Texans Who Can’t Pay Student Loans Shouldn't Lose Professional Licenses](https://everytexan.org/2019/02/22/texans-who-cant-pay-student-loans-shouldnt-lose-professional-licenses/) - College students now regularly face choices between taking on greater amounts of debt, working longer hours in part-time jobs, or going without food, books or housing to cover their growing college costs and living expenses to complete their education. These increasingly heavy burdens on Texas students and families is a result of soaring college costs and
- [Legislators Have a Shot to Improve Adult Education](https://everytexan.org/2019/04/23/legislators-have-a-shot-to-improve-adult-education/) - Earning a high school degree or credential is a critical step toward Texans accessing opportunities that will allow them to provide for their families and reach their full potential. However, about 3.4 million Texans over 18 don’t yet have a high school credential. This makes Texas the lowest-performing state in the nation for high school
- [Misguided Priorities: Texas’ Inequitable Investment in Public Historically Black Colleges and Universities](https://everytexan.org/2020/02/11/misguided-priorities-texas-inequitable-investment-in-public-historically-black-colleges-and-universities/) - Postsecondary education is critical for driving prosperity for Texas families. For more Texans to become skilled members of the workforce and sustainable earners for their families, students of all backgrounds need equitable access to an affordable education after high school. The state government has an important role to play to ensure college affordability, and it
- [Shannon Halbrook in The Houston Chronicle: How IRS Direct File could save you time and money](https://everytexan.org/2024/04/03/shannon-halbrook-in-the-houston-chronicle-how-irs-direct-file-could-save-you-time-and-money/) - Read Shannon’s work in The Houston Chronicle. About 17 million Texans will sit down to file their taxes over the next few weeks, whether on paper, with the help of a CPA, or — as will be the case for most — online through a private company. One of the few issues that nearly every American
- [Anti-Immigrant Policies Lead Texas Down an Unconstitutional and Dangerous Road](https://everytexan.org/2024/04/01/anti-immigrant-policies-lead-texas-down-an-unconstitutional-and-dangerous-road/) - Greg Abbott’s Operation Lone Star and the dangerously unconstitutional SB 4 have turned the idyllic beauty of the Texas Borderlands into a wire-clad warzone.
- [Texas Immigrants Are Still Essential to Our Economy: New Report from Immigration Research Initiative and Every Texan](https://everytexan.org/2024/02/07/texas-immigrants-are-still-essential-to-our-economy/) - Read the full Texas report as a PDFIn partnership with the Immigration Research Initiative (IRI), Every Texan released a new analysis demonstrating asylum seekers and new immigrants make significant contributions to our communities and economy. Once provided a work permit, new immigrants earn an average of $20,000 in their first year, which increases to $29,000
- [The Texas Family Act: Paid Parental Leave Strengthens Families and Small Businesses in Texas](https://everytexan.org/2023/03/30/the-texas-family-act-paid-parental-leave-strengthens-families-and-small-businesses-in-texas/) - The Texas Family Act (HB 2604/SB 1079) will provide 12 weeks of paid parental leave to full-time employees at the birth or adoption of a child. If the act passes, Every Texan estimates approximately 144,000 new parents will receive a percentage of their weekly salary as a wage replacement from the Texas Family Fund, capped
- [What Makes ‘El Paso Strong’?](https://everytexan.org/2024/03/13/what-makes-el-paso-strong/) - “El Paso Strong” is not just a phrase. Border residents know best and have made their position loud and clear: less barriers, more resources.
- [Black History Is Texas History](https://everytexan.org/2024/02/29/black-history-is-texas-history/) - This Black History Month, we celebrated Black Texans across the state because Black history is Texas history. Explore our Storymap Data Brief on Black Texans.
- [Comments on the Healthy Texas Women Section 1115 Medicaid Demonstration](https://everytexan.org/2024/03/13/comments-on-the-healthy-texas-women-section-1115-medicaid-demonstration/) - View these comments as a PDF.Every Texan appreciates the opportunity to comment on the Texas Health and Human Services Commission’s (HHSC) application to the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) to extend the Healthy Texas Women (HTW) demonstration under Section 1115 of the Social Security Act. Every Texan is a nonpartisan, nonprofit 501(c)(3) public policy
- [Luis Figueroa in The Washington Post: Republicans abandoned urban America, and they’re paying the price](https://everytexan.org/2023/05/18/republicans-abandoned-urban-america-and-theyre-paying-the-price/) - Luis Figueroa, Chief of Legislative Affairs at Every Texan, was interviewed for an opinion piece in The Washington Post on the use of preemption in notoriously Republican states.Read an excerpt below:In Texas, the Republican-controlled legislature has passed a sweeping bill that represents the state of the art in “preemption.” The bill heading to the desk
- [Kimberly Clarida in The Texas Tribune: West Texas A&M will no longer require students to pay for textbooks starting next fall](https://everytexan.org/2023/08/31/kimberly-clarida-in-the-texas-tribune-west-texas-am-will-no-longer-require-students-to-pay-for-textbooks-starting-next-fall/) - Higher Education Policy Analyst Kimberly Clarida was interviewed by The Texas Tribune for an article on West Texas A&M’s decision to no longer require students to buy textbooks, contributing to the larger discussion on higher education costs.Read an excerpt below:“Removing the cost of textbooks is a step in the right direction to make college more affordable,” said
- [Chandra Villanueva in ABC13: Spring Branch ISD protests recapture payment to state, urges for more funding](https://everytexan.org/2023/09/14/chandra-villanueva-in-abc13-spring-branch-isd-protests-recapture-payment-to-state-urges-for-more-funding/) - Every Texan’s Director of Policy and Advocacy Chandra Villanueva was interviewed by the ABC 13 in Houston on the recapture process in Texas, after one local school board took a stance against the state. Read an excerpt below:Spring Branch ISD is sending a stern message to the State of Texas. A flag with the words “Come and
- [Texas Union Coverage Holds Steady During Strong Job Growth](https://everytexan.org/2024/02/08/texas-union-coverage-holds-steady-during-strong-job-growth/) - 2023 marked a critical point in Texas’ organizing history. Last year, we increased both the number of workers covered by a union as well as union density for the private and public sectors.
- [Texas at the Crossroads: Navigating Disparities and Progress in the Annie E. Casey Foundation’s 2024 Race for Results Index](https://everytexan.org/2024/02/12/texas-at-the-crossroads-navigating-disparities-and-progress-in-the-annie-e-casey-foundations-2024-race-for-results-index/) - Despite improvements on many key measures, the United States is still failing its children, especially kids of color, as too many children are kept from reaching essential well-being milestones.
- [New Report Projects Economic Growth and Contributions for Asylum Seekers and New Immigrants Across U.S.](https://everytexan.org/2024/02/07/new-report-projects-economic-growth-and-contributions-for-asylum-seekers-and-new-immigrants-across-u-s/) - New Report Projects Economic Growth and Contributions for Asylum Seekers and New Immigrants Across U.S.Today, the Immigration Research Initiative (IRI), along with representatives of Every Texan, the Colorado Fiscal Institute, and America’s Voice, hosted a webinar to release a national report with state-by-state data that projects the expected wages, economic growth, and state and local
- [Karla Martinez in The Texas Tribune: More Texans than ever before enrolled in ACA health plans in 2024, feds say](https://everytexan.org/2024/02/01/karla-martinez-in-the-texas-tribune-more-texans-than-ever-before-enrolled-in-aca-health-plans-in-2024-feds-say/) - Senior Policy Analyst Karla Martinez spoke to The Texas Tribune about new federal data revealing more Texans have signed up for cheap or free health care coverage through the Affordable Care Act than ever before. Martinez commented on the implications of this success in The Texas Tribune.Read an excerpt below:“According to the federal government, Texans
- [Bipartisan Push to Expand Federal CTC Would Benefit 1.9 Million Texas Kids](https://everytexan.org/2024/01/25/bipartisan-push-to-expand-federal-ctc-would-benefit-1-9-million-texas-kids/) - As a proposal to raise the Child Tax Credit advances in Congress, Texas families are poised to see the second-largest impact nationally.
- [A Better FAFSA: It’s About Time!](https://everytexan.org/2024/01/22/a-better-fafsa-its-about-time/) - All students – regardless of race, class, or gender – deserve affordable post-secondary education. Access to financial aid makes it possible for many students to attain post-secondary education and pursue personal, social, and economic goals. For years, higher education institutions have excluded many Texans based on their race, gender, and wealth. While identity-based exclusions have
- [Latest Study Confirms Unfairness of Texas’ State and Local Tax Systems](https://everytexan.org/2024/01/09/latest-study-confirms-unfairness-of-texas-state-and-local-tax-systems/) - Texas’ system is so unbalanced that many Texas families pay a larger portion of their income in state/local taxes than similar families in “high-tax” California.
- [College Food Access Toolkit: The Push for Equitable Higher Education](https://everytexan.org/2023/10/18/college-food-access-toolkit-equitable-higher-education/) - Every Texan created this toolkit to recommend best practices to implement at your college or university to address student population needs.
- [Reflections on Race-Class Narrative](https://everytexan.org/2024/01/05/reflections-on-race-class-narrative/) - Race Class Narrative (RCN) and its messaging strategy potential is an encouraging step forward in the fight for education equity.
- [Data Brief: The State of Mental & Behavioral Health in Young Texans](https://everytexan.org/2023/12/15/data-brief-the-state-of-mental-behavioral-health-in-young-texans/) - View the full data brief here.All Texans are worthy of mental health support, yet Texas adolescents and teens are particularly vulnerable to the life-threatening effects of depression and suicidal ideation. Our youth are in a state of emergency, facing stress from the COVID-19 pandemic, widespread school closures, extreme financial strain, and inflation. Not to mention,
- [Dallas Equity Indicators: Measuring Change Toward Greater Equity in Dallas](https://everytexan.org/2019/11/07/dallas-equity-indicators-measuring-change-toward-greater-equity-in-dallas/) - Dallas is known for its growing economy and nationally recognized schools, its world-class healthcare and a true sense of community among its neighborhoods. It’s home to 1.3 million people, including nearly 1 million people of color. In spite of the city’s successes, Dallas has a long history of segregation and racial discrimination that has locked
- [What Cities and Counties Can Do to Prepare for the 2020 Census](https://everytexan.org/2019/03/11/what-cities-and-counties-can-do-to-prepare-for-the-2020-census/) - In less than a year, the Census Bureau will carry out the constitutionally mandated count, or the Census, of the nation’s residents. The Census is supposed to count everyone living in the United States to determine representation in Congress as well as the number of federal dollars sent to local communities to improve our nation’s
- [2020 Census: Top 5 Ways You Can Plug-in](https://everytexan.org/2019/03/11/2020-census-top-5-ways-you-can-plug-in/) - The 2020 Census is just around the corner. To make sure Texas doesn’t fall behind, there are many ways you can do your part by plugging-in. Texas stands to gain three new seats in Congress; receive federal funds for transportation, healthcare and other critical services; as well as attract businesses to invest in Texas. As
- [The 2020 Census & Undercounting Young Latino Children](https://everytexan.org/2019/02/05/the-2020-census-undercounting-young-latino-children/) - Note: Please click here for more Texas-specific information and resources on the 2020 Census. Very young children, ages 0-4, have historically been undercounted in past Censuses. In the 2010 Census, Texas missed seven percent of young Latino children—about 75,000—age four or younger. Based on the 2010 Census, Latino children are twice more likely to be
- [Time to Invest in Webb County and Laredo Children](https://everytexan.org/2019/11/07/time-to-invest-in-webb-county-and-laredo-children/) - If the border economy in Laredo and Webb County is booming, then why are kids in the area facing so many challenges? A new report takes a deep-dive into the data. Larger cities in the county serve as hubs for international trade and make the South Texas region demographically unique from other parts of Texas.
- [Joint Statement Opposing Anti-Immigrant Legislation in Texas](https://everytexan.org/2023/11/16/joint-statement-opposing-anti-immigrant-legislation-in-texas/) - We, the TRUST coalition and the additional undersigned organizations, oppose SB 4 (88S3), SB 4/HB 4 (88S4), and SB 3 (88S4), and together, we call on Governor Abbott to abandon his unconstitutional efforts and veto these bills or risk thrusting the state into costly litigation.
- [Testimony at Senate Committee on Border Security Against HB 4 (Video)](https://everytexan.org/2023/11/03/testimony-at-senate-committee-on-border-security-against-hb-4-video/) - Every Texan’s Chief of Legislative Affairs, Luis Figueroa, testifies against HB 4 in the 3rd Texas Special Legislative Session.Learn more about Texas’s harmful border policies here.
- [2022 Census Data: The Uninsured Population of Texas](https://everytexan.org/2023/11/20/2022-census-data-the-uninsured-population-of-texas/) - New U.S. Census estimates from mid-September show slight improvements in the number of uninsured Texans from 2021 to 2022. Seventeen percent of Texans (an estimated 4.9 million) were uninsured in 2022, down from 18% in 2021 (an estimated 5.2 million). Despite this small improvement, Texas continues to rank worst in the nation for the highest
- [Data Brief: ACS 2022 Income and Poverty Data Release](https://everytexan.org/2023/12/04/data-brief-acs-2022-income-and-poverty-data-release/) - Read the full data brief here. As Texans, there’s more that unites us than divides us. Regardless of our race, income, or hometown, Texans know we are worth a fair shot at prosperity. For too long, the elite few in our state have ignored our needs and blamed immigrants, working families, and LGBTQ+ Texans for
- [Texas Adopted Paid Leave Benefits for State Employees. Counties and Cities Can Do the Same.](https://everytexan.org/2023/11/29/texas-adopted-a-paid-parental-leave-benefit-for-state-employees-counties-and-cities-can-do-the-same/) - Texas state agency employees and people working in the legislative and executive branches now have access to paid parental leave benefits. SB 222, effective September 1, 2023, provides eight weeks of paid parental leave to mothers and birthing parents, as well as four weeks to fathers and non-birthing parents at the birth or adoption of
- [Private Health Insurance Improves Due to COVID-19, but More Work Needed](https://everytexan.org/2020/04/07/private-health-insurance-improves-due-to-covid-19-but-more-work-needed/) - Health insurance improves access to health care and financial security. We should all be able to see a doctor for regular checkups or to get treatment when we are sick. And no one should have to choose between getting health care for their child and paying their rent or buying groceries. The most recent Census
- [Flora Brewer, a spirit worth celebrating](https://everytexan.org/2023/12/06/flora-brewer-a-spirit-worth-celebrating/) - While our team is sad to share the news of Flora’s passing, we wish to celebrate her remarkable spirit and the transformational things she did to make Texas the best place to live for every Texan.
- [Recommendations on Texas Health and Human Services Commission Legislative Appropriations Request FY 2026-2027](https://everytexan.org/2023/11/29/recommendations-on-texas-health-and-human-services-commission-legislative-appropriations-request-fy-2026-2027/) - Every Texan appreciates the opportunity to provide written recommendations to the Texas Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC) regarding the agency’s development of the Legislative Appropriations Request (LAR) for 2026-2027.At Every Texan (formerly Center for Public Policy Priorities), we envision a Texas where people of all backgrounds can contribute to and share in the prosperity
- [Luis Figueroa at the Mexican American Legislative Caucus Press Conference (Video)](https://everytexan.org/2023/10/26/luis-figueroa-mexican-american-legislative-caucus-press-conference-video/) - Every Texan’s Chief of Legislative Affairs, Luis Figueroa, joins the Mexican American Legislative Caucus (MALC) to outline the harmful implications of HB 4 in the 3rd Special Session of the 88th Texas Legislature.Learn more about Texas’s harmful border policies here.
- [Jaime Puente in The Texas Observer: Abbott's Voucher Fight isn't about Kids. It's about Money, Politics, and Religion.](https://everytexan.org/2023/10/16/jaime-puente-in-the-texas-observer-abbotts-voucher-fight-isnt-about-kids-its-about-money-politics-and-religion/) - Every Texan’s Director of Economic Opportunity Jaime Puente was interviewed by The Texas Observer on the Senate’s passage of SB 1, a voucher proposal that would inevitably harm public school students. Read an excerpt below:But school district superintendents, parents, teachers, and public school advocates, conservative and progressive alike, who spoke against the bill, outnumbered those in
- [Amanda Posson in CBS Austin: State workers are leaving in droves. Here's how it could impact the services you rely on](https://everytexan.org/2023/11/22/amanda-posson-in-cbs-austin-state-workers-are-leaving-in-droves-heres-how-it-could-impact-the-services-you-rely-on/) - Senior Policy Analyst Amanda Posson was interviewed about Texas’ concerning state worker turnover rate, and what fewer state employees will mean for everyday Texans. Read an excerpt below: “That workforce is in crisis,” said Amanda Posson, who studied the trends with Every Texan and the Texas State Employees Union. You can read about their findings here.Numbers show
- [Jaime Puente in The Texas Tribune: The Texas House’s new priority education bill offers concessions to sway voucher skeptics](https://everytexan.org/2023/11/08/jaime-puente-in-the-texas-tribune-the-texas-houses-new-priority-education-bill-offers-concessions-to-sway-voucher-skeptics/) - Every Texan’s Director of Economic Opportunity Jaime Puente was interviewed by The Texas Observer on a reworked HB 1, which includes some concessions to try and sway voucher skeptics. Read an excerpt below: Buckley said his new legislation was crafted after receiving input from House colleagues, the governor’s office and education stakeholders. Abbott’s office did not immediately
- [Uninsured Texans: Challenges & Policy Solutions](https://everytexan.org/2023/11/20/uninsured-texans-challenges-policy-solutions/) - This is Part 2 of a blog series examining the 2022 Census data and providing insight into Texas’ uninsured rate. Read Part 1 here. Policy Solutions All Texans, no matter our race, income, or hometown, deserve to be able to see a doctor when we get sick. When Texas leaders fail to invest in our people and
- [Every Texan Honors Four Extraordinary Women at 2023 Texas Legacy Awards](https://everytexan.org/2023/11/10/every-texan-honors-four-extraordinary-women-at-2023-texas-legacy-awards-2/) - Every Texan Honors Four Extraordinary Women at 2023 Texas Legacy AwardsOn Wednesday, Every Texan held its 2023 Texas Legacy Award ceremony at the iconic Austin Central Library. Every Texan honored three exceptional leaders — a first in the award’s 23-year history — for their relentless efforts to eradicate poverty and homelessness, improve the quality of
- [The 2024-25 Texas Budget: The Big Picture](https://everytexan.org/2023/11/03/the-2024-25-texas-budget-the-big-picture/) - The state budget is the only bill the Legislature must pass each session. Every two years, legislators decide how to allocate our tax dollars to the services and infrastructure that allow us to thrive. Governor Abbott signed the 2024-25 General Appropriations Act into law on June 18, making it the effective state budget from Sept.
- [HealthCare.Gov Enrollment Period Is Now Open!](https://everytexan.org/2023/11/02/healthcare-open-enrollment-open/) - This open enrollment period is an opportunity for Texans to find and afford critical medications and services, while avoiding crushing medical debt.
- [Testimony Opposing SB 6: Open Borders Rhetoric and Failed Policies Waste Valuable Resources](https://everytexan.org/2023/11/01/testimony-opposing-sb-6/) - SB 6 would allow the Governor’s massive waste to continue by sending another $1.5 billion with little oversight to his office's Trusteed Programs department.
- [Testimony at Special Session House Appropriations Committee Against HB6 (Video)](https://everytexan.org/2023/10/27/testimony-at-special-session-house-appropriations-committee-against-hb6-video/) - Every Texan’s Director of Economic Opportunity, Jaime Puente, testifies in strong opposition to HB 6 which would give another $1.5 billion to construction of a border wall.Read more about the failure of Texas’ immigration policies here.
- [Third Special Spending: Updated Spending Limits Mean More Options for Lawmakers](https://everytexan.org/2023/10/27/third-special-spending-updated-spending-limits-mean-more-options-for-lawmakers/) - Update on Spending Caps & Available FundsEarlier this year, Texas budget watchers marveled at the unusually large $32.7 billion carryover balance available to the Legislature during the regular session. Every Texan advocated for using this historic sum to make investments in our state’s most valuable resource—our people. Instead, lawmakers irresponsibly used the large balance to
- [Data Brief: All Texans Deserve Dignity and the Freedom to be Themselves](https://everytexan.org/2023/10/26/data-brief-lgbtq-texans/) - All Texans – regardless of gender or sexual orientation – have pride in their identities and love for the communities they call home. Yet, Governor Abbott, Attorney General Ken Paxton, and their anti-LGBTQ+ allies in the legislature maliciously attack transgender and LGBQ+ Texans to hold onto power and distract us.
- [United Auto Workers is Making History: Texans Take Note](https://everytexan.org/2023/10/09/united-auto-workers-is-making-history-texans-take-note/) - We’ve seen the news; the United Auto Workers (UAW) union is on strike. But, what is a strike, why now, and what does it mean for Texans?
- [Proposition 3 Will Maintain Texas' Extreme Wealth Inequality](https://everytexan.org/2023/10/20/proposition-3-will-maintain-texas-extreme-wealth-inequality/) - This November, Texas voters should vote in their own interest. Proposition 3 freezes future Texas lawmakers' options to make investments in our state’s most valuable asset, our people.
- [A Look at the 2024-2025 Texas Budget](https://everytexan.org/2023/10/13/a-look-at-the-2024-2025-texas-budget/) - The budget is the only bill the Legislature must pass each session. Every two years, the Legislature is tasked with making important decisions on allocating our tax dollars to the services and infrastructure that allow Texans of every race, background, and gender to reach their full potential. On June 18, Governor Abbott signed the 2024-25
- [Report: Bexar County Charity Care Spending Analysis](https://everytexan.org/2023/10/12/report-bexar-county-charity-care-spending-analysis/) - Texas leads the nation with the highest number and percentage of uninsured residents. As a result, county-based “hospital” or “health” districts play an outsized role in providing and paying for care to uninsured residents in our most populated urban counties. Bexar County (San Antonio) is one of several urban counties that support public hospitals, clinics, and programs of care for low-income uninsured residents, and the community can build on those investments by taking a more granular look at how well the Bexar County hospital district structures and policies are targeted to serve residents with the greatest needs.
- [Testimony at Special Session Senate Committee on Education Against SB 1 (Video)](https://everytexan.org/2023/10/11/testimony-at-special-session-senate-committee-on-education-against-sb-1-video/) - Every Texan’s Director of Economic Opportunity, Jaime Puente, testifies against the public education voucher program in front of the Senate Committee on education during the 3rd Special Session of the 88th Texas Legislative Session. “Vouchers of any kind undermine our democracy by instituting division into our public schools.”
- [Testimony at Special Session Senate Committee on Finance on SB 2 (Video)](https://everytexan.org/2023/10/11/testimony-at-special-session-senate-committee-on-finance-on-sb-2-video/) - Every Texan Director of Policy & Advocacy, Chandra Kring Villanueva, testifies on Senate Bill 2 on the first day of the 3rd Special Session of the 88th Texas Legislative Session.“If you can spend $18 billion on tax cuts, you can spend $18 billion raising the basic allotment; even if you have to bust the spending
- [Testimony at Special Session Senate Committee on Border Security on SB 11 (Video)](https://everytexan.org/2023/10/11/testimony-at-special-session-senate-committee-on-border-security-video-on-senate-bill-11/) - Every Texan Chief of Legislative Affairs, Luis Figueroa, testifies on Senate Bill 11 in the 3rd Special Session of the 88th Texas Legislative Session.“Our opposition comes because enforcement only policies don’t work. Since 1996, we have increased [border] enhancements and boots on the ground, and it’s only come at more cost.”
- [Putting the Screws on Public Education: Notes on the Report by the Select Committee on Educational Opportunity and Enrichment](https://everytexan.org/2023/10/04/putting-the-screws-on-public-education/) - With the help of Texas’ most powerful elected officials, out-of-state billionaires refuse to take no for an answer, despite the strong opposition to vouchers from the Texas House of Representatives in the regular session.
- [The Texas Legislature Must Prioritize Public Education](https://everytexan.org/2023/10/04/the-texas-legislature-must-prioritize-public-education/) - Texas made a promise that it would fund a public education system capable of preparing our children for lifelong opportunities. Many of our state leaders have failed to keep their end of the deal.
- [An Empowered Education Workforce Can Save Us From Gov. Abbott’s Destruction of Public Education](https://everytexan.org/2023/09/22/an-empowered-education-workforce-can-save-us/) - Texas’ education workforce is in crisis by design. Governor Abbott and Texas’ most powerful elected officials refuse to fully fund the cost of public education, despite more than 85% of Texas children being in public schools.
- [Texas Kids Kicked Off Coverage: What’s Happening with Medicaid Unwinding](https://everytexan.org/2023/09/19/texas-kids-kicked-off-coverage-whats-happening-with-medicaid-unwinding/) - Urgent action is needed to fix errors and address issues causing eligible Texas kids to lose Medicaid.
- [Chapter 313’s Replacement: Better in Some Ways, Worse in Others](https://everytexan.org/2023/09/15/chapter-313-replacement-hb-5/) - The new program retains the basic structure of Chapter 313, but differentiates in the type of projects that are eligible, the extent of the tax break, and the role of school districts.
- [Second Special Session: Prioritizing Tax Cuts Over Investments in Our Future](https://everytexan.org/2023/09/15/second-special-session-prioritizing-tax-cuts-over-investments-in-our-future/) - In the second special session, the Texas Legislature devoted $13.3 billion of the expected, one-time $32.7 billion cash balance (“surplus”) to reducing taxes. Legislators bragged they had cut taxes by $18.6 billion – allegedly the “largest tax cut in state history.”
- [Domestic and Care Worker Power Raises the Bar for All of Us](https://everytexan.org/2023/09/08/domestic-and-care-worker-power-raises-the-bar/) - On May 1, 2023, Every Texan partnered with grassroots organizations to host the state’s first Care Worker Power Day. Together, with Texas-based chapters of the National Domestic Workers Alliance (NDWA), We Dream in Black, Fe y Justicia, MISMA of Austin, Domesticas Unidas of San Antonio and the Personal Attendant Coalition of Texas (PACT), we added
- [HB 12 Ensures New Moms Have Health Insurance During Critical 12-Month Postpartum Period](https://everytexan.org/2023/09/08/hb-12-ensures-new-moms-have-health-insurance-during-critical-12-month-postpartum-period/) - All Texas moms, no matter our race, income, or hometown, deserve the healthiest pregnancy and birth possible so that we can thrive and help our families do the same. Underlying inequities rooted in racism drive devastating disparities in maternal and infant health, pregnancy-related deaths, and health insurance coverage. The Governor signed House Bill 12 by Representative
- [HB 1287 Will Reduce Hunger by Modernizing Texas’ SNAP Vehicle Asset Test](https://everytexan.org/2023/09/08/hb-1287-will-reduce-hunger-by-modernizing-texas-snap-vehicle-asset-test/) - Implementing HB 1287 will help thousands of Texans facing hunger every month - just because they need a car to survive.
- [Anne Dunkelberg in The Dallas Morning News: Texas Medicaid seeks 650 temporary workers as pandemic ends, eligibility checks resume](https://everytexan.org/2023/05/30/texas-medicaid-seeks-650-temporary-workers/) - Senior Fellow Anne Dunkelberg of Every Texan was quoted in The Dallas Morning News offering Every Texan’s perspective on Medicaid unwinding, as the state seeks out residents at risk of losing their medical coverage. Read an excerpt below:“Advocates for the poor fear the state’s vetting system is so wobbly, many of the millions of people they need
- [HB2127 Overturned: Win for Local Democracy](https://everytexan.org/2023/08/30/hb2127-overturned/) - The overturning of HB 2127 represents the power of our localities, our local elected officials, and the communities they represent.
- [Public Comment on Expanding Community Eligibility Provision](https://everytexan.org/2023/08/11/public-comment-on-expanding-community-eligibility-provision/) - View this testimony as a PDF here.On behalf of Every Texan, we appreciate the opportunity to comment on the USDA’s Proposed Rule on Child Nutrition Programs: Community Eligibility Provision – Increasing Options for Schools.At Every Texan, we envision a Texas where people of all backgrounds—regardless of race, ethnicity, socioeconomic status, gender identity, sexual orientation, national
- [Federal Comments on the Proposed 'Lawfully Present' Eligibility Rule](https://everytexan.org/2023/08/09/every-texans-comments-on-daca-lawfully-present-eligibility/) - View this testimony as a PDF here. Every Texan supports the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services’ (CMS) proposal to end the exclusion of Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) recipients from eligibility to purchase plans and obtain subsidies on the Affordable Care Act (ACA) marketplaces, and for certain other health insurance affordability programs. We further support CMS’ proposal
- [Testimony Opposing HB 900: Literature and Books are Havens for the Young Mind](https://everytexan.org/2023/08/08/literature-and-books-are-havens-for-the-young-mind/) - Texas refuses to teach kids about themselves, their history, and their culture by limiting science-based health classes and access to intellectually honest social studies curriculums.
- [Testimony to Texas House Human Services Committee on HB 5166](https://everytexan.org/2023/08/08/testimony-to-texas-house-human-services-committee-on-hb-5166/) - Language barriers can prevent pregnant women, parents, or grandparents raising grandchildren from completing applications accurately and in a timely manner, leading to delays or denials of benefits.
- [Historic Wins & Losses for Texas’ Four-Year Colleges and Universities](https://everytexan.org/2023/08/07/historic-wins-losses-texas-colleges-and-universities/) - In exchange for freezing tuition prices, removing DEI offices, and reforming tenure, public colleges and universities gained about $700 million for research.
- [A Signed HB 8, but What’s in It?](https://everytexan.org/2023/08/04/a-signed-hb-8-but-whats-in-it/) - Community colleges and public two-year colleges are vital higher educational institutions; they provide students with the courses they need to achieve workforce certification, associate degrees, introductory courses before transferring to a four-year college, and recertification courses. From the start of the 88th Legislative Session, Texas was uniquely positioned to make significant improvements to the state’s
- [Texas State Agency Employees Win Paid Parental Leave, But Which Workers Were Left Out?](https://everytexan.org/2023/07/31/texas-agency-paid-parental-leave/) - Lawmakers identified paid parental leave as a priority policy solution during the 88th Regular Legislative Session. The bottom line: lack of paid parental leave is costing all of us.
- [First Data Shows Alarming Impact of Medicaid Unwinding  in Texas](https://everytexan.org/2023/07/25/first-data-shows-alarming-impact-of-medicaid-unwinding-in-texas/) - Over half a million Texans were removed from Medicaid health coverage in June, according to new data released by the Texas Health and Human Service Commission.
- [Testimony in Support of House Bill 12: Ensure New Moms Have Health Insurance](https://everytexan.org/2023/07/20/testimony-in-support-of-house-bill-12-ensure-new-moms-have-health-insurance/) - View this testimony as a PDF here.Every Texan (formerly CPPP) appreciates the opportunity to express support for HB 12 by Representative Rose. The Benedictine Sisters of Boerne, Texas, founded Every Texan (formerly CPPP) in 1985 to advance public policy solutions for expanding access to health care. We became an independent, tax-exempt organization in 1999. Today, we
- [First Data Shows Alarming Impact of Medicaid Unwinding in Texas](https://everytexan.org/2023/07/17/impact-of-medicaid-unwinding-in-texas/) - Over half a million Texans were removed from Medicaid coverage in June, according to new data released by the Texas Health and Human Service Commission (HHSC).
- [Why the SCOTUS Ruling on Affirmative Action Hurts Us All](https://everytexan.org/2023/06/30/scotus-affirmative-action-ruling/) - This week, The Supreme Court ruled against the use of race as a factor in the college admissions process, taking a significant step backward for our country and an additional step back for Texas in light of the state’s recent ban against Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) offices in public colleges and universities. We do not
- [Sign-On Letter: Our Students Are Worth Fully Funded Public Schools](https://everytexan.org/2023/06/30/our-students-are-worth-fully-funded-public-schools/) - As the allies, educators, and parents of Texas’ 5.5 million public school students, we urge the Texas Legislature to prioritize our children’s public education. Texans of all backgrounds, from Amarillo to Corpus Christi, have communicated to our state’s elected officials that we share a value for well-funded public schools that build prosperous communities. With an
- [Debt Ceiling Agreement: New SNAP Restrictions Leave More Texans Hungry](https://everytexan.org/2023/06/28/snap-restrictions-debt-ceiling-deal/) - The U.S. House and Senate recently passed a debt ceiling and budget package, negotiated by President Biden and House Speaker McCarthy, to avoid defaulting on the national debt. While it could’ve been worse, the deal changed policies that impact people with low incomes – including the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP).I felt the effects of
- [Dueling Tax Cut Proposals: The Battle between the House and the Senate](https://everytexan.org/2023/06/16/dueling-tax-cut-proposals-the-battle-between-the-house-and-the-senate/) - Instead of focusing on increasing the basic allotment for schools, the primary per-student funding amount, the Legislature set its sights on defunding public education with costly tax cuts. When the House and the Senate couldn’t agree on how to make these cuts during the regular session, the Governor called them back for an immediate special
- [College Finance Law Makes Significant Investment in Economic Opportunity in Texas](https://everytexan.org/2023/06/12/college-finance-law-makes-significant-investment-in-economic-opportunity-in-texas/) - College Finance Law Makes Significant Investment in Economic Opportunity in TexasGovernor Abbott signs House Bill 8 into law after steady advocacy from community college students and graduatesOn Friday, June 9, Governor Abbott signed House Bill 8 into law. This landmark community college finance legislation will support Texans seeking affordable pathways to educational and economic opportunity.We
- [Data Brief: Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander Heritage Month](https://everytexan.org/2023/05/31/data-brief-asian-american-native-hawaiian-and-pacific-islander-heritage-month/) - Learn more about AANHPI Texans from our data brief here.We celebrate Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander (AANHPI) Texans this May during AANHPI Heritage Month. It is estimated that over 1.8 million Asian people and about 83,000 Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander people live in Texas (that includes multiracial people). By 2050, it is
- [The National Dream Act: What’s at stake for Texas?](https://everytexan.org/2017/12/18/the-national-dream-act-whats-at-stake-for-texas/) - On September 5, the Trump Administration announced that it would end the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program, the program for immigrants who were brought to the United States as children. DACA grants immigrant youth temporary relief from deportation and gives them authorization to work lawfully in this country. Ending DACA is contrary to
- [Letter to the 88th Legislature Conference Committee on HB 1](https://everytexan.org/2023/05/17/letter-to-the-88th-legislature-conference-committee-on-hb-1/) - View this letter as a pdf here.Dear Chair Bonnen, Chair Huffman, and Members:Every Texan’s mission is to strengthen public policy to expand opportunity and equity for Texans of all backgrounds. Our priorities for the 88th Legislature focused on a few key policy areas that would benefit all Texans and create a stronger community, workforce, and
- [Analysis of SB17 and the Schaefer Amendment](https://everytexan.org/2023/05/19/analysis-of-sb17-and-the-schaefer-amendment/) - View this analysis as a pdf here.SB 17 is a priority bill for Dan Patrick, authored by Senator Creighton, that would ban diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) offices, diversity statements, and mandatory DEI training at Texas’ higher education institutions. Before leaving the Senate, the bill added language to explicitly prohibit the banning of student-run activities
- [Statement on $16 billion cost for HB 100, vouchers](https://everytexan.org/2023/05/23/statement-on-16-billion-cost-for-hb-100-vouchers/) - FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASEMay 23, 2023Texas AFT and Every Texan commented Wednesday on the $16 billion fiscal note for CSHB100 and its private school voucher over the next five years. Both organizations published research jointly this spring that indicated the cost of across-the-board raises for Texas school employees ($10,000 for teachers and certified staff, 15% for
- [Legislative Checklist to Support Orderly Medicaid Unwinding](https://everytexan.org/2023/04/05/legislative-checklist-to-support-orderly-medicaid-unwinding-keeping-eligible-texans-enrolled-in-medicaid-in-2023-and-beyond/) - Keeping Eligible Texans Enrolled in Medicaid in 2023 and BeyondView this checklist as a PDF here.Download an Unwinding tip sheet here.Children and pregnant women face multiple barriers when enrolling in and keeping Texas Medicaid or CHIP. Pre-pandemic data show at least 400,000 Texas children were uninsured in 2019 despite being eligible for Medicaid or CHIP,
- [Written Testimony to House Higher Education Committee Opposing SB17](https://everytexan.org/2023/05/09/written-testimony-to-house-higher-education-committee-opposing-sb17/) - View this testimony as a PDF here.Every Texan is an independent public policy organization that uses data and analysis to advocate for solutions that enable Texans of all backgrounds to reach their full potential. We oppose Senate Bill 17 because it is a significant step backward for our higher education institutions. Students, faculty, and staff should
- [Expanding Economic Opportunity with Access to Driver’s Permits in Texas](https://everytexan.org/2023/05/09/expanding-economic-opportunity-with-access-to-drivers-permits-in-texas/) - View this as a PDF here.This session, Texas can expand access to economic opportunity and enhance safety across our 683.5 thousand miles of state roads by creating limited driver’s permits for state residents who lack required documentation, including undocumented immigrants. Currently, 19 states and the District of Columbia have implemented programs that grant all residents
- [HB 5 is Still Chapter 313. And Still Bad.](https://everytexan.org/2023/05/09/hb-5-is-still-chapter-313-and-still-not-good/) - This blog has been updated to reflect the House floor amendments adopted on May 4, 2023. Read the original blog here.For more than twenty years state revenue has been drained by a program of school property tax abatements known as “Chapter 313,” after its section in the Tax Code. This colossal giveaway strains the rest
- [HB 5 Is Like Chapter 313 But Worse](https://everytexan.org/2023/04/24/hb-5-is-like-chapter-313-but-worse/) - For more than twenty years state revenue has been drained by a program of school property tax abatements known as “Chapter 313,” after its section in the Tax Code. This colossal giveaway strains the rest of General Revenue services – higher education, health and human services, and public safety – to make up for foregone
- [HB 100 – A Step Forward on Comprehensive School Finance Reform](https://everytexan.org/2023/05/04/hb-100-a-step-forward-on-comprehensive-school-finance-reform/) - View this blog as a PDF here.The Texas House passed a comprehensive school finance bill that contains several good ideas but little actual funding. HB 100 moves the school finance system toward enrollment-based funding, makes future adjustments for inflation, and overhauls special education funding – all good things. However, when comparing the $4.5 billion price
- [Data Brief: Texans with Disabilities](https://everytexan.org/2023/04/19/data-brief-texans-with-disabilities/) - View our data brief on Texans with disabilities here.Every Texan honors and celebrates the past and present contributions of Texans with disabilities. Newly released data from the 2021 American Community Survey (ACS) show that people with disabilities make up 12% of Texas’ total civilian non-institutionalized population. That’s over 3.5 million Texans that have at least
- [Pandemic-era Food and Health Benefits are Ending — Here’s What Texans Need to Know](https://everytexan.org/2023/03/20/pandemic-era-food-and-health-benefits-are-ending-heres-what-texans-need-to-know/) - View our fact sheet on updated SNAP benefits information here.All Texans, regardless of whether they were born here or got here as fast as they could, deserve to have access to health and food. From Anderson County to Zavala County, we all need a little bit of help sometimes. Since early in the pandemic, there
- [House Budget Day 2023: What Happened and What's Next](https://everytexan.org/2023/04/24/house-budget-day-2023-what-happened-and-whats-next/) - Each legislative session, one of the big milestones in the Texas House is Budget Day, when the entire body debates and votes on the immense budget for the entire state government for the next two fiscal years. This year, Budget Day was Thursday, April 4.A few days beforehand, members may file amendments to be considered
- [Testimony Opposing HB 2273: Unnecessary Regulations on Curriculum Hurt Teachers & Students](https://everytexan.org/2023/04/19/testimony-opposing-hb-2273-unnecessary-regulations-on-curriculum-hurt-teachers-students/) - View this testimony as a PDF here.Continuing Statutory Over-Regulation of CurriculumLast session, despite significant opposition, this body passed SB 3 that upended how social studies is taught in public schools. Rather than heeding the calls made by the Texas Teacher Vacancy Task Force to give more leadership opportunities to classroom educators, HB 2273 does the
- [Anti-DEI and Censorship Bills are Hurtful to Students, Faculty, and Texas’ Academic and Economic Goals](https://everytexan.org/2023/04/10/testimony-to-senate-higher-education-subcommittee-opposing-sb17-dei-restrictions/) - Every Texan is an independent public policy organization that uses data and analysis to advocate for solutions that enable Texans of all backgrounds to reach their full potential. We envision a Texas where everyone is healthy, well-educated, and financially secure. To reach this vision, the Legislature must not restrict or cease DEI efforts in higher
- [Testimony Opposing HB 3600/SB 1613 - Film/TV Tax Break](https://everytexan.org/2023/04/04/testimony-opposing-hb-3600-film-tv-tax-break/) - View this testimony as a PDF here.HB 3600/SB 1613 is a very expensive program – The fiscal note shows an All Funds cost in the 2026-27 biennium of $921 million.HB 3600/SB 1613 is open-ended and duplicative – Texas already has an active Moving Image Industry Incentive Program, operated through the Economic Development and Tourism Division
- [Testimony at Ways & Means Hearing Against Chapter 313 Replacement Bill HB 5 (Video)](https://everytexan.org/2023/04/14/testimony-at-ways-means-hearing-on-chapter-313-video/) - April 10, 2023 – Every Texan Senior Fiscal Analyst Dick Lavine testifies before the Texas House Committee on Ways and Means against HB 5, the Chapter 313 replacement bill.
- [February 2023 Health Care Briefing: One in Four Texas Children](https://everytexan.org/2023/02/15/february-2023-health-care-briefing-one-in-four-texas-children/) - Medicaid outreach to mixed-immigration-status families is a “must-have” for enrolling eligible uninsured children. View this fact sheet as a PDF here.U.S. Census data (2018) indicated that 5.6 million Texans lived in a family that includes at least one non U.S. citizen (of any immigration status: lawfully present or undocumented). About 1.9 million of these Texans
- [Sign-On Letter: Uphold Local Freedom and Democracy](https://everytexan.org/2023/03/23/sign-on-letter-uphold-local-freedom-and-democracy/) - View this sign-on letter as a PDF here.Texans agree that our communities are strongest when the state isn’t interfering in our local affairs. Our freedom to have a say in how our communities should be governed is a fundamental right. We, the signers of this letter, strongly oppose attacks on local freedoms.HB 2127 and SB
- [New Report: Low Pay and High Turnover in Texas State Agencies and Universities Cost Us All](https://everytexan.org/2023/03/27/new-report-low-pay-and-high-turnover-in-texas-state-agencies-and-universities-cost-us-all/) - View the full report hereEvery Texan and the Texas State Employees Union (TSEU) released a report based on a survey of 217 state employees detailing the conditions in Texas state agencies with historically high turnover. The report, “Low Pay and High Turnover in Texas State Agencies and Universities Cost Us All,” provides insight into the
- [Testimony to House Committee on Human Services on HB 2401](https://everytexan.org/2023/04/10/testimony-to-house-committee-on-human-services-on-hb-2401/) - View this testimony as a PDF here. Every Texan (formerly CPPP) appreciates the opportunity to comment on the filed version of HB 2401 by Chairman Oliverson. We are respectfully registering opposition to this bill, out of concern for protecting the vital value of publicly sponsored, not-for-profit Medicaid Managed Care health plans to poor and low-income
- [Testimony to the House Select Committee on Health Care Reform on HB 700 – State-Based Marketplace](https://everytexan.org/2023/04/10/testimony-to-the-house-select-committee-on-health-care-reform-on-hb-700-state-based-marketplace/) - View this testimony as a PDF here.HB 700 would disrupt a system that is working wellEvery Texan opposes House Bill 700 by Oliverson as filed. The bill would disrupt a system that works well today, that helps 2.4 million Texans enroll in affordable, comprehensive health insurance through HealthCare.Gov.HB 700 will create a Texas-run Health Insurance
- [Testimony to the House Committee on Judiciary and Civil Jurisprudence Opposing HB 2266 – State Interference](https://everytexan.org/2023/04/10/testimony-to-the-house-committee-on-judiciary-and-civil-jurisprudence-opposing-hb-2266-state-interference/) - View this testimony as a PDF here.HB 2266 is a step backward for Texans, democracy, and freedomChairman Leach and Members of the House Committee on Judiciary and Civil Jurisprudence, I, Luis Figueroa, Chief of Legislative Affairs on behalf of Every Texan (formerly CPPP) oppose HB 2266. In the absence of state action, local jurisdictions across
- [Testimony to the Senate State Affairs Committee Opposing SB 823](https://everytexan.org/2023/04/10/testimony-to-the-senate-state-affairs-committee-opposing-sb-823/) - View this testimony as a PDF here.Chairman Hughes and Members of the Senate State Affairs Committee, I, Luis Figueroa, Chief of Legislative Affairs, on behalf of Every Texan (formerly CPPP) oppose SB 823.According to the United States Election Project, Texas has one of the lowest voter turnout rates in the country, turning out 42.5% of
- [Testimony at Ways & Means Interim Hearing on Chapter 313 (Video)](https://everytexan.org/2023/04/05/testimony-at-ways-means-interim-hearing-on-chapter-313/) - Sept. 8, 2022 – Every Texan Senior Fiscal Analyst Dick Lavine testifies before the Texas House Committee on Ways and Means on Chapter 313.
- [Don’t Get Distracted by Recapture: Our Biggest School Finance Challenge is a Lack of Revenue](https://everytexan.org/2018/11/13/dont-get-distracted-by-recapture-our-biggest-school-finance-challenge-is-a-lack-of-revenue/) - Though it is the state’s responsibility to provide a substantial share of school funding, Texas relies heavily on local property taxes to fund our schools. Because property values vary greatly from one community to the next, some districts are better able to generate funds to support education than other districts. After decades of legal challenges,
- [Get Prepared: The House Budget is Coming to the Floor](https://everytexan.org/2023/04/05/get-prepared-the-house-budget-is-coming-to-the-floor/) - On Thursday, April 6, the Texas House of Representatives will vote on the budget, a sprawling document that spells out the state’s funding priorities for the next two years. To understand the big picture of the budget process, start with our infographic on the two-year Texas budget cycle. For more detail, the Texas Senate Research Center’s
- [All Texans Benefit When Black and Latina Women Thrive](https://everytexan.org/2023/03/30/all-texans-benefit-when-black-and-latina-women-thrive/) - This blog was co-authored by Jonathan Malagon and Lola Vinson. View our data brief on the status of women in Texas here.Most Texans, no matter our race, income, or gender, have dreams for a world of fairness, joy, love, and a future where our families and communities are thriving. Texan women, however, experience deep and pervasive
- [Online Voter Registration: The First Step to Modernizing Our State’s Antiquated Election Process](https://everytexan.org/2023/02/24/online-voter-registration-the-first-step-to-modernizing-our-states-antiquated-election-process/) - This blog post was co-authored by Luis Figueroa and Braelynn Barborka.Regardless of race, place, or background, Texans value our democratic systems and agree that we must push to make them stronger and more accessible. Our democracy is only as strong as the systems used for national, state, and local elections. Registering to vote is the
- [Testimony in Support of HB 25: Relating to wholesale importation of prescription drugs for resale to Texas residents](https://everytexan.org/2023/03/30/testimony-in-support-of-hb-25-relating-to-wholesale-importation-of-prescription-drugs-for-resale-to-texas-residents/) - View this testimony as a PDF here.Every Texan (formerly CPPP) appreciates the opportunity to register support for HB 25 by Representative James Talarico.The Benedictine Sisters of Boerne, Texas, founded Every Texan (formerly CPPP) in 1985 to advance public policy solutions for expanding access to health care. We became an independent, tax-exempt organization in 1999. Today,
- [Testimony in Support of HB 633: Relating to the method of payment for certain health care](https://everytexan.org/2023/03/30/testimony-in-support-of-hb-633/) - View this testimony as a PDF here.Every Texan (formerly CPPP) appreciates the opportunity to comment on HB 633 by Representative James Frank.The Benedictine Sisters of Boerne, Texas, founded Every Texan (formerly CPPP) in 1985 to advance public policy solutions for expanding access to health care. We became an independent, tax-exempt organization in 1999. Today, we
- [Testimony to the Senate Committee on Border Security Opposing SB 1403](https://everytexan.org/2023/03/23/testimony-to-the-senate-committee-on-border-security-opposing-sb-1403/) - View this testimony as a PDF here.Chairman Birdwell and Members of the Senate Committee on Border Security, I, Luis Figueroa, Chief of Legislative Affairs, on behalf of Every Texan (formerly CPPP) oppose SB 1403. Every Texan opposes SB 1403 relating to an interstate compact on border security and immigration enforcement for equity, safety, and accountability concerns.
- [Testimony to the House Human Services Committee Supporting HB 1287](https://everytexan.org/2023/03/23/testimony-to-the-house-human-services-committee-supporting-hb-1287/) - View this testimony as a PDF here.Every Texan supports HB 1287 by Guillen, as it will reduce hunger in Texas by updating the state’s outdated vehicle asset test limits for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) to reflect the current cost of reliable transportation.As the record-long lines of cars waiting for help from food banks
- [SB 675/HB 1718 - A Repackaged Wasteful Tax Giveaway](https://everytexan.org/2023/03/21/sb-675-hb-1718-a-repackaged-wasteful-tax-giveaway/) - Even after the current “once-in-a-lifetime” projected cash balance has been spent, Texas will still need sufficient revenue to provide education, health care, transportation, and other critical services for Texans across the state. But the Legislature is once again considering a flagrant tax giveaway that would drain future state resources. SB 675 by Sen. Springer
- [Financing Community Colleges: A Recap, Recommendations, & Overlooked Opportunities](https://everytexan.org/2023/03/20/financing-community-colleges-a-recap-recommendations-overlooked-opportunities/) - In January, hundreds of community college students were rallying for a more equitable education on the steps of the Texas Capitol. Our state’s 50 community college districts provide their surrounding communities with opportunities that shift the economic and social well-being of their students. Collectively, our community colleges help Texans thrive by training and educating students
- [Testimony to the House Committee on State Affairs on HB 2127 and SB 814](https://everytexan.org/2023/03/15/testimony-to-the-house-committee-on-state-affairs-on-hb-2127-and-sb-814/) - View this testimony as a PDF here. HB 2127 and SB 814 are a step backward for Texans, democracy, and freedom Chairman Hunter and Members of the House Committee on State Affairs, I, Luis Figueroa, Chief of Legislative Affairs on behalf of Every Texan (formerly CPPP) oppose HB 2127. In the absence of state action,
- [Testimony to the Senate Business and Commerce on SB 149](https://everytexan.org/2023/03/15/testimony-to-the-senate-business-and-commerce-on-sb-149/) - View this testimony as a PDF here. SB 149 is a step backwards for Texans, democracy, and freedom Chairman Hunter and Members of the House Committee on State Affairs, I, Luis Figueroa, Chief of Legislative Affairs on behalf of Every Texan (formerly CPPP) oppose HB 2127. In the absence of state action, local jurisdictions across
- [‘Should Texas’ Health Insurance Marketplace be state-run or federally-run?’  is not the right question](https://everytexan.org/2023/03/14/should-texas-health-insurance-marketplace-be-state-run-or-federally-run-is-not-the-right-question/) - A few bills have been filed in the 2023 Texas Legislative Session that would create Texas’ own Affordable Care Act (ACA) Health Insurance Marketplace to replace HealthCare.Gov, the marketplace Texas has used for the last 10 years. The initial conversation about these bills seems focused on the question of which level of government – state or federal
- [When Teachers Collective Bargain, They Raise the Bar for All of Us](https://everytexan.org/2023/02/28/when-teachers-collective-bargain-they-raise-the-bar-for-all-of-us/) - View our full report on how collective bargaining can save our public schools here. Our public schools and education workforce are in crisis. Despite broad support for public schools and staff, 77% of educators considered leaving their job in 2022, up by 19% since 2020. A Texas American Federation of Teachers (AFT) survey showed teachers
- [February 2023 Health Care Briefing: Restore Grants to Community-Based Organizations for Medicaid-CHIP Outreach and Application Assistance](https://everytexan.org/2023/02/27/february-2023-health-care-briefing-restore-grants-to-community-based-organizations-for-medicaid-chip-outreach-and-application-assistance/) - View this testimony as a PDF here.Recommendation: Restore a system of modest grant support for Community-Based Organizations to boost Texas Medicaid’s ability to connect more eligible children and moms to health coverage, especially in rural and small-town Texas. The House Select Committee has endorsed this policy in its interim report.Texas has seen big results when we
- [Texas Families, Claim Your Child’s Pandemic EBT Benefits](https://everytexan.org/2023/02/21/texas-families-claim-your-childs-pandemic-ebt-benefits/) - Time is running out to claim your children’s Pandemic Electronic Benefits Transfer (P-EBT) benefits. P-EBT benefits for Summer 2022 have been sent to eligible families. The Texas Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC) was approved to issue $391 in food benefits for all children who qualify for free or reduced-priced meals at school to replace
- [Testimony to the House Appropriations Subcommittee on HB 1: Article II – Health & Human Services](https://everytexan.org/2023/02/24/testimony-to-the-house-appropriations-subcommittee-on-hb-1-article-ii-health-human-services/) - View this testimony as a PDF here.Every Texan (formerly CPPP) appreciates the opportunity to comment on proposed funding for the Texas Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC) in the filed version of HB 1 for the 2024-2025 biennium. The Benedictine Sisters of Boerne, Texas, founded Every Texan (formerly CPPP) in 1985 to advance public policy solutions
- [Who Doesn't Pay Texas Taxes? (2023)](https://everytexan.org/2023/02/24/who-doesnt-pay-texas-taxes-2023/) - View this blog as a PDF here. This is an updated version of our biennial report on the state and local tax systems. View the previous version of this report here. Learn about who pays Texas taxes here. A fair and adequate tax system would allow the state to invest in the building blocks of
- [Who Pays Texas Taxes? (2023)](https://everytexan.org/2023/02/24/who-pays-texas-taxes-2023/) - View this blog as a PDF here. This is an updated version of our biennial report on the state and local tax systems. View the previous version of this report here.Learn about who does not pay Texas taxes here.Taxes support the essential public services that we all need, whether we are Black, brown, or white,
- [Testimony to the House Appropriations Subcommittee on HB 1: Article III — Higher Education](https://everytexan.org/2023/02/24/testimony-to-the-house-appropriations-subcommittee-on-hb-1-article-iii-higher-education/) - View this testimony as a PDF here.Every Texan is an independent public policy organization that uses data and analysis to advocate for solutions that enable Texans of all backgrounds to reach their full potential. We envision a Texas where everyone is healthy, well educated, and financially secure. To reach this vision, the Legislature should adequately
- [Testimony to the House Appropriations Subcommittee on HB 1: Article III — Texas Education Agency](https://everytexan.org/2023/02/23/testimony-to-the-house-appropriations-subcommittee-on-hb-1-article-iii-texas-education-agency/) - View this testimony as a PDF here.Texans of all backgrounds value public education and strive to unlock its promises of opportunity and shared prosperity. To ensure every child in Texas, from Dallas to Brownsville, has access to a high quality education, the Legislature must make sustained investments in our public schools. The budget is a
- [February 2023 Health Care Briefing: Improve Health Care Access for Lawfully Present Immigrant Adults](https://everytexan.org/2023/02/23/february-2023-health-care-briefing-improve-health-care-access-for-lawfully-present-immigrant-adults/) - View this fact sheet as a PDF here.Every Texan supports legislation to include more lawfully present immigrants in Texas Medicaid. Texas excludes most lawfully present adult immigrants from Medicaid. Only six other states do this; all other states include lawfully present immigrant adults. Recommendations Include “qualified” and “lawfully present” adult immigrants in Texas Medicaid on the same
- [Texans of All Backgrounds Value Our Families: Together, We’re Demanding Time to Care for Our Babies](https://everytexan.org/2023/02/22/texans-of-all-backgrounds-value-our-families-together-were-demanding-time-to-care-for-our-babies/) - Read our full fact sheet about how every Texan family deserves critical time to care and bond with our babies and adopted children. In Texas, we’re known for taking care of one another when the road gets tough. Regardless of what we look like or who we love, we put our families first, no matter
- [Testimony to the Senate Finance Committee on SB 1: Article II — Health & Human Services](https://everytexan.org/2023/02/21/testimony-to-the-senate-finance-committee-on-sb-1-article-ii-health-human-services/) - View this testimony as a PDF here.Every Texan (formerly CPPP) appreciates the opportunity to comment on proposed funding for the Texas Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC) in the filed version of SB 1 by Chair Huffman. The Benedictine Sisters of Boerne, Texas, founded Every Texan (formerly CPPP) in 1985 to advance public policy solutions for
- [SCOTUS liveblog watch party](https://everytexan.org/2012/06/25/scotus-liveblog-watch-party-3/) - The CPPP health care team gathered around the monitor this morning - tacos, donuts and coffee in tow - to watch the Supreme Court's live blog for a potential decision regarding the Affordable Care Act. With no decision posted today, looks like we'll be having another watch party on Thursday! Check out the SCOTUS liveblog
- [OP-ED: Health Reform Ruling is Good for Texas](https://everytexan.org/2012/06/29/op-ed-health-reform-ruling-is-good-for-texas/) - Between interviews, conference calls and deciphering the Supreme Court's opinion to uphold the Affordable Care Act, our associate director and health care guru Anne Dunkelberg wrote this guest column for the Texas Tribune: Health Reform Ruling is Good for Texas Thursday's court ruling, is, to paraphrase the vice president, a really big deal for the country
- [Ask Cheasty: Will All Contraception Be Free on Aug 1?](https://everytexan.org/2012/07/13/ask-cheasty-will-all-contraception-be-free-on-aug-1/) - Dear Cheasty, Under the ACA, will the August 1 no-copay rule for contraception apply to EXISTING health plans or just new ones? And do you know if IUDs will be covered? Sincerely, Confused About the Contraception Rule Dear Confused, What a great question! There has been a lot of chatter about the August 1, 2012
- [Turning a “D” Into an “A” at Texas Colleges and Universities](https://everytexan.org/2012/07/13/turning-a-d-into-an-a-at-texas-colleges-and-universities/) - Texas’ colleges and universities just received their report cards and the grades are mixed. While Texas leads much of the country on transparency and accountability, our two-year institutions made low grades for student access and success. Even though Texas’ four-year institutions made a satisfactory grade on student access and success, just under half (49 percent)
- [OP-ED: Why Texans Need More Medicaid](https://everytexan.org/2012/08/05/op-ed-why-texans-need-more-medicaid/) - Cheasty Anderson, our health care outreach coordinator, co-authored this piece with our Texas Well and Healthy colleagues for the Austin-American Statesman. The piece ran on Sunday, Aug. 4. Why Texans Need More Medicaid Lately when state leaders talk about health care, one thing that almost never comes up is health. Every generation wants for the
- [A Sneak Peek of Our Video Project](https://everytexan.org/2012/08/15/a-sneak-peek-of-our-video-project/) - We are really excited to work with some amazing Texas families and Alpheus Media on a new video project highlighting what it really takes to get by, and get ahead, in Texas. Brian and Alexa, two of our communications team members, spent last week on the road with Alpheus interviewing and filming families in San
- [Eliminating America's Playbook](https://everytexan.org/2012/08/15/eliminating-americas-playbook/) - By Frances Deviney, Ph.D., Texas KIDS COUNT Director Football is a longstanding tradition in Texas, with high expectations for rigor, skill, and success. But what if I told you that one day, all of the playbooks and player stats would just disappear? Coaches would no longer have information on how the opposing team is performing.
- [Ask Cheasty: Will I have to buy insurance if I don't earn much?](https://everytexan.org/2012/08/20/ask-cheasty-will-i-have-to-buy-insurance-if-i-dont-earn-much/) - Dear Cheasty, Can you clarify what the “8% rule” means? I’ve heard that it has to do with whether you pay a tax if you don’t buy health insurance, but I’m not sure how it works. Thank you, Studying Up on Health Reform in San Antonio Dear Studying Up, No problem! I’d be happy to
- [OpportunityTexas Connects with the Texas College Access Network](https://everytexan.org/2012/08/20/opportunitytexas-connects-with-the-texas-college-access-network/) - Our guest blogger this month is Alejandra Barbosa, the Operations and Program Manager at Educate Texas. She coordinates the Texas College Access Network initiatives in San Antonio and north Texas. I recently had lunch with a friend who is Dean of Enrollment at a local university who shared with me her excitement about the upcoming
- [Ask Cheasty: How Do Employers Figure Out Obligations to Insure Employees?](https://everytexan.org/2012/08/28/ask-cheasty-how-do-employers-figure-out-obligations-to-insure-employees/) - Dear Cheasty, I’ve heard about the Affordable Care Act and how small businesses don’t have to provide insurance, but large employers do have to, or they’ll pay a penalty. I run a business with 16 full-time office employees (whom we insure) and over 250 part-time employees (who don’t get insurance), and I’m curious whether that
- [Adult Basic Education Innovation, Training and Policy](https://everytexan.org/2012/08/31/adult-basic-education-innovation-training-and-policy/) - The adult basic education system can be a bright spot for many Texans looking to better their career prospects, find stable employment, and earn a thriving wage. In fact, Texas’ adult basic education providers—anchored in local nonprofits and community colleges— are moving the state forward in getting adult learners into higher wage work by braiding
- [New Study Estimates the Impact the Affordable Care Act Will Have on Texas Counties](https://everytexan.org/2012/09/02/new-study-estimates-the-impact-the-affordable-care-act-will-have-on-texas-counties/) - By Kevin C. Moriarty The fervor the U.S. Supreme Court decision over the Affordable Care Act (ACA) this summer caused is understandable given how drastically the law is expected to change our healthcare delivery system. Since then, pundits, scholars, and people on all sides of the issue have offered wildly different estimates on who the
- [OP-ED: The Darker Side of Texas' Job Market](https://everytexan.org/2012/09/04/op-ed-the-darker-side-of-texas-job-market/) - By Don Baylor & Leslie Helmcamp This Labor Day we hear that the Texas unemployment rate has remained below the national average. We also hear that Texas has added new jobs every month for the past two years. What we don’t hear is that 1 in 7 working families in Texas lives below the poverty line.
- [Family Planning Is Vital for Women's Health](https://everytexan.org/2012/09/10/family-planning-is-vital-for-womens-health/) - By Stacey Pogue In a standing-room-only auditorium, CPPP staff shared testimony last week on proposed rules that would dramatically reduce access to services in the Texas Medicaid Women’s Health Program. Texas funds annual check-ups, family planning, and contraceptives for low-income women through two programs – Department of State Health Services family planning and the Medicaid Women’s
- [New Uninsured Numbers for Texas Children Show Slight Improvement](https://everytexan.org/2012/09/12/new-uninsured-numbers-for-texas-children-show-slight-improvement/) - By Anne Dunkelberg Right after the new Current Population Survey data on the uninsured in Texas and the nation 2011 came out, I took an dive into numbers and was able to pull out some key initial numbers. No surprise, Texas still has the worst uninsured ranking in the country, with 6.08 million uninsured (23.8
- [How We Talk About Hunger](https://everytexan.org/2012/09/24/how-we-talk-about-hunger/) - By Jonathan Lewis You may have heard murmurs of a recent report released by the USDA. This report addresses what is called “food security.” If you’re not familiar with the term, you might conclude this research concerns protecting our food sources from terrorism or assuring our food is free of pathogens, both logical and important
- [Insurance Plans Are Finally Easier to Read](https://everytexan.org/2012/10/04/insurance-plans-are-finally-easier-to-read/) - By Stacey Pogue Health Insurance Pop Quiz - How much is your deductible? How about, your out-of-pocket limit? Does your health insurance have one? If so, which costs that you pay out-of-pocket do NOT count toward your out-of-pocket limit? Which health care services are excluded from your plan? Confused by your health insurance benefits? Join
- [What We Should Be Talking About When We Talk About Public Ed](https://everytexan.org/2012/10/09/what-we-should-be-talking-about-when-we-talk-about-public-ed/) - By Chandra Villanueva Texas is responsible for educating 5 million kids, and 60 percent of those kids are poor. We have an obligation to ensure that every child succeeds in school today so they can be ready for college and careers. As we approach this legislative session, the conversation around Texas public education has been
- [The Case for Limiting Title Loan Fees](https://everytexan.org/2012/10/11/the-case-for-limiting-title-loan-fees/) - By Don Baylor, Jr. Payday and auto title loans are unaffordable for most Texans who use these products. First, Texans pay about 50-75 percent more than people in other states, with Texas short-term loans being the most expensive in the U.S. Second, most Texans are unable to pay back these loans when they are due,
- [Clearing Up the Brewhaha](https://everytexan.org/2012/10/17/clearing-up-the-brewhaha/) - By Dick Lavine Let’s try this again – the beer tax I mentioned recently was just a simple-to-understand example of why the Legislature needs to go through the Tax Code with a fine-tooth comb. Last year, the Legislature cut our schools’ budget by billions of dollars, leading to bigger classes and fewer extracurricular activities. Getting
- [3 Great Tools on Medicaid Expansion and Texas, and One More to Read](https://everytexan.org/2012/10/11/3-great-tools-on-medicaid-expansion-and-texas-and-one-more-to-read/) - The Affordable Care Act’s opportunity to cover more uninsured Texans under Medicaid starting in 2014 is such a big deal that some county officials are wondering how Texas can move forward, despite the governor’s reluctance. We are lucky to have available three new tools to help us understand why the new option is so valuable
- [New School Meals: Nutritious and Delicious](https://everytexan.org/2012/10/19/new-school-meals-nutritious-and-delicious/) - By Jeanie Donovan Going through the cafeteria line this year, Texas kids will notice some major changes to the foods on their school lunch tray. Thanks to the new USDA School Nutrition Guidelines, public school students will be offered more whole grains, leafy green vegetables, and fresh fruits than ever before. In addition, school districts
- [Watch This Wednesday: Health Insurance Exchanges](https://everytexan.org/2012/10/18/watch-this-wednesday-health-insurance-exchanges/) - By Texas Well & Healthy staff A lot of discussion about the Affordable Care Act revolves around the role of health insurance exchanges. Texas will have one in 2014, but what is the health insurance exchange? Our community educator, Cheasty Anderson, may be out on maternity leave, but she helped us in developing “video one-pagers”
- [What Is the Big Idea, Anne?!](https://everytexan.org/2012/10/23/what-is-the-big-idea-anne/) - By Frances Deviney Well, Anne’s at it again! Our associate director Anne Dunkelberg has been sought out for her expertise on health policy in Texas for a new series of reports by First Focus called Big Ideas: Children of the Southwest. In it, experts from seven southwestern states talk about why we have a record
- [Why Decision By DSHS to Halt Privatization is Good for Texans](https://everytexan.org/2012/10/25/why-decision-by-dshs-to-halt-privatization-is-good-for-texans/) - By Katharine Ligon A coalition of mental health and civil rights advocates, as well as Texas Legislators, are celebrating the recent decision by the Texas Department of State Health Services (DSHS) not to privatize the Kerrville State Hospital, one of 10 state mental health facilities. This all started when the 2009 Legislature directed DSHS to
- [SHARE YOUR VISION FOR TEXAS](https://everytexan.org/2012/10/24/share-your-vision-for-texas/) - By Alexa Garcia-Ditta Fellow Texans, We're knee deep in redesigning our website and adding new, interactive features. For one of them, we need your help. We're creating a portal for you to share with us what a better Texas means to you, and we'd like to feature one of your visions when we launch the
- [VIDEO: Health Reform Holding Insurance Companies Accountable](https://everytexan.org/2012/10/26/video-health-reform-holding-insurance-companies-accountable/) - She might be on maternity leave, but you can still catch Cheasty explaining the ins and outs of health care reform. She and the Texas Well and Healthy team have created short videos about the law, and in the latest one, she's explaining how the Affordable Care Act is holding insurance companies accountable...in disguise! http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=loRdG2iQhC8&feature=youtu.be
- [RAISE Texas Summit - a recap](https://everytexan.org/2012/10/31/raise-texas-summit-a-recap/) - By Don Baylor Jr. As we wrapped up the RAISE Texas Training and Summit at the Federal Reserve Bank in Houston, several things came to mind: One is the maturity of the network. Ten years ago at the first meeting, 25 people attended the Texas IDA Network to focus on one issue. This year's summit,
- [TexasForward and the Petition to Restore Education and Health Care](https://everytexan.org/2012/10/31/texasforward-and-the-petition-to-restore-education-and-health-care/) - By Mia Ibarra TexasForward, a broad-based revenue coalition promoting a balanced approach to state budget decisions, held its quarterly membership meeting on Friday, October 26. Representatives from many of the coalition’s 53 member organizations gathered in Austin to strategize for the upcoming legislative session. While the Texas economy is recovering and 2012 sales tax revenue
- [VIDEO: What Is this Medicaid Expansion all about?](https://everytexan.org/2012/11/01/video-what-is-this-medicaid-expansion-all-about/) - By Texas Well and Healthy staff Are you looking for more information about how strengthening Medicaid will impact Texas? Cheasty and the Texas Well and Healthy team has all the answers for you - in English and Spanish! http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hcp7UxWKoog&feature=context-cha http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mLGMeRTi9eE&feature=plcp
- [Women Can Still Get Services in Women’s Health Program, for Now](https://everytexan.org/2012/11/02/women-can-still-get-services-in-womens-health-program-for-now/) - By Stacey Pogue This week, the Governor and HHSC Executive Commissioner announced a wise decision to continue with the Medicaid Women’s Health Program while courts decide whether the state can exclude Planned Parenthood. The state is postponing plans to convert the program into a fully state-funded program designed to exclude Planned Parenthood, the largest provider
- [Election Day is about kids](https://everytexan.org/2012/11/06/election-day-is-about-kids/) - By Frances Deviney Election Day pretty much feels like a day dedicated to adults. Only adults can register to vote. Only long-time adults tend to run for public office. And, frankly, adults are typically the only ones who become emotionally invested in what happens on Election Day. But if there was ever a day that
- [A Post-Election Tale of Two Birds](https://everytexan.org/2012/11/07/a-post-election-tale-of-two-birds/) - By F. Scott McCown Leading up to yesterday’s election, Americans expressed a strong hunger for elected officials who would maturely put country first. Now that the elections are over, we urge our elected officials to do just that—and a good place to start is with our fiscal problems both in Washington and in Austin. Federal
- [VIDEO: Preventive Care at No Extra Cost. Thank You, Health Care Reform!](https://everytexan.org/2012/11/08/video-preventive-care-at-no-extra-cost-thank-you-health-care-reform/) - Cheasty explains the preventive care provision of the Affordable Care Act in this week's Texas Well and Healthy video! Watch to find out why services such as annual checkups won't cost you anything extra at the doctor's office, but will instead be covered by your insurance premium you're paying every month! http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OVWjBu65DW0&feature=plcp
- [DSHS Finalizes Rules for State GR-Funded Women’s Health Program](https://everytexan.org/2012/11/09/dshs-finalizes-rules-for-state-gr-funded-womens-health-program/) - As I wrote last week, HHSC announced that will wait to convert the Medicaid Women's Health Program to a fully state-funded program. Still, the rules that would run the state-funded program exclude Planned Parenthood, jeopardizing access for so many eligible Texas women. It's worth noting that yesterday, a Travis County judge ruled that Planned Parenthood
- [Welcome to the new CPPP.org](https://everytexan.org/2012/11/13/welcome-to-the-new-cppp-org/) - We are excited to announce that CPPP.org got a makeover! We have completely redesigned our website, and we're officially launching this brand new BETTER TEXAS Blog, where our staff spark conversation and inform the debate on issues important to Texas families. With both of these online tools, we’ll be able to share more information with
- [Texas' Income Gap Is the 7th Highest in the U.S.](https://everytexan.org/2012/11/15/texas-income-gap-is-the-7th-highest-in-the-u-s/) - The income gap between the Texas families at the top and bottom of the income ladder is the 7th highest in the nation, according to a new report by two national research organizations. The average household income for the richest one-fifth of Texas households is 8.6 times greater than the average for the poorest one-fifth.
- [Texas Will Still Have a Health Exchange in 2014](https://everytexan.org/2012/11/16/texas-will-still-have-a-health-exchange-in-2014/) - The federal government has extended the deadlines for states to opt in to running or helping to run health insurance exchange starting in 2014. The initial deadline was today, but states now have until December 14 to declare their intention to administer the exchange at the state-level, and until February 15, 2013 to choose to
- [VIDEO: Can You Name 1 of the 10 Essential Health Benefits?](https://everytexan.org/2012/11/23/video-can-you-name-1-of-the-10-essential-health-benefits/) - Don’t worry if you can’t! We’ve got you covered. Texas Well and Healthy community educator Cheasty Anderson lists the benefits that are now mandatory for all insurance companies to provide for people buying health care on the individual market. Benefits like maternity and newborn care, pediatric services, hospitalizations… we won’t spoil the rest! Watch our
- [Small Business Owners See A Role For Government in Helping Business Thrive](https://everytexan.org/2012/11/21/small-business-owners-see-a-role-for-government-in-helping-business-thrive/) - Small businesses are described by politicians as self-made entrepreneurs who built their companies “on their own,” and therefore oppose “job-killing taxation.” But a nationwide scientific opinion poll conducted in October found that the majority of small business owners—more of whom identify as Republican (47 percent) than Democrat (35 percent) — see a productive role for government
- [A Fighting Chance](https://everytexan.org/2012/11/27/a-fighting-chance/) - We are thrilled to share the two-minute trailer of our 30-minute documentary A Fighting Chance, which sheds light on what it really takes for families to survive and thrive in Texas and exposes the tough choices families must make on a daily basis. The film will chronicle every step of their journey as they fight
- [$11/Hr Is The Least We Can Do For Better Jobs](https://everytexan.org/2012/11/29/11-hr-is-the-least-we-can-do-for-better-jobs/) - On Tuesday, the Travis County Commissioners Court passed a “living wage” requirement for county tax incentives designed to lure jobs to the area. Travis County, after two years of study on this issue, valued dignity and shared prosperity. Under the new requirement, all employees would earn at least $11/hour, and that includes construction workers and
- [High Youth Unemployment is Unaffordable for Texas and the Nation](https://everytexan.org/2012/12/03/high-youth-unemployment-is-unaffordable-for-texas-and-the-nation/) - By Andrea Mayo In 2011, nine percent of Texas teenagers age 16 to 19 were neither in school nor in the workforce. Unless Texas takes action, these young people will likely face substantial personal challenges to success and impose a large cost on taxpayers in the short- and long-term. According to a new KIDS COUNT report
- [ACA Medicaid Coverage Opportunity Best Deal for Texas Taxpayers](https://everytexan.org/2012/12/04/aca-medicaid-coverage-opportunity-best-deal-for-texas-taxpayers/) - Texans aren’t the only ones thinking about the great fiscal deal the now-optional ACA Medicaid expansion would be for our state. The Atlantic’s Jordan Weissman blogged last week, using Texas to illustrate the huge expansion of coverage and bargain price tag the opportunity offers. If you have read CPPP’s county-level fact ACA fact sheets, then
- [OPED: Why Not Train Instead of Test?](https://everytexan.org/2012/12/06/oped-why-not-train-instead-of-test/) - This week, the Austin American-Statesman ran an oped I wrote about the flawed legislation filed that would require welfare and unemployment benefits applicants to be drug tested. Instead of going down this costly and unnecessary route, we should be focusing on creating tools to allow Texas families to lift themselves out of poverty and get
- [The Farm Bill Meets the Fiscal Cliff](https://everytexan.org/2012/12/07/the-farm-bill-meets-the-fiscal-cliff/) - By Jeanie Donovan The 2008 Farm Bill expired on September 30, 2012, after the House and the Senate were unable to reach agreement on new legislation. Since then, Congress’ focus has largely shifted away from the Farm Bill to the pending “fiscal cliff” that could take effect on January 1, 2013. However, the reauthorization of
- [Legislators Discuss Reversing Costly Family Planning Cuts](https://everytexan.org/2012/12/10/legislators-discuss-reversing-costly-family-planning-cuts/) - On Friday, the Texas Tribune and New York Times reported that some Texas legislators are considering reversing some of the drastic cuts they made in 2011 to subsidized family planning services. Updated projections from the state’s Medicaid agency show that $73 million in cuts will result in an additional 23,800 Medicaid-funded births from unintended pregnancies
- [OPED: In Texas, Everyone Deserves a Fighting Chance](https://everytexan.org/2012/12/10/oped-in-texas-everyone-deserves-a-fighting-chance/) - This weekend, we contributed a piece to the Austin American-Statesman's legislative series. You can read the full oped below, which originally ran in the Statesman on Sunday, Dec. 9: Sarah Campsey’s children are her world. She’d sacrifice anything to give them the best life she can. Three years ago, Sarah had to choose between keeping
- [CPPP in the News](https://everytexan.org/2012/12/13/cppp-in-the-news/) - We thought we'd share two particularly fun and poignant stories from today that quote CPPP: CultureMapATX, an online magazine about all things life and culture in Austin, featured our documentary "A Fighting Chance" in anticipation of tonight's KLRU Civic Summit, which will air on the Austin PBS station starting at 8 p.m. Tune in watch
- ["A Fighting Chance" Is Now Online](https://everytexan.org/2012/12/18/a-fighting-chance-is-now-online/) - Last week, our documentary "A Fighting Chance" aired on KLRU-Austin PBS, followed by a moving Civic Summit panel discussion about the struggles Texas families face just to meet their basic needs. The full 26-minute documentary is now live on our YouTube channel, and you watch the Civic Summit on KLRU's website. We want to thank
- [The Budget Puzzle--Part One](https://everytexan.org/2012/12/19/the-budget-puzzle-part-one/) - With three weeks remaining before the 83rd Session starts, one major piece of the budget puzzle is missing--the total amount of money our state legislators will have as they tackle the 2014-15 budget. The state comptroller will add this piece to the puzzle before Jan. 8, and based on recent sales tax improvements, more money
- [Less Business Tax Revenue Means Less Money for Public Investments](https://everytexan.org/2012/12/18/less-business-tax-revenue-means-less-money-for-public-investments/) - You may have heard of the influential right-wing organization, the American Legislative Exchange Council, known as ALEC. The organization promotes policies to cut taxes and regulations in the guise of promoting economic growth--the favorite approach of the Governor and Texas Legislature. But what ALEC's policies really do is reduce services, opportunity and accountability. A new
- [A More Affordable Option for Texans with Pre-Existing Conditions in 2014](https://everytexan.org/2012/12/20/a-more-affordable-option-for-texans-with-pre-existing-conditions-in-2014/) - By Marcus Denton The Texas Health Insurance Pool (THIP) insures more than 23,000 Texans with pre-existing health conditions. Beginning in 2014, THIP enrollees will be able to buy coverage in the Affordable Care Act’s Health Insurance Exchange and will no longer be denied insurance or charged more based on their health status. To obtain a
- [The Budget Puzzle--Part Two](https://everytexan.org/2012/12/21/the-budget-puzzle-part-two/) - Public education is important in the Texas budget not just because it’s the biggest piece (42 percent of General Revenue spending), but because of its key role in preparing roughly 5 million students to be the college students, productive workers, and informed citizens of the future. Unfortunately, the 2011 Legislature made $5.3 billion in cuts
- [Payday Lenders Ignore Texas Legislature & City Councils](https://everytexan.org/2012/12/20/payday-lenders-ignore-texas-legislature-city-councils/) - Texas is arguably ground zero in the battle to rein in excessive fees and deceptive practices from payday and auto title lenders. Last week, the Office of Consumer Credit Commissioner (OCCC), the state entity that supervises credit access businesses (CABs)—also known as payday and auto title lenders—issued stern warnings to companies that appear to be
- [Big Ideas to Make Our Kids, Texas, the Southwest, & the U.S. Stronger](https://everytexan.org/2012/12/24/big-ideas-to-make-our-kids-texas-the-southwest-the-u-s-stronger/) - First Focus, a bipartisan advocacy organization that works to make children and families a priority in federal policy and budget decisions, has released a new report called Big Ideas: Children in the Southwest. So why focus on just kids in the Southwest? Well, as is pointed out in the report, the Southwest states (California, Arizona,
- [The Budget Puzzle--Part Three](https://everytexan.org/2012/12/26/the-budget-puzzle-part-three/) - The 2014-15 consolidated HHS proposal to provide CHIP and Medicaid-supported health care, Early Childhood Intervention programs, foster care/child protective services, state hospitals, and various public health and nutrition services includes the following: a $1.4 billion General Revenue baseline increase (from $27.7 billion in 2012-13, after paying the Medicaid I.O.U., to $29.1 billion in 2014-15); $1.6
- [The Budget Puzzle--Part Four](https://everytexan.org/2012/12/28/the-budget-puzzle-part-four/) - Almost 1.5 million students were enrolled in credit courses at a Texas college or university in Fall 2011—more than 9 out of 10 of them at a public institution. Public community and other two-year colleges alone enroll more than half of all students in the state. Higher education funding, including financial aid, is 15 percent
- [The Budget Puzzle--Part Five](https://everytexan.org/2013/01/02/the-budget-puzzle-part-five/) - We wind down our series on the budget and state spending needs by looking at state employee/retiree benefits and prisons. The Employees Retirement System budget proposal for 2014-15 requires a $262 million General Revenue increase to preserve pension, health care, and insurance benefits for more than 547,000 Texans, including state workers’ dependents. Beyond that “current
- [A Different Look at How to Measure Poverty](https://everytexan.org/2013/01/03/a-different-look-at-how-to-measure-poverty/) - Most of us know what poverty “looks like”—such as being homeless or hungry. But what we may not realize is that poverty is a specific income line defined by the federal government. The line differs depending on how big your family is and is based the cost of food for a family of four in
- [The Budget Puzzle--Part Six](https://everytexan.org/2013/01/04/the-budget-puzzle-part-six/) - We’ve looked at what’s needed in 2014-15 to cover student or client growth and cost increases in some key state services – public and higher education, health and human services, state worker benefits, and prisons. Now it’s time to see what the “bare bones” big picture adds up to, plus get a sense of what
- [How We Work for a Better Texas](https://everytexan.org/2013/01/08/how-we-work-for-a-better-texas/) - Health Care Protecting and improving Texas Medicaid and CHIP will help ensure access to a decent standard of health care for millions of low-income Texas seniors, children, and families who can’t afford private insurance. Accepting the Affordable Care Act’s opportunity to cover more than a million uninsured Texas adults in Medicaid will bring billions back
- [Insurance Oversight Saves Money for Consumers (in Other States)](https://everytexan.org/2013/01/05/insurance-oversight-saves-money-for-consumers-in-other-states/) - The state of Colorado recently rejected a health insurance rate increase from Cigna that on average would have raised rates 24 percent, with increases for individuals ranging from 10 percent to 75 percent. Experts in the Colorado Division of Insurance who reviewed and rejected the increase expressed concern that it was much higher than increases
- [State Leaders Have the Opportunity to Undo Devastating 2011 Cuts and Invest in Our Future](https://everytexan.org/2013/01/07/state-leaders-have-the-opportunity-to-undo-devastating-2011-cuts-and-invest-in-our-future/) - (AUSTIN, Texas)–January 7, 2013–The Center for Public Policy Priorities Executive Director F. Scott McCown made the following statement in response to today’s release of the biennial revenue estimate by the state comptroller. “Today Texas lawmakers heard they will have $101.4 billion in General Revenue to work with when writing the 2014-15 state budget. However, $5
- [2013 Lege--Medicaid & CHIP](https://everytexan.org/2013/01/09/2013-lege-medicaid-chip/) - There's plenty happening with Medicaid and CHIP this session. The first big hurdle in 2013 will be ensuring that the "Medicaid IOU"--$3.7 billion at HHSC, and another $1 billion at DADS = $4.7 billion total--gets paid in full quickly by the 83rd Legislature, because the agencies can't keep paying doctors, hospitals, etc. past March 2013.
- [2013 Lege--Public Education](https://everytexan.org/2013/01/10/2013-lege-public-education/) - On the face of it, "school choice" sounds like an intriguing concept. But, a key component of the school choice proposal presented by Senate leadership, which purports to allow for students to transfer within and between districts, offers few choices for too few students. After the 2011 Legislature cut $5.4 billion from public education last
- [Concerns Remain About State WHP Capacity](https://everytexan.org/2013/01/09/concerns-remain-about-state-whp-capacity/) - Earlier this week, HHSC released a study finding that in most areas of the state, other providers can serve Women’s Health Program clients who can no longer go to Planned Parenthood. The study shows that the 51 Planned Parenthood clinics in Texas served more WHP clients in 2012 than ALL the other 1,948 near-by WHP
- [2013 Lege--Payday & Auto Title Lending](https://everytexan.org/2013/01/11/2013-lege-payday-auto-title-lending/) - Two years ago, the 2011 Texas Legislature enacted two measures to rein in the Wild West of payday and auto title lending by requiring licensing, standard disclosures, and data collection under the Office of Consumer Credit Commissioner. The bill to address the cycle of debt—where consumers “roll over” or refinance a single loan multiple times
- [2013 Lege--Health Insurance Reform](https://everytexan.org/2013/01/12/2013-lege-health-insurance-reform/) - In 2014, the Affordable Care Act (a.k.a. ObamaCare) will usher in sweeping and welcome changes to the Texas insurance market. No, I’m not talking about health insurance exchanges, which get lots of attention and will certainly bring welcome change to the market. Although at least one bill that creates a state exchange, S.B. 84, has
- [Farm Bill Extension Protects SNAP For Now](https://everytexan.org/2013/01/11/farm-bill-extension-protects-snap-for-now/) - The fiscal cliff left policy junkies across the country on the edge of their chairs though the New Year. Yet while we wonks all speculated about the destiny of the Bush Tax Cuts and the ominous sequestration, parents feared the milk cliff and the prospect that their growing teenage sons might drive them to financial
- [2013 Lege--Universal School Breakfast](https://everytexan.org/2013/01/13/2013-lege-universal-school-breakfast/) - Last school year Texas’ school cafeterias served an astonishing 300 million breakfasts. But remarkably, that only covered 60 percent of the students who received free or reduced price lunches during the same year. This means that nearly one million of Texas’ low-income children who qualify for breakfast are not receiving it each day. The School
- [OPED--Visions for Lone Star Lawmakers](https://everytexan.org/2013/01/13/oped-visions-for-lone-star-lawmakers/) - This weekend, Eva's piece ran in the Austin American-Statesman's Legislative Preview series: We believe in Texas. We believe in the people of Texas. We know it’s hard for families, especially Texas families, to admit that they need and ask for help. Recently, we documented five Texas families’ stories as they struggle to make ends meet
- [Initial Budget Proposals Include Cuts We Can't Afford](https://everytexan.org/2013/01/15/initial-budget-proposals-include-cuts-we-cant-afford/) - Today, we learned a little about what the House and Senate budget proposals included, as well as what the Legislative Budget Board estimates is necessary to cover 2014-15 growth. We spent some time at the Capitol today doing preliminary analysis and comparing what each chamber is proposing to spend to what is needed to fund growth for
- [2013 Lege--SNAP and WIC](https://everytexan.org/2013/01/15/2013-lege-snap-and-wic/) - By Jeanie Donovan More than 3.5 million Texans, including nearly 2 million children, rely on the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) to ensure that they don’t go to bed hungry at night. Although the program has long been a reliable and effective part of the safety net, the importance of SNAP was magnified in the
- [Report: Strong School Breakfast Program in TX, Universal Breakfast Would Feed More Children](https://everytexan.org/2013/01/16/report-strong-school-breakfast-program-in-tx-universal-breakfast-would-feed-more-children/) - By Jeanie Donovan Two reports released today by the Food Research and Action Center (FRAC) show that Texas schools continue to serve a relatively high percentage of eligible students with the federal School Breakfast Program (SBP). Compared with all 50 states, Texas ranked 7th overall for the number of children reached by the SBP. On
- [2013 Lege--Constitutional Limit on Spending](https://everytexan.org/2013/01/17/2013-lege-constitutional-limit-on-spending/) - Should the legislators you elect be trusted to decide how large the state budget should be, or should a rigid limit be written into the Texas Constitution so that future budgets are locked into a formula set in stone? Texas currently has a constitutional provision that caps growth in spending from certain taxes at the
- [2013 Lege--Mental Health](https://everytexan.org/2013/01/16/2013-lege-mental-health/) - This is the first legislative session the Center will have a dedicated staff member to focus on issues related to behavioral health. In this position I will research, analyze and advocate for policies and fiscal matters that enhance the quality and capacity of mental health and substance abuse services and treatment in Texas. There will
- [2013 Lege--Women's Health](https://everytexan.org/2013/01/18/2013-lege-womens-health/) - In 2011, family planning funding in Texas took a significant hit. Clinics across the state lost a total of $73 million in state funding for contraception, cancer screenings, and other preventive care services (a decision that resulted in an additional 23,800 Medicaid-funded births from unintended pregnancies, at a cost of $273 million.) Over the two
- [OPED--The Governor's Big Family](https://everytexan.org/2013/01/20/oped-the-governors-big-family/) - In our weekly Austin American-Statesman column, our executive director F. Scott McCown lays out why the proposed constitutional limit on spending would handcuff our future investments - By F. Scott McCown Gov. Rick Perry is right that the state should budget like a family — which is why he is wrong that state spending should
- [A Fighting Chance: Delores](https://everytexan.org/2013/01/21/a-fighting-chance-delores/) - It took Delores a long time to pull herself out of poverty. As a single mother of five children in Bryan, Texas, she couldn’t find a job and was barely able to feed and clothe her family. She relied on housing assistance, food stamps, Medicaid, and other family members to survive. Once she found a
- [A Fighting Chance: Shamekia and James](https://everytexan.org/2013/01/21/a-fighting-chance-shamekia-and-james/) - Shamekia and James live in Austin, Texas. As carpenter and welder by trade, James was working full-time and earning plenty of money to provide for his five children when he was laid off during the Great Recession. When James lost his job, he and Shamekia weren’t able to afford rent and bills for their home.
- [A Fighting Chance: Sarah and Matt](https://everytexan.org/2013/01/21/a-fighting-chance-sarah-and-matt/) - Sarah and Matt are living paycheck-to-paycheck in Austin, Texas. When their third child Cooper, now 3, was born with dislocated hips and crisscrossed legs, he needed constant care, several surgeries, and physical therapy. Sarah was forced to choose between keeping her full-time job as a nurse and caring for her newborn baby. Since Sarah stopped
- [A Fighting Chance: Alyssa and Anthony](https://everytexan.org/2013/01/21/a-fighting-chance-alyssa-and-anthony/) - Alyssa and Anthony are both working full-time in Austin, Texas, but their jobs do not pay them enough to cover their expenses. They live in a small duplex with their daughter Phoebe, but struggle to pay their rent, utilities and water bills, and afford enough food for the week. The Women, Infants, and Children (WIC)
- [A Fighting Chance: Alexis and Richard](https://everytexan.org/2013/01/21/a-fighting-chance-alexis-and-richard/) - Alexis and Richard were students at Texas Tech University when they found out they were going to have a baby. Their son, however, would be born with no kidney function and would likely have other severe health problems. Because the doctors in Lubbock weren’t equipped to treat baby Ian’s condition, Alexis and Richard moved to
- [New Tool Highlights What Texas Families Must Earn to Meet Basic Needs](https://everytexan.org/2013/01/24/new-tool-highlights-what-texas-families-must-earn-to-meet-basic-needs/) - Today we released a new data tool that finds that what a two-parent household with two children in Texas must earn to cover basic expenses like affordable housing, food, child care, and health care ranges from $35,320 a year in Abilene to $50,023 a year in Austin/Round Rock/San Marcos, and that’s without family, community, or
- [Proposed SB 1 Does Nothing To Restore Public Education](https://everytexan.org/2013/01/23/proposed-sb-1-does-nothing-to-restore-public-education/) - Today, I testified at the first Senate Finance Committee hearing of the session. Below is a summary of what I shared with committee members: Last session, $5.3 billion was cut from public education - $4 billion from formula funding and $1.3 billion from education grant programs. We were told these cuts were necessary because the
- [SB 1 Is 11% Below What's Needed for a Better Texas](https://everytexan.org/2013/01/23/sb-1-is-11-below-whats-needed-for-a-better-texas/) - Today, the Senate Finance committee kicked off public hearings on Senate Bill 1, the proposed state budget for 2014 and 2015. At $89 billion in General Revenue, the Senate’s starting point is 8 percent below a conservative estimate of the $97 billion needed just to keep the “bare bones” budget going while retaining all the
- [EITC Boosts Economy and Working Families](https://everytexan.org/2013/01/25/eitc-boosts-economy-and-working-families/) - Today is EITC Awareness Day. The economic impact on the Texas economy and working families is huge. Coinciding with the onset of tax season, EITC (Earned Income Tax Credit) Day is meant to raise awareness about the financial significance of this refundable tax credit that lifts millions of Americans, including about 765,000 Texans, out of poverty
- [Senators File A Bill To Update the Tax Code](https://everytexan.org/2013/01/28/senators-file-a-bill-to-update-the-tax-code/) - Is your phone loaded up with apps that you once thought would be useful, but now just take up space on your screen? Well, the State of Texas has a lot of tax breaks that once someone thought would be useful, but now just drain off tax dollars that could be used to support public
- [OPED--What can the Lege do to help TX families achieve the American Dream?](https://everytexan.org/2013/01/28/oped-what-can-the-lege-do-to-help-tx-families-achieve-the-american-dream/) - As the Texas Legislature starts drafting a budget and writing laws that reflect the state’s values and respond to the state’s needs, it should ask: What does it really take for Texas families to make ends meet and have the opportunity to move ahead? What can the Legislature do to help Texas families achieve the
- [Health Care Boot Camp Presentations Are Now Available](https://everytexan.org/2013/01/29/health-care-boot-camp-presentations-are-now-available/) - Were you at the Capitol last week for the our Texas Well & Healthy Medicaid and ACA Boot Camps? The turnout was phenomenal, and we were so pleased to see so many legislative staffers and advocacy groups in the room. If you couldn't make it, however, never fear. Now’s your chance to catch this information through our
- [What We Heard & Didn't Hear in the State of the State Speech](https://everytexan.org/2013/01/29/what-we-heard-didnt-hear-in-the-state-of-the-state-speech/) - Today, the Governor delivered his 7th State of the State speech. Here are some of our takeaways... What we heard: Texas is a job creator. Actually, Texas has the third highest percentage of low-wage jobs that offer no benefits, benefits that help lift families out of poverty or keep them from falling further into poverty.
- [Half of Texans Have Almost No Savings to Cover Emergencies or Save for the Future](https://everytexan.org/2013/01/30/half-of-texans-have-almost-no-savings-to-cover-emergencies-or-save-for-the-future/) - Half of Texas residents are living on the edge of a financial hardship with almost no savings to fall back on as a result of a job loss, health crisis or other income-depleting emergency, according to a report released today by the Corporation for Enterprise Development (CFED). The 2013 Assets & Opportunity Scorecard defines these
- [Study--Texas Has the 5th Most Unfair Tax System](https://everytexan.org/2013/01/30/study-texas-has-the-5th-most-unfair-tax-system/) - We’re #5! You have heard many times how Texas ranks 38th on state spending on public schools and 50th on state spending overall per resident. Well, finally Texas ranks 5th in something. Unfortunately, it’s in the ranking of how unfair our state and local tax system is. Texas asks its lowest income families to pay
- [HHSC Is the Most Underfunded Health Care Agency in SB1](https://everytexan.org/2013/01/31/hhsc-is-the-most-underfunded-health-care-agency-in-sb1/) - Today, Senate Finance began hearing testimony from Health and Human Services (HHS) agencies, which administer most of the state’s social services programs, such as health care for low-income Texans (4.3 million in 2013) enrolled in Medicaid and CHIP; child and adult protective services; the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, formerly Food Stamps; and community and nursing-home
- [TX Needs Investment in Public Ed, Not Vouchers](https://everytexan.org/2013/02/01/tx-needs-investment-in-public-ed-not-vouchers/) - Raise Your Hand Texas released a report on the myths and realities of school vouchers that is worth a a revisit as Senate and House committees debate school vouchers. Every voucher program is different and they go by many different names, but the basic idea is the same—state funding is diverted from public education to
- [Medicaid Expansion Resource Guide- All the Latest on the Costs and Benefits for Texas](https://everytexan.org/2013/02/01/medicaid-expansion-resource-guide-all-the-latest-on-the-costs-and-benefits-for-texas/)
- [Mental Health & The Budget](https://everytexan.org/2013/02/01/mental-health-the-budget/) - This week, I submitted and delivered the following testimony to the Senate Finance Committee in regards to mental health funding in Texas: My name is Katharine Ligon. I am the Mental Health Policy Analyst for the Center for Public Policy Priorities. I appreciate the opportunity to testify before you today, specifically to address the budget
- [Medicaid, Family Planning, and SB1](https://everytexan.org/2013/02/01/medicaid-family-planning-and-sb1/) - Today, our associate director and senior health policy analyst Anne Dunkelberg testified on the benefits of strengthening Medicaid, as well as funding women's health & family planning in Texas, at the Senate Finance Committee hearing. You can access her written testimony here.
- [Message From Scott McCown: District Court Agrees Texas Is Not Investing Enough in Education](https://everytexan.org/2013/02/04/message-from-scott-mccown-district-court-agrees-texas-is-not-investing-enough-in-education/) - (AUSTIN, Texas)—February 4, 2013—The Center for Public Policy Priorities Executive Director F. Scott McCown, retired state district judge who presided over the Edgewood school finance lawsuit, released the following statement regarding the ruling by State District Judge John Dietz on whether Texas is meeting its state constitutional requirements to provide an equitable and adequate education
- [OPED--We Need A Lot of Things More Than A Tax Cut](https://everytexan.org/2013/02/04/oped-we-need-a-lot-of-things-more-than-a-tax-cut/) - "During his State of the State address last week, Gov. Rick Perry wisely noted that the decisions the Legislature makes today “will determine what Texas will look like for the next 50 years.” After touting Texas as a low-tax state, the governor nonetheless recommended that we cut taxes by $1.8 billion. What would Texas look
- [Maximizing Access to College for Immigrant Children Builds the Texas Economy](https://everytexan.org/2013/02/07/maximizing-access-to-college-for-immigrant-children-builds-the-texas-economy/) - Texans want immigration reform and Congress may soon take up the task. In the meantime, what should the state do with regard to immigration? That is a big question, but whatever happens at the federal level, as we explain in this paper, our state should continue to maximize access to college for immigrant children—whether documented
- [Budget & Health Care Presentations Available To Download](https://everytexan.org/2013/02/08/budget-health-care-presentations-available-to-download/) - Today, our budget & health care teams hit the Capitol to brief legislators, their staff, and advocates on what makes a better Texas budget and better Texas health care for all families in our state. Thank you to all 165 of you who could attend! If you couldn't be there in person, we have all
- [March 4--Save the Date for #AmplifyATX!](https://everytexan.org/2013/02/11/march-4-save-the-date-for-amplifyatx/) - We are proud to be participating in a big day of giving in our home base of Austin, Texas! In just three short weeks, we're joining 300+ nonprofits in the Capital City to raise at least $1 million for the organizations that make Austin, and Texas, great. Amplify Austin is a 24-hour day of giving, and we'd
- [OPED--Texans Need Better Health Coverage](https://everytexan.org/2013/02/10/oped-texans-need-better-health-coverage/) - In his weekly Austin American-Statesman column, our executive director F. Scott McCown writes about how important health insurance is to Texans, and how strengthening Medicaid would boost our state's future - "Last April, I was diagnosed with leukemia. My only symptom was a persistent low-grade fever. Without health insurance, I wouldn’t have gone to the
- [Amarillo 4th Graders Learn the Value of Savings](https://everytexan.org/2013/02/11/amarillo-4th-graders-learn-the-value-of-savings/) - By Lauren Stebbins Financial education has the potential to put students on the right path to building the skills that are so important for building financial security. Smarter Texans Save, a new initiative which launched in January coordinated by OpportunityTexas in partnership with the University of Wisconsin-Madison Center for Financial Security, Texas Council on Economic Education and CFED, with support from
- [TX Women Need Preventive Care, And the Lege Needs to Fund It](https://everytexan.org/2013/02/13/tx-women-need-preventive-care-and-the-lege-needs-to-fund-it/) - Having access to wellness and preventive care services like well-woman exams, cancer screenings, and birth control helps all Texas women stay healthy, plan their futures, and provide the best life they can for their families. Just ask Anavi Cantu. She's a 29-year-old mom of three, who's also a full-time student, from Robstown in South Texas.
- [State Employee Retirement & The Budget](https://everytexan.org/2013/02/14/state-employee-retirement-the-budget/) - This week, I shared this testimony with Senate Finance Committee members on the state's Employee Retirement System: ERS is more than just retirement income for our state employees. As a Defined-Benefit pension plan, ERS retirement benefits are: an effective tool for the recruitment and retention of a quality workforce; they strengthen the middle class by
- [Covering More Low-Income Adults Will Save TX Money & Bring In New Revenue](https://everytexan.org/2013/02/13/covering-more-low-income-adults-will-save-tx-money-bring-in-new-revenue/) - My testimony to the House Appropriations HHS subcommittee Monday highlighted large cost savings and new revenues Texas can expect if we accept the ACA opportunity to cover very low-income adults in Medicaid. You can download the full document here.
- [OPED--Insurance Department Needs Teeth](https://everytexan.org/2013/02/18/oped-insurance-department-needs-teeth/) - "Imagine a jury that can find a criminal guilty but can’t sentence that person to jail. How about a cop that can pull you over for speeding but can’t write a ticket? Or, a referee that can throw a flag but can’t impose a penalty. Whoever oversees the rules in life needs to be able
- [Public Ed, Teacher Retirement, and the Budget](https://everytexan.org/2013/02/20/public-ed-teacher-retirement-and-the-budget/) - This week, I delivered the following testimony to the House Appropriations Committee regarding public education & Texas' teacher retirement system: TEA: Last session, $5.3 billion was cut from public education - $4 billion from formula funding and $1.3 billion from educational grant programs. We were told these cuts were necessary because the state didn't have the revenue
- [TX House Pays Our Unpaid Bills & Prevents Job Losses](https://everytexan.org/2013/02/21/tx-house-pays-our-unpaid-bills-prevents-job-losses/) - The Texas House has approved the first of a few supplemental spending bills that will be enacted for state fiscal 2013, which ends this August. HB 10 authorizes $4.5 billion in General Revenue needed to pay about six months’ worth of Medicaid and CHIP bills, a shortfall that was deliberately written into the 2012-13 budget during
- [When It Comes to Charters, It Should Be Quality over Quantity](https://everytexan.org/2013/02/21/when-it-comes-to-charters-it-should-be-quality-over-quantity/) - The charter school reforms offered in SB 2 put quantity ahead of quality in the name of offering school choice. Choice, flexibility, and innovation are important elements for an education system to successfully prepare today's children for tomorrow's workforce. While charter schools play a meaningful role in challenging and expanding our public school options, they
- [New SNAP Paper--Promoting Successful Rehabilitation & Reentry of Ex-Drug Offenders](https://everytexan.org/2013/02/22/new-snap-paper-promoting-successful-rehabilitation-reentry-of-ex-drug-offenders/) - By Jeanie Donovan To promote the successful rehabilitation and reentry of ex-drug offenders, Texas must join the 41 states that have passed legislation eliminating or modifying the ban that prevents former drug felons from receiving Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits. SNAP, formerly known as food stamps, is a federally funded nutrition assistance program that
- [OPED–Working Toward A Stronger Mental Health System](https://everytexan.org/2013/02/27/oped-working-toward-a-stronger-mental-health-system/) - "As the nation mourns for the lives lost and traumatized by the tragedies in Newtown, Conn., Aurora, Colo., Tucson, Ariz., and College Station, people are talking about the importance of mental health services. We shouldn’t stigmatize people with mental illness, who are in fact more likely to be victims of violence than perpetrators. Nonetheless, we
- [Lege Update–What’s happening with SNAP?](https://everytexan.org/2013/02/28/lege-update-whats-happening-with-snap/) - By Jeanie Donovan It’s been a busy couple months at the Texas Capitol and a handful of bills related to SNAP (formerly food stamps) have been filed. Some of the bills aim to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of SNAP in its mission to ensure that Texans don’t go to bed hungry at night. Several
- [Restoring Education Should Take Priority](https://everytexan.org/2013/02/28/restoring-education-should-take-priority/) - This week, I testified "on" SB 758 in a Senate Finance committee hearing because there are compelling reasons for and against undoing the Foundation School Program deferral - Deferring the FSP payment prevented even further cuts to public education last session. Undoing this deferment now would make this tool available again the next time there is
- [OPED--Texas Public Pensions On Sound Footing](https://everytexan.org/2013/03/04/oped-texas-public-pensions-on-sound-footing/) - "Texans believe in hard work that leads to a secure retirement. We provide our public servants a secure retirement through a decent pension. At the Center for Public Policy Priorities, we recently released a major report on our state’s two largest pension plans, the Teacher Retirement System and the Employee Retirement System. Every pension plan
- [TANF For Needy Families Protects Poorest Children--SB 11 Would Hurt Kids](https://everytexan.org/2013/03/06/tanf-for-needy-families-protects-poorest-children-sb-11-would-hurt-kids/) - "Helping needy families with children is both in their interest and in ours as a society. One way we help is through cash assistance for the poorest families, though we require parents who can to move from welfare to work. Texas has 718,000 families with children living in poverty. Of those, fewer than 45,000 families
- [The Latest Viral Video--Wealth Inequality](https://everytexan.org/2013/03/07/the-latest-viral-video-wealth-inequality/) - Stay up with what the cool kids are watching. A study on wealth inequality went viral on YouTube this week. Dan Ariely, best-selling author of Predictably Irrational, and a Harvard Business School professor asked Americans what their ideal distribution of wealth would be. The answer? Pretty equal. Then they asked Americans what they thought the actual distribution
- [The Curious Case of No-Charge School Breakfast--How Serving More for Less Pays Off](https://everytexan.org/2013/03/11/the-curious-case-of-no-charge-school-breakfast-how-serving-more-for-less-pays-off/) - Texas school cafeterias served over 300 million breakfasts in the 2011-2012 school year to an average of 1.6 million kids per day across over 8,000 campuses. Yet even with such high numbers, only 60 percent of students receiving free or reduced-priced lunch receive breakfast. The financing of the School Breakfast Program makes it feasible to
- [2013 Lege--College Access & Success](https://everytexan.org/2013/03/11/2013-lege-college-access-success/) - This session, the Economic Opportunity team has been tracking legislation that will affect financial aid, developmental and adult basic education, and career readiness and skills development. We are closely monitoring attempts to limit financial grant aid to students who need it most. Even though current financial aid programs expand access for many low-income students to
- [211 Data: Austin-area residents struggling to make ends meet](https://everytexan.org/2013/03/12/211-data-austin-area-residents-struggling-to-make-ends-meet/) - We believe that every Texas family has the right to live a safe and healthy life. That means stable housing, nutritious food on the table, and access to a good education and training for the jobs of today . . . and tomorrow. Recent data from the United Way of Greater Austin's 211 Navigation Center
- [First Hearing Reveals Robust Texas Conversation on Medicaid Expansion](https://everytexan.org/2013/03/12/first-hearing-reveals-robust-texas-conversation-on-medicaid-expansion/) - Last Friday was a double-feature for Capitol watchers and health care fans, but the policy in the spotlight will touch every Texan. Chairman Pitts of the House Appropriations committee devoted three hours to invited testimony on Medicaid expansion and Texas. The LBB laid out their estimates of costs, noting that they are working on—but have not
- [Private Club Tax Break Hurts Public Services](https://everytexan.org/2013/03/13/private-club-tax-break-hurts-public-services/) - Wonder why there's not enough money to pay for public schools or health care? One reason is that there are too many tax breaks that let special interests shirk paying their fair share of supporting public services. Here's one example: The River Oaks Country Club, an exclusive country club in Houston, saves about $2 million
- [Researchers Explain Their County-Level Estimates of Texas ACA Insurance Coverage & Medicaid Expansion](https://everytexan.org/2013/03/14/researchers-explain-their-county-level-estimates-of-texas-aca-insurance-coverage-medicaid-expansion/) - Last Friday was a circus for Medicaid and health care watchers. Just down the hall, as the hearing we blogged about earlier this week went into its third hour of Medicaid Expansion discussion, 80-something Capitol folk tore themselves away from the hearing to attend our research briefing, sponsored by Methodist Healthcare Ministries, exploring similar ground.
- [Senate Budget Would Continue to Fall Short of Meeting Texans’ Needs](https://everytexan.org/2013/03/14/senate-budget-would-continue-to-fall-short-of-meeting-texans-needs/) - Yesterday the Senate Finance Committee unanimously approved CSSB 1 (Committee Substitute for Senate Bill 1), which would spend $94 billion in General Revenue and $195 billion in total money on services for all Texans during fiscal 2014 and 2015, the budget cycle that starts this September. Senators in charge of the various workgroups for the
- [On The Road To A BETTER TEXAS](https://everytexan.org/2013/03/15/on-the-road-to-a-better-texas/) - At CPPP, we believe in the people of Texas. And we believe that all Texans deserve a chance to live a safe and healthy life--seeing a doctor when they need one, having healthy food on the table, and getting the education they need to secure their economic future. But what does it take for families
- [OPED--Preventive Care & Contraception For All TX Women Is Essential For Families’ Well-Being](https://everytexan.org/2013/03/18/oped-preventive-care-contraception-for-all-tx-women-is-essential-for-families-well-being/) - "For Texas women, access to family planning and basic health care isn’t a women’s issue or political issue; it’s a family issue. If the Legislature truly wants to invest in the future of our state and make life better for all families, lawmakers must adequately fund basic women’s health care and contraceptive services, and they
- [More Funding Needed For Retired Teachers To Be Self-Sufficient](https://everytexan.org/2013/03/19/more-funding-needed-for-retired-teachers-to-be-self-sufficient/) - Yesterday, I testified in support of HB 1383 in the House Pensions Committee meeting: "In retirement, Texas teachers rely almost exclusively on their TRS pension because the vast majority are not eligible to participate in Social Security. These retirees have seen their income erode over the past 11 years, because the system can not grant
- [Navigators Are Essential In Enrolling Newly-Eligible Texans In Health Coverage](https://everytexan.org/2013/03/20/navigators-are-essential-in-enrolling-newly-eligible-texans-in-health-coverage/) - Today, I testified in support of HB 459 which authorizes the ACA Navigator program in state law and coordinates state-level oversight with the federal exchange to prevent duplication. Pogue reminded committee members that in 2014, individuals can enroll in Medicaid, CHIP, and private coverage through the exchange, and Navigators are one form of in-person assistance that
- [Even With Senate Budget, School Districts Will Still Have Less To Spend Per Student](https://everytexan.org/2013/03/20/even-with-senate-budget-school-districts-will-still-have-less-to-spend-per-student/) - The chart below is based on one done in late February by State Representative Gene Wu, showing real (inflation-adjusted) spending per Texas student. The amounts for 2014 and 2015 reflect what is being proposed in the budget that the Senate will debate today. Despite the improvements made by the Senate Finance Committee, school
- [Building a Better Homestead Exemption](https://everytexan.org/2013/03/21/building-a-better-homestead-exemption/) - A homestead exemption subtracts a certain amount from the appraised value of your home to arrive at the taxable value, on which your tax bill is based. Current law allows any taxing unit -- including a city, county, school, or special district – to offer an exemption of up to 20 percent of your home’s value. In
- [Cutting WIC Means Greater Federal Spending Elsewhere](https://everytexan.org/2013/03/22/cutting-wic-means-greater-federal-spending-elsewhere/) - By Jeanie Donovan If you’ve been following the news on the sequestration, you may know that the SNAP program is exempt from the automatic spending cuts that took effect on March 1, 2013. You may not know, however, that a similarly critical nutrition program, the Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) nutrition program is not exempt.
- [Bridges To Better Jobs: How Texas Can Equip Texas Adults For Good Careers](https://everytexan.org/2013/03/25/bridges-to-better-jobs-how-texas-can-equip-texas-adults-for-good-careers/) - To build a strong economy, Texas can do better to strengthen the adult basic education (ABE) and literacy system to prepare more Texans for higher-skilled and higher-wage jobs. To make system-wide changes to the way adult basic education is delivered and improve outcomes for adult learners in Texas, state policymakers and ABE providers should adopt a goal
- [Payday Lending Reform Bill Stripped Of Consumer Protections](https://everytexan.org/2013/03/26/payday-lending-reform-bill-stripped-of-consumer-protections/) - Last week, meaningful payday and auto title reform turned to mush as industry interests reneged and rewrote the legislation to strip out many of the basic protections included in the original SB 1247. This bill, which would preempt local action to control these unaffordable transactions, is stuck in the Senate Business & Commerce Committee after
- [Who Pays Taxes in Texas?](https://everytexan.org/2013/03/28/who-pays-taxes-in-texas/)
- [Bills Wind Down The Texas Health Insurance Pool When It Is No Longer Needed](https://everytexan.org/2013/03/27/bills-wind-down-the-texas-health-insurance-pool-when-it-is-no-longer-needed/) - Since 1998, the Texas Health Insurance Pool (the state’s high risk pool) has been providing health insurance coverage to Texas residents who cannot get coverage in the private market because they have pre-existing medical conditions. Since its inception, the pool has offered a lifeline to many Texans, but because its coverage is expensive—as required by
- [Hearing Last Week Offers First Step towards Eliminating Destructive SNAP Policy](https://everytexan.org/2013/04/01/hearing-last-week-offers-first-step-towards-eliminating-destructive-snap-policy/) - By Jeanie Donovan About a month ago, we released a report that outlined the harmful impact of Texas’ lifetime ban on SNAP (food stamps) for ex-drug offenders. The paper also highlighted the opportunity for the Texas Legislature to opt out of the dated federal law in order to increase food security and reduce recidivism in
- [Statement on Expanding Medicaid--Texas Can Make a Good Deal](https://everytexan.org/2013/04/01/statement-on-expanding-medicaid-texas-can-make-a-good-deal/) - (AUSTIN, Texas)–April 1, 2013–The Center for Public Policy Priorities Associate Director Anne Dunkelberg made the following statement in response to questions raised by our state leadership about expanding Medicaid: "All Texans deserve quality, affordable health care, and expanding Medicaid under the Affordable Care Act provides Texas with an opportunity to dramatically reduce the number of
- [NEWS--CPPP's McCown Announces Transition](https://everytexan.org/2013/04/02/news-cppps-mccown-announces-transition/) - Former state district judge and staunch child advocate returning to work in child welfare (AUSTIN, Texas)–The Center for Public Policy Priorities (CPPP) Executive Director F. Scott McCown, a formidable champion of Texas children and families, announced today that he will be stepping down from his post at CPPP by August. He has accepted an offer
- [Texas Still Has Time For A Much Needed Boost To Financial Aid](https://everytexan.org/2013/04/02/texas-still-has-time-for-a-much-needed-boost-to-financial-aid/) - If the Legislature is serious about preparing the Texas workforce for future jobs, we need greater investment in higher education that empowers more low-income students to enter and complete college. This Thursday, the Texas House has the opportunity to add more funding to the state’s financial aid programs—proven tools to increase college access and success—
- [Medicaid In Other States: Arizona, Maine, and Arkansas](https://everytexan.org/2013/04/03/medicaid-in-other-states-arizona-maine-and-arkansas/) - The Medicaid Expansion dialogue got another big day of media coverage on April 1, with the Governor hosting one press conference of skeptics, and another group of elected officials supporting expansion. CPPP’s statement on our bottom line priorities for Medicaid expansion in Texas emphasizes that the other conservative states striking bargains with the federal government
- [Nifty Data App Shows Local Impact Of Family Planning Cuts](https://everytexan.org/2013/04/04/nifty-data-app-shows-local-impact-of-family-planning-cuts/) - Our friends at the Texas Policy Evaluation Project have created a new online data app that shows the impact of the 2011 family planning budget cuts on local communities. Check it out here. Lead investigator Dr. Joe Potter and graduate research assistant Amanda Stevenson combed through mountains of state data to determine how each county,
- [Preliminary House Budget Doesn’t Move Education Funding Forward](https://everytexan.org/2013/04/04/preliminary-house-budget-doesnt-move-education-funding-forward/) - Today, the House budget proposal hits the floor for what will likely to a marathon debate on what our 2014-15 spending will look like. When it comes to public education, the House proposal doesn't meet the needs of Texas' children. Here's an excerpt from my newest policy page about school finance and the House budget
- [Why Payday & Auto Title Lending Legislation Is A Good Deal](https://everytexan.org/2013/04/08/why-payday-auto-title-lending-legislation-is-a-good-deal/) - Today CPPP sent an open letter to the Texas Senate supporting SB 1247, which would protect consumers from excessive fees totaling between $260 and $440 million over the upcoming biennium. Here’s why we are for SB 1247: Half a loaf is better than none, particularly a $400 million loaf. SB 1247 limits the industry to
- [OPED--Embrace Tax Policies That Encourage Savings](https://everytexan.org/2013/04/09/oped-embrace-tax-policies-that-encourage-savings/) - Tax season is here. For many Texas families, the substantial tax refund they will get back is vital to their overall budget. The Earned Income Tax Credit the most successful income supplement for working families, lifting millions of Americans, including about 765,000 Texans, out of poverty. Low-income children in families that receive the tax credit
- [HB 2782 Allows TDI to Deny Unreasonable Health Insurance Rates](https://everytexan.org/2013/04/09/hb-2782-allows-tdi-to-deny-unreasonable-health-insurance-rates/) - When it comes to health insurance rate oversight, the Texas Department of Insurance (TDI) is like jury that can find a criminal guilty but can’t impose a jail sentence, or a referee that can throw a flag but can’t impose a penalty. TDI can review health insurance rate increases, but it cannot deny a rate
- [Attention Community and Consumer Groups--Navigator Funding Announcement Released](https://everytexan.org/2013/04/10/attention-community-and-consumer-groups-navigator-funding-announcement-released/) - Three of four people who will be eligible for coverage through the new online health insurance marketplace opening in October say they want in-person assistance to help them learn about and enroll in coverage. Navigators—in-person assistance providers who will help consumers and small employers enrolling in the marketplace—are one of the ways the Affordable Care Act
- [Tax Time: An Important Season To Build Texans' Financial Futures](https://everytexan.org/2013/04/15/tax-time-an-important-season-to-build-texans-financial-futures/) - Tax season is here. For many Texas families, the substantial tax refund they will get back is vital to their overall budget. Last tax season, 2.6 million Texans claimed the EITC, earning back $6.9 billion or approximately $2,600 per filer. Because tax refunds represent the largest lump-sum payment for the entire year, tax-time creates an
- [Proposals Would Take Money From Utility Assistance for Low-Income Families](https://everytexan.org/2013/04/16/proposals-would-take-money-from-utility-assistance-for-low-income-families/) - The Center for Public Policy Priorities opposes SJR 55 and SB 1655, which would take money dedicated to utility-bill assistance for low-income families and instead give it to electricity consumers, including large industrial customers. The money in question is in the System Benefit Fund, created by the 1999 Legislature as part of electric utility market
- [HB 2662 Would Help Texas Students Build Brighter Financial Futures](https://everytexan.org/2013/04/17/hb-2662-would-help-texas-students-build-brighter-financial-futures/) - Last week, the House Public Education committee heard Rep. Marsha Farney’s bill (HB 2662) to create a semester-long personal financial literacy course required for high school graduation and I provided testimony in support of this bill. A stand-alone personal financial literacy (PFL) course in high school would better equip Texas students with real-world skills that
- [Thousands of Texas Veterans to Benefit from Medicaid Expansion](https://everytexan.org/2013/04/18/thousands-of-texas-veterans-to-benefit-from-medicaid-expansion/) - More than 66,000 uninsured Texas veterans and their spouses could gain health care coverage if the state moves forward with Medicaid expansion under the Affordable Care Act. In Texas, more than 200,000 veterans and their spouses are uninsured – the highest of any state in the nation. Under the ACA, states have the opportunity to
- [A better way to increase investments in communities](https://everytexan.org/2013/04/19/a-better-way-to-increase-investments-in-communities/) - Two bills making their way quickly through the Legislature would create a “New Markets” program to grant tax credits for investments in firms that would, in turn, invest in economically distressed communities. These bills, SB 931 and HB 2061, would cost the state nearly $300 million over a five-year period. The State of Maryland has
- [OPED---Child Nutrition Starts First Thing In The Morning](https://everytexan.org/2013/04/22/oped-child-nutrition-starts-first-thing-in-the-morning/) - "Texans want our public schools to prepare children to be ready for college or to make a living after high school. Texans have lots of ideas about how to make sure that happens. But lost in all the talk about school funding, student testing and teacher accountability is one relatively simple step proven to work
- [There Is No Excuse For Texas Not To Reach A Deal With Medicaid Expansion](https://everytexan.org/2013/04/23/there-is-no-excuse-for-texas-not-to-reach-a-deal-with-medicaid-expansion/) - Unless our state takes action soon, come Jan. 1, 2014, Texas adults just below the poverty line, such as parents in a family of 4 living on $23,000 a year, will have no access to affordable health care under the Affordable Care Act. But their neighbors with a family of 4 living on $29,000 a year—just
- [Open Letter to State Budget Conferees](https://everytexan.org/2013/04/24/open-letter-to-state-budget-conferees/) - Today, we sent a letter to the budget conferees outlining our recommendations for reconciling the differences between the House and the Senate regarding health and human services and public and higher education. The conference committee will probably finish making its decisions by Friday, May 10. Only a few days are left for you to make
- [We Can't Overlook Equity When We Talk About Public Ed Funding](https://everytexan.org/2013/04/25/we-cant-overlook-equity-when-we-talk-about-public-ed-funding/) - Earlier this year, Judge Dietz found the Texas school finance system to be inadequate and inequitable. The inadequacy finding was undoubtedly exasperated by the $4 billion cut in formula funding and more than $1 billion cut from educational grant programs during the 2011 legislative session. As the Legislature works to restore funding to public schools
- [Comparing the House and Senate's HHS Funding](https://everytexan.org/2013/04/25/comparing-the-house-and-senates-hhs-funding/) - To help you understand the differences between the Senate and House budgets, we've broken down their health and human services funding proposals into three papers, one comparing each chamber's investments in Medicaid and CHIP for low-income, disabled Texans and children, each chamber's investment in mental health and substance abuse services, and each chamber's investment in
- [OPED--Lawmakers have an opportunity to do more for Texas kids](https://everytexan.org/2013/04/29/oped-lawmakers-have-an-opportunity-to-do-more-for-texas-kids/) - "When it comes to funding priorities for Texas children, legislators appear to be facing similar tough choices as they work to finalize the state budget. The Senate and House have proposed 2014-15 budgets that, at first glance, seem to highlight different priorities for Texas kids. For example, the House proposes more state money, about $1
- [Methodology for "Invest in Texas Kids- It Matters" Children's Budget report](https://everytexan.org/2013/04/29/methodology-for-invest-in-texas-kids-it-matters-childrens-budget-report/)
- [To Improve Financial Stability of SNAP Households, TX Should Remove Asset Test](https://everytexan.org/2013/04/30/to-improve-financial-stability-of-snap-households-tx-should-remove-asset-test/) - By Jeanie Donovan When a Texas family is struggling to make ends meet or having trouble keeping food on the table, they may turn to SNAP (formerly food stamps) to help them through that difficult economic time. Like most safety net programs, SNAP is “means-tested” to ensure that only applicants with limited resources receive assistance.
- [Consumers Need Strong Insurance Laws To Protect Them From Balance Billing](https://everytexan.org/2013/05/01/consumers-need-strong-insurance-laws-to-protect-them-from-balance-billing/) - A couple of bills filed this session address “balance billing” in health insurance. HB 3270 by Rep. Smithee puts into state law important new consumer protections against balance billing first adopted by the Texas Department of Insurance through agency rules in February. As filed, SB 1197 by Sen. Taylor will strip some of those same
- [Endnotes for "Invest in Texas Kids- It Matters" Children's Budget report](https://everytexan.org/2013/05/03/endnotes-for-invest-in-texas-kids-it-matters-childrens-budget-report/)
- [Wage, job requirements slashed for school property tax abatements](https://everytexan.org/2013/05/06/wage-job-requirements-slashed-for-school-property-tax-abatements/) - A tax abatement program that already reduces school property tax revenue by $4.2 billion would be expanded and extended by HB 3390, which passed the House on Friday, and SB 1647, which will be debated by the Senate this week. During the House debate, floor amendments were added that would nearly eliminate all job creation
- [Invest In Texas Kids. It Matters.](https://everytexan.org/2013/05/08/invest-in-texas-kids-it-matters/)
- [New Federal Rule Highlights Importance of Accepting Federal Funds for a “Texas Solution”](https://everytexan.org/2013/05/15/new-federal-rule-highlights-importance-of-accepting-federal-funds-for-a-texas-solution/) - The Associated Press reported this week that Texas hospitals could lose $56 million in 2014 in special Medicaid payments to hospitals that serve lots of people on Medicaid and the uninsured (so-called DSH or “disproportionate share hospital” payments). A newly proposed federal rule lays out a formula for how the federal budget will reduce those payments over
- [Ask Cheasty: Women's Health, the ACA, and Angelina Jolie](https://everytexan.org/2013/05/15/ask-cheasty-womens-health-the-aca-and-angelina-jolie/) - In yesterday’s New York Times, Angelina Jolie got the world talking about breast cancer. Having been diagnosed with a “faulty” BRCA1 gene, and knowing she stood an 87 percent chance of getting breast cancer, Jolie decided to take preventive action by having a double mastectomy before any cancer had ever appeared. Her courageous decisions –
- [Will the Senate Choose Tax Breaks Or Investments in Texas' Future?](https://everytexan.org/2013/05/20/will-the-senate-choose-tax-breaks-or-investments-in-texas-future/) - The Senate this week will consider tax giveaways that would reduce the amount available to support public services in the next state budget by $1 billion. Supporters claim these tax breaks bring businesses to Texas and encourage economic development, but every dollar lost in revenue is a dollar lost from funding for education and health
- [OPED-- A 'Texas Solution' For The Affordable Care Act](https://everytexan.org/2013/05/20/oped-a-texas-solution-for-the-affordable-care-act/) - "Because the governor is hesitant to expand Medicaid, the legislature will probably adjourn without taking full advantage of the dollars available to Texas to cover the uninsured through the Affordable Care Act. Fortunately there is more than one way to skin a cat, which in this case means a way to pull down all the
- [Farm Bill Update from the Food Team](https://everytexan.org/2013/05/21/farm-bill-update-from-the-food-team/) - By Jeanie Donovan The US Senate and House Agriculture Committees approved separate versions of a new five-year farm bill and both pieces of legislation include damaging cuts to SNAP (formerly the Food Stamp program). Both the House and Senate versions make significant reductions in federal spending and address inefficiencies in agricultural programs. However, their treatment
- [Budget Conference Committee Proposal Doesn't Account For Growth](https://everytexan.org/2013/05/24/budget-conference-committee-proposal-doesnt-account-for-growth/) - With just a few days left in the 2013 legislative regular session, details and summary information on the 2013 and 2014-15 state budget deals are finally starting to emerge. The conference committee report for Senate Bill 1, the General Appropriations Act for 2014-15, includes $94.6 billion in General Revenue spending, and an All Funds budget of
- [Preliminary Look at Public School Funding in the State Budget](https://everytexan.org/2013/05/25/preliminary-look-at-public-school-funding-in-the-state-budget/) - In the state budget deal for 2014-15 that’s still a few pieces short of being finalized by the 83rd Legislature, public education would see a 7 percent biennial increase, from $52 billion in 2012-13 to $56 billion in 2014-15. General Revenue support for public education would rise by 8 percent in SB 1, or 8.5 percent
- [2013 Lege Wrap-Up: SNAP](https://everytexan.org/2013/05/31/2013-lege-wrap-up-snap/) - By Jeanie Donovan During the 2013 legislative session, legislators filed 26 bills related to SNAP (formerly the food stamp program). Although SNAP is 100 percent federally funded, state lawmakers do have the ability to make administrative changes to the program. Of the filed bills, only two were sent to the governor to sign into law.
- [2013 Lege Wrap-Up: Payday Lending Reform](https://everytexan.org/2013/06/03/2013-lege-wrap-up-payday-lending-reform/) - The 2013 regular legislative session ended without the passage of any payday and auto title lending reform. As a result, the Legislature missed a critical opportunity to protect Texas consumers from excessive fees and unnecessary auto repossessions by failing to pass SB 1247, the omnibus reform bill filed by Sen. John Carona. This bill included the
- [2013 Lege Wrap-Up: Tax Giveaways](https://everytexan.org/2013/06/05/2013-lege-wrap-up-tax-giveaways/) - This session, the Legislature give higher priority to tax giveaways than to fully restoring public services to their pre-recession levels. Three major tax giveaways, plus renewal and expansion of the state’s major school property tax abatement program, will hurt the state’s ability create the human and physical infrastructure needed to ensure a prosperous future for
- [2013 Lege Wrap-Up: Medicaid & CHIP](https://everytexan.org/2013/06/06/2013-lege-wrap-up-medicaid-chip/) - Back in January, I noted that the most sweeping Medicaid issue of the 2013 session—with over a million uninsured Texans, billions of federal dollars for our economy, and hundreds of thousands of new jobs at stake—would be Texas’ opportunity to cover all citizen adults up to just above the poverty line in Medicaid, with a
- [2013 Lege Wrap-Up: Adult Basic Education & Literacy](https://everytexan.org/2013/06/10/2013-lege-wrap-up-adult-basic-education-literacy/) - The 2013 Legislature brought big changes to the Adult Basic Education (ABE) and literacy system in Texas. SB 307 by Sen. Joan Huffman, effective September 1, transfers oversight of ABE programs from the Texas Education Agency (TEA) to the Texas Workforce Commission (TWC). The bill is a positive step towards strengthening Texas’ ABE and literacy programs
- [2013 Lege Wrap-Up: Mental Health](https://everytexan.org/2013/06/11/2013-lege-wrap-up-mental-health/) - Mental health has received a lot of well-deserved attention this legislative session after the recent violent tragedies in our nation. Texas legislators deserve praise for recognizing that all Texans benefit from a stronger mental health system with increased funds for prevention and better access to services. Of the more than 250 bills related to mental
- [2013 Lege Wrap-Up: Health Insurance Reform](https://everytexan.org/2013/06/12/2013-lege-wrap-up-health-insurance-reform/) - The biggest news with health insurance in the 2013 legislative session is what did not pass. Before it started, I hoped the session would help prepare Texas for big changes to the health insurance market in 2014—changes that are coming whether Texas is prepared or not! For the most part, that didn’t happen. The Legislature missed
- [2013 Lege Wrap-Up: Public Education](https://everytexan.org/2013/06/14/2013-lege-wrap-up-public-education/) - As predicted, this session’s debates around school choice were used as a distraction from discussing real solutions to the state’s education challenges. Fortunately, all the different voucher proposals, which would divert state funds for public education to cover all or part of a student’s tuition at a private or religious school, were defeated. The legislature
- [Steps In The Right Direction for Improving Schooling for Teen Parents](https://everytexan.org/2013/06/21/steps-in-the-right-direction-for-improving-schooling-for-teen-parents/) - By Eric Bybee Texas has the fourth-highest rate of teen pregnancy in the nation, with a total of 48,586 teen births in 2010. Parenthood is a leading cause of school dropouts for female students. According to the National Campaign to Prevent Teen and Unplanned Pregnancy, only about 51 percent of teen moms have a high
- [High percentage of uninsured hurts Texas’ ranking in CNBC’s Top States for Business](https://everytexan.org/2013/07/12/high-percentage-of-uninsured-hurts-texas-ranking-in-cnbcs-top-states-for-business/) - Texas lost its top ranking as an attractive location for business in CNBC’s annual list because of its poor “quality of life” performance. Texas fell to #41 in that category because the state has the highest percentage of residents without health insurance, as well as poor air and water quality. Texas also ranked #35 in
- [In Farm Bill Debate, No Clear Path for SNAP](https://everytexan.org/2013/07/19/in-farm-bill-debate-no-clear-path-for-snap/) - That’s the big question these days for anyone interested in food and nutrition policy. The simple response is “which Farm Bill?” Since the 1970’s federal farm and nutrition policy has been set every 5 years with the reauthorization of a new Farm Bill. Typically the Farm Bill is where rules and funding for SNAP (food
- [What can be done to help disadvantaged children succeed in school?](https://everytexan.org/2013/07/24/what-can-be-done-to-help-disadvantaged-children-succeed-in-school/) - What can be done to address the barriers that often make it difficult for disadvantaged children to succeed in school? Noted education researcher Helen Ladd of Duke University proposes three steps, all backed by extensive research: Disadvantaged children often suffer from poor health and nutrition—which can be corrected by high-quality early childhood and preschool programs.
- [Farewell and Thank You from F. Scott McCown](https://everytexan.org/2013/07/31/farewell-and-thank-you-from-f-scott-mccown/) - Dear Friends, Today is my last day at CPPP. I want to thank all our friends and supporters who have fought with us over this past decade for a better Texas, where economic and social opportunity is available in fair measure for all. This fight goes on--for good jobs, for access to health care and
- [Sizing Up The Texas Budget: Overview](https://everytexan.org/2013/08/01/sizing-up-the-texas-budget-overview/) - As the third called legislative session begins, legislators are still finalizing the highway funding part of the Texas state budget for 2014 and 2015--the two-year budget period that begins September 1, 2013. Spending authorized to date—excluding $2 billion in water plan funding that requires voter approval in November—totals $197 billion in All Funds, of which
- [In 90 Days Hungry Texans Will Have Fewer SNAP Benefits](https://everytexan.org/2013/08/02/in-90-days-hungry-texans-will-have-fewer-snap-benefits/) - On November 1, four million Texans will see a cut in their food assistance benefits when a temporary boost to the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP, formerly known as food stamps) is set to expire. In a new report using the latest data from the U.S. Department of Agriculture, the Center on Budget and Policy
- [Sizing Up The Texas Budget: Medicaid and CHIP](https://everytexan.org/2013/08/07/sizing-up-the-texas-budget-medicaid-and-chip/) - Millions of Texans rely on Medicaid and CHIP (Children's Health Insurance Program) for their health care coverage. Unfortunately, the 2014-15 state budget fails to undo the deepest cuts made to these vital services in 2011 and is marked by both new and ongoing austerity measures. Our state's inability to pay frontline health care workers a
- [Sales Tax Holiday is Well-Intentioned But Misguided](https://everytexan.org/2013/08/08/sales-tax-holiday-is-well-intentioned-but-misguided/) - Texas’ annual sales tax holiday is this weekend – August 9-11. Retailers will not collect state or local sales tax on most clothing, footwear, and school supplies priced under $100. The sales tax holiday is well-intentioned but misguided. Legislators concerned about the unfair burden that the sales tax places on low- and moderate-income Texas families
- [Sizing Up The Texas Budget--Family Planning](https://everytexan.org/2013/08/15/sizing-up-the-texas-budget-family-planning/) - Devastating budget cuts to family planning in 2011 caused widespread collateral damage, leaving 147,000 Texas women without services and the women's health safety net in tatters. This session, the Legislature took a big first step in repairing that damage by funding family planning programs that will serve approximately the same number of women Texas did
- [Sizing Up The Texas Budget: Public Education](https://everytexan.org/2013/08/23/sizing-up-the-texas-budget-public-education/) - Next week, our schools will open to serve 80,000 more students than last year, bringing the total number of children in Texas' public schools to nearly 5 million. Public school enrollment has increased by about 20 percent over the last decade, and most of that growth has been in the number of economically disadvantaged children.
- [Investing in Education Will Build a Stronger Texas Economy](https://everytexan.org/2013/08/26/investing-in-education-will-build-a-stronger-texas-economy/) - The best way for Texas to grow its economy is by investing in a well-educated workforce, according to a new paper published by EPI for the Economic Analysis and Research Network (EARN), a network of 61 state and local economic think tanks and 25 national partners founded by the Economic Policy Institute and several other
- [Hitting the Road for ObamaCare (ACA) Education](https://everytexan.org/2013/08/27/hitting-the-road-for-obamacare-aca-education/) - With open enrollment for new affordable coverage (that starts as soon as Jan. 1, 2014) through the health insurance Marketplace beginning October 1, the CPPP health team is busy traveling and speaking to local forums across Texas to help community groups learn about what’s coming up. Some places we talk for 30 minutes, sometimes for an hour....Take
- [Back to School (Meals)](https://everytexan.org/2013/08/28/back-to-school-meals/) - By Jeanie Donovan For many of the five million school children in Texas, returning to the classroom this week means more than just a new teacher and a new grade. It also means returning to regular and balanced daily meals. Although the federal Summer Food Service Program is intended to keep children from going hungry
- [CPPP Announces New Executive Director](https://everytexan.org/2013/09/03/cppp-announces-new-executive-director/) - Nationally renowned social justice lawyer and communicator Ann Beeson takes the CPPP helm on Sept. 3. AUSTIN, TEXAS—The Center for Public Policy Priorities’ Board of Directors and staff are pleased to announce that Ann Beeson has been named Executive Director of CPPP. A nationally renowned social justice lawyer, nonprofit leader, and effective communicator, Beeson brings
- [After the Bell: Enhanced Out-of-School Engagement for Texas Students](https://everytexan.org/2013/09/04/after-the-bell-enhanced-out-of-school-engagement-for-texas-students/) - As students head back to school it’s important to keep in mind the significant role structured high-quality out-of-school time plays in student well-being. Most risky adolescent behavior occurs between 3:00pm and 6:00pm and right now 26 percent of Texas students are taking care of themselves after school. Creating additional learning spaces outside the regular school
- [Countdown to Coverage: Meet the Marketplace](https://everytexan.org/2013/09/04/countdown-to-coverage-meet-the-marketplace/) - With less than one month until more options for affordable health coverage are available through the Affordable Care Act, I want to introduce you to something new and wonderful. Texans, meet the new Health Insurance Marketplace. The Marketplace is a new way to compare and shop for health insurance that fits your budget. You can
- [USDA: 1 in 5 Texas Households Struggles to Afford Food; Rate Projected to Rise](https://everytexan.org/2013/09/04/usda-1-in-5-texas-households-struggles-to-afford-food-rate-projected-to-rise/) - By Jeanie Donovan Today the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) released its annual report that finds that 1.7 million low-income households in Texas struggle to afford enough food. The report, titled Household Food Security in the United States in 2012, shows that, on average, one in five Texas households reported food insecurity between 2010 and
- [Countdown to Coverage: Health Insurance 101](https://everytexan.org/2013/09/05/countdown-to-coverage-health-insurance-101/) - By Megan Randall Starting October 1, 2013, Texans will have the opportunity to sign up for new health care coverage options through the Health Insurance Marketplace. Coverage for new enrollees will begin as early as January, 2014, and will include a number of new consumer protections. We know navigating health insurance plans can be daunting
- [Countdown to Coverage: Key Dates](https://everytexan.org/2013/09/07/countdown-to-coverage-key-dates/) - If you plan to look for coverage in the new Health Insurance Marketplace, you’ll want to keep a couple of key dates in mind. October 1, 2013 – March 31, 2014 = Open Enrollment in the Marketplace Open enrollment is the time of the year when people can enroll in plans in the Marketplace.
- [Countdown to Coverage: How will Obamacare Affect YOU? Two Quick and Easy Tools](https://everytexan.org/2013/09/10/countdown-to-coverage-how-will-obamacare-affect-you-two-quick-and-easy-tools/) - The latest Kaiser Health Tracking Poll revealed that 51 percent of Americans feel they don’t have enough information about the ACA to understand how it will impact them and their family. We hope that share will drop in the coming months as the roll out of new Health Insurance Marketplaces in October brings with it
- [Sizing Up the Texas Budget: Student Financial Aid](https://everytexan.org/2013/09/10/sizing-up-the-texas-budget-student-financial-aid/) - Jordan dreamt of being the first in her family to graduate from college. But she never imagined that dream would come at a cost of more than $20,000 in student debt while working two jobs and attending school full time. Each year, more than 40,000 economically disadvantaged high school seniors enroll in Texas colleges. And
- [Countdown to Coverage: Important Medicaid Changes, Even Without Expansion](https://everytexan.org/2013/09/11/countdown-to-coverage-important-medicaid-changes-even-without-expansion/) - Despite Texas elected officials’ current—and regrettable!—decision to exclude the poorest uninsured adult Texans from coverage in 2014, there are some important Medicaid changes afoot here for 2014. In fact, all 50 states are making these changes, no matter what their current decision on adult Medicaid expansion. Texas Health and Human Services Commission’s staff certainly know
- [Countdown to Coverage: Uninsured and Unbanked](https://everytexan.org/2013/09/12/countdown-to-coverage-uninsured-and-unbanked/) - By Laura Rosen and Lauren Stebbins The October 1, 2013 opening day for Affordable Care Act Marketplaces is quickly approaching. While the new Health Insurance Marketplace is being established to reduce the numbers of uninsured, another effort is underway to ensure that unbanked individuals don’t face unnecessary barriers in getting health insurance. Currently, insurance companies
- [Countdown to Coverage: Young Adults and the Marketplace](https://everytexan.org/2013/09/17/countdown-to-coverage-young-adults-and-the-marketplace/) - By Megan Randall Young adults from ages 19 to 29 are one key group that stands to benefit from the launch of the new Health Insurance Marketplace on October 1. Young adults, like other age groups in the U.S., need a health insurance solution. In a recent Commonwealth Fund survey, more than one third of
- [New Census Data Released Today Underscore Texas' Need for Affordable Health Coverage](https://everytexan.org/2013/09/17/new-census-data-released-today-underscore-texas-need-for-affordable-health-coverage/) - AUSTIN, TEXAS—The Center for Public Policy Priorities’ Anne Dunkelberg, associate director and senior health policy analyst, made the following statement about today's release of the Census Bureau's Current Population Survey: "Today’s release shows that Texas still has the highest rate of uninsured in the United States, at 24.6 percent, or 6.4 million, reaffirming the need
- [STATEMENT: With More Than 4 Million Texans In Poverty, Texas Must Commit To Investing in Education and Career Development](https://everytexan.org/2013/09/19/statement-with-more-than-4-million-texans-in-poverty-texas-must-commit-to-investing-in-education-and-career-development/) - AUSTIN, TEXAS—The Center for Public Policy Priorities’ Frances Deviney, senior research associate and Texas KIDS COUNT director, made the following statement about today's release of the American Community Survey: "Today’s release of the Census Bureau’s American Community Survey shows that nearly 4.56 million (17.9 percent) Texans live in poverty (e.g., $18,480 for a two parent,
- [Countdown to Coverage: Choosing A Health Plan](https://everytexan.org/2013/09/23/countdown-to-coverage-choosing-a-health-plan/) - Selecting a health care plan for you or your family can be intimidating, especially if this is your first time and/or you have a chronic condition such as mental illness. As we have shared with you in our blog series, Countdown to Coverage, there is a lot to understand before you select a plan and
- [Countdown to Coverage: Have Questions About Fees?](https://everytexan.org/2013/09/23/countdown-to-coverage-have-questions-about-fees/) - By Megan Randall Starting October 1, 2013 many Americans will have the opportunity to enroll in new affordable coverage options through the Health Insurance Marketplace. With these new coverage opportunities, however, comes a new requirement that most individuals have health insurance in 2014, or pay a fee to go uninsured. The prospect of paying a
- [Countdown to Coverage: ACA and Mental Health Benefits](https://everytexan.org/2013/09/23/countdown-to-coverage-aca-and-mental-health-benefits/) - Access to behavioral health care is not just a matter of having health insurance; it also requires an adequate scope of covered benefits in a health plan. For many years, benefits for Mental Health and Substance Use (MH/SU) services were not included in many health plans. In addition, when an employer did chose to offer
- [Countdown to Coverage: Overview of Marketplace Rates and Subsidies](https://everytexan.org/2013/09/27/countdown-to-coverage-overview-of-marketplace-rates-and-subsidies/) - By Megan Randall In another blog post, we showed you examples of actual Marketplace premiums across the state and how they vary by region, age, and subsidy level. This post will provide a behind-the-scenes look at how insurers set premiums in the marketplace and how the subsidies are calculated. How Does Rating Work in the
- [Countdown to Coverage: What Will It Cost?](https://everytexan.org/2013/09/27/countdown-to-coverage-what-will-it-cost/) - By Megan Randall On Wednesday, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services unveiled preliminary rates for the Texas Health Insurance Marketplace, scheduled to launch October 1, 2013. What do these preliminary rates mean for you and your health insurance options? Below, we’ll walk through a few examples illustrating how actual Marketplace premiums in Texas
- [Countdown to Coverage: Opening Day](https://everytexan.org/2013/10/01/countdown-to-coverage-opening-day/) - Today’s opening of the new Health Insurance Marketplace is kind of a big deal--for health care access, for Texas, for the nation, and for CPPP. Many of you know that the Center was founded in 1985 by the Benedictine Sisters of Boerne with a mission to improve health care access for “poor and disenfranchised Texans.”
- [Greetings from Ann Beeson, CPPP's New Executive Director](https://everytexan.org/2013/10/02/greetings-from-ann-beeson-cppps-new-executive-director/) - Greetings! I am truly delighted to be the new Executive Director of the Center for Public Policy Priorities. I am very proud to be a Texan. We have so much to build on – the best culture anywhere, a fierce sense of pride, thriving cities, an innovative spirit. I believe in a future for our
- [The Texas Financial Education Endowment and How It Will Benefit Texans](https://everytexan.org/2013/10/03/the-texas-financial-education-endowment-and-how-it-will-benefit-texans/) - Last month the Texas Financial Education Endowment (TFEE) - the first state-administered funding source for broad financial education and asset building services- announced its inaugural round of grants for eligible Texas entities. The Endowment, administered by the Finance Commission of Texas, was created by the 82nd Legislature as part of legislation (HB 2594) that made
- [SNAP Under Attack On Multiple Fronts](https://everytexan.org/2013/10/15/snap-under-attack-on-multiple-fronts/) - By Jeanie Donovan Federal lawmakers have been debating the reauthorization of the Farm Bill for more than two years now. The SNAP program, formerly known as food stamps, has been central in that debate. During this drawn out reauthorization process, House members' proposals to cut SNAP have grown in size and harmfulness. On top of
- [My First Volunteer Shift at Insure Central Texas](https://everytexan.org/2013/10/16/my-first-volunteer-shift-at-insure-central-texas/) - It was Stacey Pogue’s great idea first to get trained as Certified Application Counselors (CACs) under the oversight of a US Department of HHS-approved entity. What better way to contribute to the effort of getting Texans covered, and at the same time really find out how the new system works? Foundation Communities, a wonderful Austin
- [Grade Inflation--Details of S&P's report giving Texas a AAA Credit Rating](https://everytexan.org/2013/10/24/grade-inflation-details-of-sps-report-giving-texas-a-aaa-credit-rating/) - Standard & Poor’s (S&P), the leading national credit rating firm, recently raised Texas’ general-obligation bond rating to AAA – the highest rating. Unsurprisingly, the governor and other elected officials hailed this upgrade as vindication of recent legislative tax and budget decisions. But reading the fine print shows that Texas’ revenue system has serious flaws and
- [Report Finds Majority of TX Public School Kids Are Low-Income](https://everytexan.org/2013/10/25/report-finds-majority-of-tx-public-school-kids-are-low-income/) - The Southern Education Foundation’s new report, A New Majority: Low Income Students in the South and Nation, brings attention to the fact that 48 percent of all school children across the nation live in low-income households (measured by the number of students who qualify for free or reduced price school lunch). In 17 states, clustered
- [Setting the Record Straight on Pre- and Post-ACA rates](https://everytexan.org/2013/10/29/setting-the-record-straight-on-pre-and-post-aca-rates/) - It seems that bogus comparisons of health insurance premiums before and after the Affordable Care Act (a.ka. Obamacare) keep popping up. Many of these analyses are misleading at best—comparing apples to oranges and ignoring what people will actually pay once subsidies are included. Given that we probably won’t see the end of these comparisons any
- [Although Still Low, Texas Sees Improvements in Credit Scores](https://everytexan.org/2013/10/30/although-still-low-texas-sees-improvements-in-credit-scores/) - By Lauren Stebbins Financial security is influenced by several types of income and assets, but for most people, arguably the most influential asset is the one of the most intangible: the credit score. An individual’s credit score largely determines credit access and affordability for financing a home, business, car, or other large purchases as well
- [Minimize the Impact of the Hunger Cliff](https://everytexan.org/2013/10/30/minimize-the-impact-of-the-hunger-cliff/) - By Jeanie Donovan This Friday every household participating in SNAP will see their monthly benefits go down. A family of four will have $36 less each month in their grocery budget. A senior couple on SNAP will lose $22 per month. This may not seem like a lot of money, but for working poor families
- [Health Plan Cancellations: The Rest of the Story](https://everytexan.org/2013/11/07/health-plan-cancellations-the-rest-of-the-story/) - For the last week or so, there’s been lots of news coverage of people enrolled in the individual insurance market getting discontinuation notices from their health insurance companies. Up until recently, the news coverage has told only part of the story. More and more, we are hearing that after the initial frustration of getting a
- [With more than 6 million uninsured, navigators are crucial to connecting Texans to coverage](https://everytexan.org/2013/11/19/with-more-than-6-million-uninsured-navigators-are-crucial-to-connecting-texans-to-coverage/) - Texas has a long, successful history of partnering with informed community-based groups to help people enroll in health coverage like Medicaid, CHIP and Medicare. Navigators authorized under the Affordable Care Act (ACA) are based on Texas and other states’ longstanding, successful enrollment partnerships. But unlike other community-based enrollment assistance (which has been around for at least
- [Investing in the First Eight Years is Critical for Children to Succeed](https://everytexan.org/2013/11/20/investing-in-the-first-eight-years-is-critical-for-children-to-succeed/) - By Anthony Vincent LeClair The Annie E. Casey Foundation’s latest KIDS COUNT policy report, The First Eight Years: Building a Foundation for Lifetime Success shines a light on our nation’s troubling lack of investment in the earliest years of our children’s lives. As a nation, we have ignored decades of research consensus on brain and child
- [Pilot Program to Address Runaway Loan Default Rates Among Texas Students](https://everytexan.org/2013/11/21/pilot-program-to-address-runaway-loan-default-rates-among-texas-students/) - By Alejandra Cerna This month, the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board will begin to shape the Student Loan Default Prevention and Financial Aid Literacy Pilot Program which will formally kick off in January 2014. THECB is currently accepting comments on the proposed rules until December 1. The pilot program was established during the last legislative session
- [High Risk Pool Coverage is Extended. A few more fixes needed.](https://everytexan.org/2013/11/26/high-risk-pool-coverage-is-extended-a-few-more-fixes-needed/) - RiskPoolExtension-Rathgeber11.21.13Earlier this year, the Texas Legislature passed a bill to wind down the Texas Health Insurance Pool. The Texas Health Insurance Pool, or “high risk pool,” was created to provide coverage for Texans who were denied coverage due to pre-existing conditions. It has been a lifeline for thousands of Texans for more than a decade,
- [Thousands of Texans to lose unemployment insurance this holiday season](https://everytexan.org/2013/12/04/thousands-of-texans-to-lose-unemployment-insurance-this-holiday-season/) - This holiday, tens of thousands of Texans will lose unemployment insurance (UI) if Congress fails to extend federal benefits for workers unemployed for more than six months. Cutting off support will hurt Texas families and businesses as thousands of Texans will have fewer resources to cover their basic household expenses throughout 2014. During the Great
- [My Healthcare.Gov Enrollment Experience](https://everytexan.org/2013/12/11/my-healthcare-gov-enrollment-experience/) - By Megan Randall Healthcare.gov is working better, faster, and more reliably. Recent reports from the federal government indicate that more than 100,000 Americans, including 14,000 Texans, were able to sign up for health insurance plans online in November, which is more than four times how many people signed up in October. Other reports are showing progress
- [State’s Navigator Rule Could Impede Health Insurance Enrollment](https://everytexan.org/2013/12/16/states-navigator-rule-could-impede-health-insurance-enrollment/) - Last week, the Texas Department of Insurance released proposed rules on “navigators”—community organizations like the United Way that help uninsured people apply for health insurance. As proposed, the rules could prevent or delay the important work of navigators. Fort Worth Star Telegram editors agree, noting that the rules will impede insurance enrollment and hinder progress
- [THE TEXAS FINANCIAL EDUCATION ENDOWMENT ANNOUNCES INAUGURAL GRANTEES](https://everytexan.org/2014/01/07/the-texas-financial-education-endowment-announces-inaugural-grantees/) - On December 13th, the Texas Finance Commission announced eight grantees for the Texas Financial Education Endowment (TFEE)’s inaugural round of grants totaling $250,000. TFEE, the first state-administered funding source for broad financial education and asset building services, was created by the 82nd Legislature as part of legislation (HB 2594) that made some basic reforms to payday
- [The 50th Anniversary of LBJ’s War on Poverty, and Poverty in Texas Today](https://everytexan.org/2014/01/13/the-50th-anniversary-of-lbjs-war-on-poverty-and-poverty-in-texas-today/) - Fifty years ago, President Lyndon Johnson called on Congress and our nation to fight poverty in the United States. As a Texas public school teacher, LBJ witnessed firsthand the barriers that poor families faced to get ahead. Breaking down those barriers became the foundation of his vision for America. A review of poverty in Texas
- [New ACA Enrollment Numbers Show Impressive Increase in Texas, But One Million Are Still Left Out](https://everytexan.org/2014/01/13/new-aca-enrollment-numbers-show-impressive-increase-in-texas-but-one-million-are-still-left-out/) - New Affordable Care Act enrollment numbers released today show 118,532 Texans have selected a health plan through the online Marketplace from October through the end of December, an impressive increase from about 14,000 last month. Of those Texans that selected a plan, 74 percent received financial help to pay for it, providing encouragement for the
- [From the Courtroom: School Finance Trial Day 1](https://everytexan.org/2014/01/21/from-the-courtroom-school-finance-trial-day-1/) - Last year the Texas school finance system was ruled unconstitutional on the grounds that it is inadequate, inequitable, and inefficient. This week, State District Judge John Dietz has reopened evidence in the case to determine if actions made by the 2013 Texas Legislature resulted in any substantial changes to the school finance system. The primary
- [Medicaid Expansion Would Give Uninsured Texas Women Access to Health Care They Need](https://everytexan.org/2014/01/27/medicaid-expansion-would-give-uninsured-texas-women-access-to-health-care-they-need/) - According to a new report released by the National Women's Law Center, low-income Texas women without health insurance are less likely to get basic and consistent health and preventive care services than low-income women with health coverage, underscoring the need for Texas' leadership to expand Medicaid coverage to uninsured women below the poverty line. Without
- [Increasing the Federal Minimum Wage Benefits All of Us](https://everytexan.org/2014/01/29/increasing-the-federal-minimum-wage-benefits-all-of-us/) - Ann Beeson, executive director of the Center for Public Policy Priorities, made the following statement regarding the efforts to increase the federal minimum wage: "The Center for Public Policy Priorities supports efforts to raise the federal minimum wage so working families can better meet their most basic needs. The current minimum wage isn’t paying enough
- [CFED Scorecard: Texas Economic Ladder Needs Some Fixin’](https://everytexan.org/2014/01/30/cfed-scorecard-texas-economic-ladder-needs-some-fixin/) - Despite an improving national economy, 49.8 percent of Texas households are in a persistent state of financial insecurity, according to the 2014 CFED Assets & Opportunity Scorecard released today. The number of households who have little or no savings to cover emergencies or to start building a better life has barely budged from last year’s
- [House Interim Charges Don't Go Far Enough on Public Ed Funding](https://everytexan.org/2014/02/10/house-interim-charges-dont-go-far-enough-on-public-ed-funding/) - At the end of January, the first list of interim charges for House committees was released by the Speaker of the House. Appropriations, the budget-writing committee of the House, was given a charge to conduct a basic review of the public education funding formulas and specifically if items funded outside of the formulas should be
- [Divisions shouldn’t stand in way of higher minimum wage for Texans](https://everytexan.org/2014/02/01/divisions-shouldnt-stand-in-way-of-higher-minimum-wage-for-texans/) - This oped piece by Don Baylor ran in the Austin American-Statesman on Thursday, Jan. 30, 2014. Read in the Statesman here. In Tuesday’s State of the Union, President Barack Obama sounded the call for a higher minimum wage to boost economic activity and restore purchasing power to millions of workers and families across the United
- [Consumers Need Strong Protections Against Balance Billing](https://everytexan.org/2014/02/11/consumers-need-strong-protections-against-balance-billing/) - This week, NBC 5 in Dallas/Fort Worth did a two-part investigative story on a Texas family’s repeated trouble with balance billing. Melinda Allen went to the emergency room of a Fort Worth hospital with what she thought was appendicitis. She was diagnosed with a large ovarian tumor that was removed two days later. She went
- [The Final Rule for ACA Navigators: Better or Worse and How to Proceed?](https://everytexan.org/2014/03/03/the-final-rule-for-aca-navigators-better-or-worse-and-how-to-proceed/) - The Texas Department of Insurance recently finalized rules that require “navigators” to register with the state and take additional training. CPPP chronicled the changes made in the final rule and questions moving forward in a new policy page. Navigators under the Affordable Care Act are organizations and individuals who are trained, certified, and funded by
- [Build a Better Economy for Texas Working Families](https://everytexan.org/2014/03/04/build-a-better-economy-for-texas-working-families/) - In Texas, we have a rather unique blend of relatively low unemployment with high poverty. In other words, we have plenty of folks who are working — and working hard — but not making ends meet. Fortunately, we have useful, yet often overlooked, tools that enable Texas to fight poverty and expand opportunity: refundable tax
- [The Most Important Meal of the Day Just Got Better for Texas Students & Schools](https://everytexan.org/2014/03/04/the-most-important-meal-of-the-day-just-got-better-for-texas-students-schools/) - As schools across the country commemorate National School Breakfast Week, Texas public schools are actively working to provide school breakfast to more students in need thanks to a new law passed in 2013. Breakfast for all is a win-win for students and schools. Studies show that students who are well fed participate more in class
- [FAFSA Season Shows Uptick in Applications and Need for Improvement](https://everytexan.org/2014/03/10/fafsa-season-shows-uptick-in-applications-and-need-for-improvement/) - By Alejandra Cerna March is a big month for high school students aspiring to attend college. It’s the month that students and families are hustling to make their decisions about what schools to apply to and how they plan to pay for college. Completing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) by the priority
- [Making Breakfast Big in Texas](https://everytexan.org/2014/03/10/making-breakfast-big-in-texas/)
- [Enrollment Opportunities for Texas Latinos](https://everytexan.org/2014/03/11/enrollment-opportunities-for-texas-latinos/) - By Megan Randall With the end of open enrollment rapidly approaching on March 31, the federal government and community groups are ramping up enrollment outreach to Latino communities across the country. The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), in partnership with Enroll America and a host of additional community organizations, will host two
- [Growing Tax-Time Savings in Texas](https://everytexan.org/2014/03/13/growing-tax-time-savings-in-texas/) - By Scott Zienty Tax season is here, and for many Texas families, their tax refund presents an important savings moment. Unfortunately, it’s not easy for most filers to save their refund because they have “pre-spent” it. Low-income families also have to overcome institutional hurdles to save. For example, an outdated Texas policy attaches liquid asset limits
- [Customizing Coverage Gap Solutions: Update on State Approaches and Variations](https://everytexan.org/2014/03/19/customizing-coverage-gap-solutions-update-on-state-approaches-and-variations/) - Just weeks away from the March 31 closing of the Affordable Care Act’s (ACA) open enrollment period for 2014, thoughts are turning to how to help the folks who will remain uninsured. The open enrollment process has brought home to low-income Texans—and the community groups and health care providers helping them to apply—the stark reality
- [Join Us In Welcoming Oliver Bernstein As Our New Communications Director](https://everytexan.org/2014/03/20/join-us-in-welcoming-oliver-bernstein-as-our-new-communications-director/) - We are thrilled to announce that Oliver Bernstein will be joining the Center for Public Policy Priorities in mid-April as Communications Director. A fluent Spanish speaker who has lived and worked along the Texas-Mexico border and nationally, Oliver brings more than nine years of communications experience to CPPP. He most recently directed a grassroots communications
- [The Supreme Court Takes Up Women’s Contraceptive Insurance Benefits](https://everytexan.org/2014/03/24/the-supreme-court-takes-up-womens-contraceptive-insurance-benefits/) - The Supreme Court will hear arguments Tuesday on a lawsuit involving women’s preventive health care benefits guaranteed by the Affordable Care Act (aka Obamacare). At issue is whether for-profit employers can opt out of covering contraception in their health insurance plans if the business owner has a religious objection to birth control. The ACA requires most
- [Hunger Doesn't Take a Summer Vacation](https://everytexan.org/2014/04/01/hunger-doesnt-take-a-summer-vacation/) - Last week a diverse group of Texas organizations convened in San Antonio to talk about summer childhood hunger. The Food Research Action Center (FRAC), USDA Southwest Regional Team, Texas Hunger Initiative, Texas Food Bank Network, and CPPP hosted dozens of community-based Texas organizations that gathered to strategize on improving the reach of the Summer Food
- [Equity in school funding levels the playing field, promotes equal opportunity for all Texas school children](https://everytexan.org/2014/04/07/equity-in-school-funding-levels-the-playing-field-promotes-equal-opportunity-for-all-texas-school-children/) - As we wait for the district court’s final ruling on the Texas school finance system lawsuit, new numbers show more than five million school children are being educated under a system that values some students more than others. Texas is a growing and changing state. In the past 10 years, the student population of Texas has
- [Peer Support in Local County Jails Would Benefit the Well-Being in Inmates Living with Mental Illness](https://everytexan.org/2014/04/23/peer-support-in-local-county-jails-would-benefit-the-well-being-in-inmates-living-with-mental-illness/) - When it comes to mental health recovery, peer support--when those with a lived experience of mental illness who have gone through recovery provide guidance and support to others living with mental illness--has proven to benefit individuals going through recovery and transitioning back into the community. And as CPPP presented to lawmakers Tuesday at the Capitol, Texas
- [Taxes are an Investment in Texas](https://everytexan.org/2014/04/17/taxes-are-an-investment-in-texas/) - Tuesday, millions of Americans dutifully filed their federal tax returns, but very few of us contemplate the connection to essential public supports that we take for granted in our everyday lives. Contributing taxes is one of our most fundamental civic duties and allows us to work toward accomplishing our shared goals. When we pay taxes
- [734,000 Texans Obtained Private ACA Health Coverage](https://everytexan.org/2014/05/13/734000-texans-obtained-private-aca-health-coverage/) - A total of 734,000 Texans purchased health insurance through the federal Marketplace from October 1, 2013 to April 19, 2014, according to a report released by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. Despite state leaders’ opposition to the Affordable Care Act (ACA), 439,000 Texans selected a private plan in March and April, compared to 295,000 prior to
- [Local Austin Mom Gets A Boost to Her Savings Account After Saving Tax Refund](https://everytexan.org/2014/05/21/local-austin-mom-gets-a-boost-to-her-savings-account-after-saving-tax-refund/) - Sharon Jones, a 37-year-old single mom in Austin, just got a big boost to her savings account thanks to the local organization Foundation Communities of Austin and OpportunityTexas' Tax-Time Savings Project. Through its Tax-Time Savings Project (TSP), OpportunityTexas, CPPP’s joint initiative with RAISE Texas, partners with local organizations around the state, including Foundation Communities of
- [Texas Must Get A Handle on Budget Busting Payday Loans](https://everytexan.org/2014/05/22/texas-must-get-a-handle-on-budget-busting-payday-loans/) - This week, fair lending advocates echoed concerns we laid out in a new report about the increasingly expensive payday and auto title loans being charged to Texans. Commissioner Leslie Pettijohn with the Office of Consumer Credit Commissioner (OCCC), which oversees the lending industry in Texas, told members of the House Investment and Financial Services committee
- [Graduation Season Shouldn’t be Debt Season](https://everytexan.org/2014/05/15/graduation-season-shouldnt-be-debt-season/) - High school graduates across Texas will make important decisions about their future this month. For those who haven’t decided about college yet, it’s time to weigh seeking a full-time job or enrolling in classes next fall. Adults already in the workforce may be considering postsecondary training to qualify for better jobs. All of these Texans
- [Health Care, the 2013 Legislature, and the Affordable Care Act](https://everytexan.org/2014/05/28/health-care-the-2013-legislature-and-the-affordable-care-act/)
- [#NWHW: Women and the Affordable Care Act](https://everytexan.org/2014/05/22/nwhw-women-and-the-affordable-care-act/) - Last week during National Women's Health Week (#NWHW), the Kaiser Family Foundation released findings from the 2013 Kaiser Women’s Health Survey. The survey looks at a range of women’s health issues and helps establish a baseline for changes that women may experience as a result of the Affordable Care Act . The ACA makes significant improvements
- [Texas Needs an Ongoing Way to Invest in Basic Services](https://everytexan.org/2014/06/02/texas-needs-an-ongoing-way-to-invest-in-basic-services/) - Last week, a House budget subcommittee addressed improving budget transparency by making the Texas budget less reliant on dedicated General Revenue balances. CPPP testified on the importance of finding ongoing ways to invest in public schools, higher education, health and human services, public safety, and other needs. Otherwise, reducing balances alone without finding alternative revenue streams that will
- [Texas Pre-K Lags in Quality Standards, but is in the Top 10 for Access](https://everytexan.org/2014/06/04/texas-pre-k-lags-in-quality-standards-but-is-in-the-top-10-for-access/) - The annual rankings of state Pre-K programs by the National Institute for Early Education Research (NIEER) once again shows that Texas ranks at the bottom in quality standards measures compared to 53 programs in 40 states. Of the 10 quality standard benchmarks identified by NIEER, Texas only meets two—comprehensive early learning standards and at least
- [Hunger Doesn’t Take a Summer Vacation](https://everytexan.org/2014/06/05/hunger-doesnt-take-a-summer-vacation-2/) - For so many families, summer means road trips to the beach, hikes at Texas state parks and days at the neighborhood pool. But, far too many low-income parents spend the summer months worrying about how they will stretch their lean budgets to feed their children the breakfasts and lunches they would normally get during school.
- [Community Eligibility allows more children to eat and increases revenue for schools](https://everytexan.org/2014/06/09/community-eligibility-allows-more-children-to-eat-and-increases-revenue-for-schools/) - By Jeanie Donovan Nearly 3,500 high poverty Texas schools now have an opportunity to provide free meals--breakfast and lunch--to all students without having to collect school meal applications through a new federal option called Community Eligibility Provision (CEP). The Texas Department of Agriculture published a full list of eligible schools on its website. The 3459 Texas
- [Texas Fact Book Shows Poor Education Rankings for the State](https://everytexan.org/2014/06/26/texas-fact-book-shows-poor-education-rankings-for-the-state/) - The Legislative Budget Board just released their annual Texas Fact Book, which shows how Texas ranks compared to other states, and our education rankings are nothing to be proud of. Texas has more public elementary and secondary schools than any other state and is responsible for educating more than 5 million children, second only to California.
- [CPPP Report Reissued To Provide Context for Today's Unaccompanied Child Immigration Crisis](https://everytexan.org/2014/07/02/cppp-report-reissued-to-provide-context-for-todays-unaccompanied-child-immigration-crisis/) - The Center for Public Policy Priorities is deeply saddened by reports of tens of thousands of unaccompanied children crossing into the United States, many detained by border security and then left to languish in military facilities ill-equipped to care for them. The situation is clearly a humanitarian crisis, but it's also a much bigger, more complicated policy crisis. To
- [School Districts Need a Reliable Source of Funding to Support Economically Disadvantaged Students](https://everytexan.org/2014/07/10/school-districts-need-a-reliable-source-of-funding-to-support-economically-disadvantaged-students/) - Many of the programs and interventions funded outside of the school finance formulas are directed towards improving the academic success of economically disadvantaged students and those at-risk of dropping out. In 2011, over $647 million for those programs was cut from the education budget; very little of this funding was restored in 2013. These programs
- [Texas Is a Tough Place to Be a Kid (or a Parent)](https://everytexan.org/2014/07/28/texas-is-a-tough-place-to-be-a-kid-or-a-parent/) - A new report from the National KIDS COUNT Project shows that Texas is one of the toughest places to be a kid. The conclusion comes from crunching the numbers in health, education, economic security and the stability of families and communities. But let’s start with the good news. Texas is making progress for kids in
- [Payday Loans Help Keep Texans out of the Financial Mainstream](https://everytexan.org/2014/07/10/payday-loans-help-keep-texans-out-of-the-financial-mainstream/) - The documentary “Spent: Looking for Change” debuted online a few months ago and quickly garnered acclaim and nearly 10 million viewers. The film traces the challenges of four working families living on the edges of the financial mainstream. The four stories, two of which take place in Texas, each represent the obstacles faced by millions
- [From Recidivism to Recovery- The Case for Peer Support in Texas Correctional Facilities](https://everytexan.org/2014/08/06/from-recidivism-to-recovery-the-case-for-peer-support-in-texas-correctional-facilities/)
- [Peer Support Improves Re-entry, Keeps People from Getting Locked up Again](https://everytexan.org/2014/08/06/peer-support-improves-re-entry-keeps-people-from-getting-locked-up-again/) - By Megan Randall Texas jails and prisons have become today’s de facto treatment centers for Texans with mental illness. In local Texas county jails, for example, up to 40 percent of bookings in 2013 were for individuals who had previously received public mental health services. Research has shown that inmates with mental illness have difficulty
- [Aug 31 Deadline Approaches for Schools to Opt In for Free Breakfast and Lunch](https://everytexan.org/2014/08/08/aug-31-deadline-approaches-for-schools-to-opt-in-for-free-breakfast-and-lunch/) - Nearly 3,500 high-poverty Texas schools now have an opportunity to provide free breakfast and lunch to all students without having to collect cumbersome school meal applications thanks to a new federal option called the Community Eligibility Provision (CEP). But school districts need to act fast. The deadline for schools to opt in is August 31.
- [A Wish for Texas Children](https://everytexan.org/2014/08/07/a-wish-for-texas-children/) - I know that I share with every parent a sense of hope for their child’s future. And with one of every 11 U.S. kids living in Texas, the opportunities we create for our children will determine their future and also the future of our country. That is why I was happy to see some bits
- [New national poll shows concern for school underfunding, vouchers](https://everytexan.org/2014/08/26/new-national-poll-shows-concern-for-school-underfunding-vouchers/) - This week PDK/Gallup released the findings of their 46th annual Poll of the Public’s Attitudes Toward the Public Schools. The nationwide poll, administered to 1,001 Americans, asked questions on important education policy issues such as school funding, teacher quality, standardized testing, and vouchers. The Texas Legislature will debate many of these issues when the legislative
- [Unusual Suspects Call for Expanded Health Care in Texas](https://everytexan.org/2014/08/28/unusual-suspects-call-for-expanded-health-care-in-texas/) - I don't pay much attention when a car dealer tries to sell me extra products and services that I don’t need. But I listen closely when a prominent Republican elected official in Texas says we need to expand health care access for low-wage workers. This month Harris County Judge Ed Emmett joined five other county
- [After the School Finance Ruling: What Does it Mean for Texas?](https://everytexan.org/2014/08/29/after-the-school-finance-ruling-what-does-it-mean-for-texas/) - Nearly two years after the filing of a lawsuit challenging the constitutionality of the Texas school finance system, District Court Judge John Dietz issued his final ruling. Not surprisingly, for those who follow education issues in Texas, he found the school finance system to be unconstitutional on the grounds that it is inadequate, inefficient, and
- [Young and Concerned About my Future](https://everytexan.org/2014/09/04/young-and-concerned-about-my-future/) - Am I one of the few millennials interested in the Texas budget? Many of my peers don’t appreciate how the state’s investment decisions will determine the future Texas that we all inherit. With pre-legislative session budget hearings just beginning, now is the time for us to get involved and push for funding for the things
- [New Report Shows Surprise Medical Bills Taking Toll on Texans- Little-known practice of balance billing takes advantage of consumers during medical emergencies](https://everytexan.org/2014/09/15/new-report-shows-surprise-medical-bills-taking-toll-on-texans-little-known-practice-of-balance-billing-takes-advantage-of-consumers-during-medical-emergencies/)
- [New Report Shows Surprise Medical Bills Taking Toll on Texans](https://everytexan.org/2014/09/15/new-report-shows-surprise-medical-bills-taking-toll-on-texans/) - Most of us will end up in an emergency room at some point. And when we do, we’ll probably have no choice which physicians treat us and no ability to ensure they are part of our insurance company’s network of preferred providers. As Texas consumers, we may reasonably expect that if treated in an in-network
- [Surprise Medical Bills Take Advantage of Texans- Little-known practice creates a "second emergency" for ER patients](https://everytexan.org/2014/09/15/surprise-medical-bills-take-advantage-of-texans-little-known-practice-creates-a-second-emergency-for-er-patients/)
- [Census Data Show Tiny Gain in Texas Health Coverage, but Change in Census Survey Requires New Comparisons](https://everytexan.org/2014/09/16/census-data-show-tiny-gain-in-texas-health-coverage-but-change-in-census-survey-requires-new-comparisons/) - On Tuesday, September 16, the U.S. Census Bureau released annual estimates on health insurance coverage based on the Current Population Survey (CPS) and the American Community Survey. To better understand the difference between the two surveys, view our side-by-side comparison. The new data released today are for 2013, and do not include the effects of the full
- [This Economic Boom is Brought to You by Immigrants](https://everytexan.org/2014/09/17/this-economic-boom-is-brought-to-you-by-immigrants/) - The founders of our great state of Texas were immigrant newcomers from Virginia and Tennessee – Stephen F. Austin, Sam Houston, and Davy Crockett among them – attracted to free land, opportunity and adventure in what was then northern Mexico. According to a new study we published today at the Center for Public Policy Priorities,
- [Analysis: What the New Census Data Tell Us](https://everytexan.org/2014/09/18/analysis-what-the-new-census-data-tell-us/) - Like taking your temperature, reporting the annual poverty rate is a broad measure of how economically healthy Texas families are. This week's U.S. Census release showed a small but significant decrease in Texas’ poverty rate of less than one percentage point. The 2013 poverty rate is 17.5 percent, or 4.5 million Texans living in poverty,
- [Budget Should Reflect Needs of Texans with Disabilities](https://everytexan.org/2014/09/26/budget-should-reflect-needs-of-texans-with-disabilities/) - On September 30th, the public has a chance to testify at a budget hearing for the Texas Department of Assistive and Rehabilitative Services (DARS). The hearing will go over the agency’s Legislative Appropriations Request (LAR) for the 2-year budget starting on September 1, 2015. DARS is the key state agency that works with businesses, counselors,
- [Guest post: Honoring Luci Baines Johnson](https://everytexan.org/2014/10/06/guest-post-honoring-luci-baines-johnson/) - Editor's note: This is a special guest post by Texas State University President Denise M. Trauth On October 16 the Center for Public Policy Priorities will honor Luci Baines Johnson as its 2014 Texas Legacy for her contributions to Texas. Texas State University President Denise Trauth offers this special guest tribute to Luci. Sponsorships and
- [CPPP Welcomes Garrett Groves as Program Director for Economic Opportunity](https://everytexan.org/2014/10/21/cppp-welcomes-garrett-groves-as-program-director-for-economic-opportunity/) - Last week Garrett Groves joined CPPP as the new Program Director for Economic Opportunity, and he had a pretty interesting first day on the job. There were no usual day one activities, such as setting up voicemail. Instead, Garrett made his debut by leading an immensely successful session at the Hobby Policy Summit focused on
- [Stop the Budget Tricks and Invest in Texas Kids](https://everytexan.org/2014/10/09/stop-the-budget-tricks-and-invest-in-texas-kids/) - It’s been about a month since a state district judge ruled that the Texas school finance system is unconstitutional, saying it’s inadequate, inefficient and inequitable. The ruling came as no surprise to the millions of Texas parents concerned about the quality of their children’s education amid devastating budget cuts. The most significant budget cuts came
- [Understanding the Texas Budget Process: Infographic](https://everytexan.org/2014/10/22/understanding-the-texas-budget-process-infographic/) - Preparing a biennial budget for a state as big and fast-growing as Texas is no easy feat, and understanding the process can be daunting. We designed this simple infographic on the Texas budget cycle to help demystify the process as we head into the 84th Legislative Session. Have you wondered what the Legislative Budget Board
- [Sunset Challenge: Will Services to Most Vulnerable Texans Hold Steady During a New Re-Organization?](https://everytexan.org/2014/10/23/sunset-challenge-will-services-to-most-vulnerable-texans-hold-steady-during-a-new-re-organization/) - This month’s release of the Texas Sunset Commission’s staff report on the Texas Health and Human Services Commission gave health and wellness advocates things to cheer—and also brought a few sighs and shudders. At 225 pages and 15 chapters, the report includes important research and covers a giant swath of operations and programs that are
- [Budget Should Meet the Growing Needs of Children In Foster Care](https://everytexan.org/2014/10/29/budget-should-meet-the-growing-needs-of-children-in-foster-care/) - Since Texas children account for nearly one of every 11 children in the U.S., our state government must continue to invest in programs and services that ensure children live in safe and loving homes. That’s why last week I visited with the Child Protection Roundtable about the Department of Family and Protective Services' (DFPS) 2016-17
- [Countdown to Coverage: Marketplace Enrollment Timeline](https://everytexan.org/2014/10/29/countdown-to-coverage-marketplace-enrollment-timeline/) - If you plan to look for new coverage or renew existing coverage in the Health Insurance Marketplace at Healthcare.gov, you’ll want to keep a couple of key dates in mind. November 15, 2014 – February 15, 2015 = Open Enrollment in the Marketplace Open enrollment is the time of the year when people can enroll
- [Countdown to Coverage: Signup Assistance Makes a Difference](https://everytexan.org/2014/10/31/countdown-to-coverage-signup-assistance-makes-a-difference/) - Millions of uninsured Texans may be eligible for affordable coverage options in the new Health Insurance Marketplace, but too many don’t know about their coverage options or how to enroll. This is one reason why in-person enrollment assistance is critical. In-person assistance is incredibly effective, and research done during the first open enrollment period shows
- [Countdown to Coverage: Importance of Financial Assistance](https://everytexan.org/2014/11/05/countdown-to-coverage-importance-of-financial-assistance/) - UPDATE November 7, 2014: Earlier today the Supreme Court decided to hear King v. Burwell, a case about the subsidies in federally-facilitated Health Insurance Marketplaces. While this decision is troubling, there is no immediate impact to financial assistance available through the Health Insurance Marketplace. 84% of Texans received financial assistance in 2014 to access healthcare
- [Countdown to Coverage: Marketplace Open for Shopping](https://everytexan.org/2014/11/11/countdown-to-coverage-marketplace-open-for-shopping/) - Two big things just happened related to the Health Insurance Marketplace. I’ll give you the good news first. Last night, the Health Insurance Marketplace at HealthCare.gov opened up for window shopping – you can see the plans and prices that will be available to you for 2015 coverage. This gives you several extra days to identify
- [Family Matters: Two-Generation Approach to Opportunity](https://everytexan.org/2014/11/12/family-matters-two-generation-approach-to-opportunity/) - More than one million families with young children in Texas are low-income—nearly half of all families with young children. Texas kids growing up in low-income families deserve the same shot at success as middle and upper income kids. For these kids, family stability and well-being are strongly tied to their opportunities for success. Today, many
- [Countdown to Coverage: It Pays to Shop Again to Renew](https://everytexan.org/2014/11/14/countdown-to-coverage-it-pays-to-shop-again-to-renew/) - As we near the launch of the second Marketplace enrollment period this Saturday, uninsured consumers are gearing up to Stop, Shop, and Enroll. But what if you already have 2014 Marketplace coverage—do you also need to act during open enrollment? In general, most people with existing 2014 Marketplace coverage will be automatically re-enrolled in their
- [It’s Health Insurance Shopping Season](https://everytexan.org/2014/11/13/its-health-insurance-shopping-season/) - Now that Election Day has passed, one of the most important decisions we can make is about which health-insurance plan to select for ourselves and our families. If you are one of the millions of Texans who lack health insurance, then starting Nov. 15 you will have another chance to sign up for a high-quality,
- [Post a Tribute Message for Dick Lavine and Anne Dunkelberg's 20 Years at CPPP](https://everytexan.org/2014/11/18/post-a-tribute-message-for-dick-lavine-and-anne-dunkelbergs-20-years-at-cppp/) - We're celebrating Dick and Anne's 20 years of wonk-ship with CPPP, and we want you to join us! Please take a moment to congratulate our colleagues on their exceptional tenure at CPPP by leaving a message in the comments--funny stories and "remember when...?" are welcomed and encouraged.
- [20 Thanksgivings at CPPP](https://everytexan.org/2014/11/20/20-thanksgivings-at-cppp/) - Thanksgiving is just a week away, and like you, I have so many reasons to be grateful. At the top of my list are two dear CPPP colleagues who have reached a great milestone. Associate Director Anne Dunkelberg and Senior Fiscal Analyst Dick Lavine are celebrating their 20-year CPPP anniversaries this month. Anne is one
- [Reminder: Texas Immigration Data Show Benefits to the State Economy](https://everytexan.org/2014/11/20/reminder-texas-immigration-data-show-benefits-to-the-state-economy/) - With President Obama expected to announce executive action to address the enforcement of immigration policy, I wanted to highlight our recent report, Immigrants Drive the Texas Economy. There are more than 4.2 million immigrants in Texas today, which is one in six residents. Our report found that Texas immigrants work in a wide range of jobs:
- [Farewell to a Humble Texas Giant: Ray Farabee](https://everytexan.org/2014/11/21/farewell-to-a-humble-texas-giant-ray-farabee/) - The Center for Public Policy Priorities family mourns the death yesterday of Ray Farabee, a brilliant, dedicated leader and a truly charming man. Born in Wichita Falls, Ray was a state senator, general counsel for the University of Texas system and a prominent civic leader. More than anything, though, Ray was a warm, humble friend
- [NO Penalties for Texans in the Coverage Gap who are Uninsured](https://everytexan.org/2014/11/25/no-penalties-for-texans-in-the-coverage-gap-who-are-uninsured/) - We told you in a recent post that over half of Americans without health coverage don’t know there is financial help available (discounted premiums, deductibles, co-pays)—even though nearly 9 in 10 enrollees last year got that help! Getting the word out can be tough. Many Texans are eligible for financial help, but a large number
- [Saddle up for the Legislative Session](https://everytexan.org/2014/12/04/saddle-up-for-the-legislative-session/) - As the divisive elections fade and the holiday season approaches, it’s time to put aside our differences and focus on what all Texans believe in. We all want Texas to be the best state for hard-working people and their families. We all want a future for our children and grandchildren that gives every Texan the
- [What We Learned at House Appropriations This Week](https://everytexan.org/2014/12/05/what-we-learned-at-house-appropriations-this-week/) - On Thursday the House Appropriations committee heard from the Legislative Budget Board and the Comptroller of Public Accounts on state budget, economic, and revenue developments affecting the 2014-15 and 2016-17 two-year spending packages. Though membership of the Appropriations committee will change somewhat in January 2015, the group of lawmakers drafts the House of Representatives’ version
- [Committee Sets $7 Billion Minimum Rainy Day Fund Balance](https://everytexan.org/2014/12/11/committee-sets-7-billion-minimum-rainy-day-fund-balance/) - The Joint Select Committee to Study the Balance of the Economic Stabilization Fund – commonly known as the Rainy Day Fund – met briefly this morning and adopted a $7 billion minimum balance for the fund. During the 2013 Legislature’s third special session, lawmakers passed H.B. 1, which asked voters to approve a constitutional amendment
- [Countdown to Coverage: December 15 Deadline for January 1 Coverage](https://everytexan.org/2014/12/15/countdown-to-coverage-december-15-deadline-for-january-1-coverage/) - We’re down to the wire if you need new health insurance to start on January 1, 2015. Today, December 15, is the final day to enroll if you need insurance coverage to start at the beginning of the year. If you are not ready to sign up today, you still have until February 15 to
- [Kinship Care: Keeping Kids with Families](https://everytexan.org/2014/12/16/kinship-care-keeping-kids-with-families/) - 253,000 Texas kids live with family or close friends who have stepped in to care for them when their parents aren’t able. These arrangements, known as "kinship care," provide stability and familiarity for children at vulnerable times, but often create financial hardship for the caregivers. A number of resources are available, but current systems make
- [Dang, 2014 Has Been Quite a Year!](https://everytexan.org/2014/12/18/dang-2014-has-been-quite-a-year/) - If I were to write a news headline for my first full year at CPPP, it would be "Dang, let’s dare Texas to be the best!" As we close out 2014, I'm reflecting on the incredible work we’ve done together this year. We’ve made progress on our vision of a Texas where everyone is healthy,
- [Best holiday wishes from CPPP](https://everytexan.org/2014/12/22/best-holiday-wishes-from-cppp/) - The blog will be quiet for the next couple of weeks while we enjoy some holiday cheer and rest up to get for the 2015 legislative session. Follow us on Facebook and Twitter for a few updates over the holidays, and we'll see you back here in 2015!
- [Cheat Sheet for the Texas Revenue Estimate](https://everytexan.org/2015/01/08/cheat-sheet-for-the-texas-revenue-estimate/) - On January 12, new Texas Comptroller Glenn Hegar will issue the revenue estimate for the 2016-17 budget cycle, as well as update legislators on 2014-15 state revenue collections. Perenially missing from the early stages of the official process is a clear understanding of the funding needed just to deal with growth in the number of
- [Grab Your Boots, It's Legislative Session Time](https://everytexan.org/2015/01/12/grab-your-boots-its-legislative-session-time/) - As the 84th Texas Legislative Session begins, I feel energized, prepared and optimistic. Really! Yes, the every-other-year legislative session can be divisive and nerve-racking. But the Capitol belongs to all of us as Texans, and these 140 days are our chance to shape the state our children will inherit. Our offices are buzzing here at
- [Where Does the Gasoline Tax Go?](https://everytexan.org/2015/01/13/where-does-the-gasoline-tax-go/) - Texas is looking for more money for roads, and the question of how the state spends its motor fuels tax funds is likely to gain traction in the legislative session. In 2014 motor fuels tax revenue was $3.3 billion, or 6.5 percent of all state tax collections. This substantial pot of money results from the
- [Texas Has the 3rd Most Unfair Tax System in the U.S.](https://everytexan.org/2015/01/14/texas-has-the-3rd-most-unfair-tax-system-in-the-u-s/) - In Texas, we like to pride ourselves as being the standard-bearer of many things across the country. Unfortunately, our tax system leaves a lot to be desired. The latest update of Who Pays? by the Institute on Taxation and Economic Policy reveals that Texas has the third most unfair (or regressive) tax system in the
- [Do it for Texas kids, Gov. Abbott](https://everytexan.org/2015/01/20/do-it-for-texas-kids-gov-abbott/) - Dear Governor Abbott: Congratulations on your inauguration as the governor of our great state. As a fellow Texan, parent, and attorney, I know we agree that Texas should be the number one state in America for children. But according to the Census and other trusted data sources, Texas is consistently ranked one of the nation’s
- [Food and Nutrition in Texas- What You Need to Know](https://everytexan.org/2015/01/26/food-and-nutrition-in-texas-what-you-need-to-know/)
- [Countdown to Coverage: Getting Enrollment Assistance](https://everytexan.org/2015/01/21/countdown-to-coverage-getting-enrollment-assistance/) - Cross-posted from The Texas Treatment Blog We are entering the homestretch of the 2015 open enrollment period for the Health Insurance Marketplace under the Affordable Care Act, and it’s time for that final kick to get us over the finish line. Last year’s open enrollment in Texas saw a huge spike in enrollment in the final
- [Food and Nutrition in Texas: What You Need to Know](https://everytexan.org/2015/01/28/food-and-nutrition-in-texas-what-you-need-to-know-2/) - What did you have for breakfast today? While you try to remember, chew on these disturbing facts. 1.7 million Texas households struggled to put food on the table in 2013, one of the highest rates of household food insecurity in the country. That’s 4.7 million Texans. In a state as great as Texas, no one
- [New Report: Texans Face Widespread Financial Insecurity](https://everytexan.org/2015/01/29/new-report-texans-face-widespread-financial-insecurity/) - New data from the Corporation for Enterprise Development (CFED) show that our state’s growing economy is not providing sufficient economic opportunity for all Texans. CFED’s annual Assets & Opportunity Scorecard ranks Texas at or near the bottom among all states on key measures of the ability of residents to achieve financial security, and several of
- [All Eligible Students Should Benefit From Full-Day Pre-K](https://everytexan.org/2015/01/29/all-eligible-students-should-benefit-from-full-day-pre-k/) - Pre-Kindergarten has already proven to be a hot issue this legislative session, and this week Representatives Eric Johnson (D-Dallas) and Marsha Farney (R-Georgetown) released a noteworthy Pre-K reform proposal. The plan acknowledges the importance of Pre-K for economically disadvantaged students but fails to offer a solution for all eligible students in all districts. Pre-K is
- [Countdown to Coverage: Lack of Awareness Still a Huge Obstacle](https://everytexan.org/2015/02/02/countdown-to-coverage-lack-of-awareness-still-a-huge-obstacle/) - With just days left until the end of open enrollment in the Health Insurance Marketplace, Texas still has a long way to go to get eligible Texans enrolled in affordable health coverage. According to a report by the Kaiser Family Foundation, at the end of the 2014 open enrollment period only 24 percent of potential
- [The Texas Capitol Belongs to All of Us](https://everytexan.org/2015/02/03/the-texas-capitol-belongs-to-all-of-us/) - Our elected leaders need to hear directly from Texans of all backgrounds as they weigh the best policies for our state during this legislative session. Texas has one of the worst civic engagement rates in the country. Only 33.6 percent of eligible Texas voters cast a ballot in the 2014 election, the worst rate in
- [HB 550/SB 219 Lay Foundation for Health and Human Services Agency Sunset Bills](https://everytexan.org/2015/02/04/hb-550-sb-219-lay-foundation-for-health-and-human-services-agency-sunset-bills/) - By Nikki Metzgar, CPPP Health Policy Intern Under the Sunset process, the “need for, performance of, and improvements to” Texas state agencies are periodically reviewed, sometimes setting up major changes or even abolition of an agency. Back in December, Sunset Commission members Representative Four Price (R – Amarillo) and Chairman Charles Schwertner (R – Georgetown)
- [Senate Public Education Investment Falls Short](https://everytexan.org/2015/02/10/senate-public-education-investment-falls-short/) - Today the Senate Finance Committee heard testimony on the importance of investing in public education. When District Court Judge John Dietz found Texas’ school finance system to be unconstitutional last year, he did so on the grounds that Texas fails to adequately invest in public schools and the available resources are not equitably distributed. One key
- [Countdown to Coverage: Last Call to Enroll in 2015, Avoid Fines](https://everytexan.org/2015/02/10/countdown-to-coverage-last-call-to-enroll-in-2015-avoid-fines/) - The Health Insurance Marketplace open enrollment period for 2015 ends February 15, but there’s still time to sign up before the deadline. If you miss the deadline you will not be able to sign up for coverage until the fall, unless you have a qualifying life event. (Exception: enrollment in Texas Medicaid and CHIP for
- [Let Local Leaders Raise Minimum Wage](https://everytexan.org/2015/02/11/let-local-leaders-raise-minimum-wage/) - Imagine looking at your paycheck and knowing it’s not enough money to pay the rent on time or buy groceries for your family. Unfortunately, too many hard-working Texans face this situation. In 2013, 39 percent of our state’s population lived in a low-income household. That’s nearly 10 million Texans who are potentially making difficult choices
- [Texas Should Continue to Lead with Smart Immigration Policies](https://everytexan.org/2015/02/11/texas-should-continue-to-lead-with-smart-immigration-policies/) - The crowd on the south steps of the Texas Capitol Wednesday morning truly reflected the changing face of our great state. I was proud to represent CPPP at the "Texas Can Do Better" immigration day of action. Hosted by our friends at the Reform Immigration for Texas Alliance, today’s day of action highlighted the coalition's
- [You Had Me at "Early Education"](https://everytexan.org/2015/02/18/you-had-me-at-early-education/) - Governor Abbott's first State of the State address started out strong, but then he lost me. I was pleased to hear the Governor declare early education his first "emergency item," saying "our children and their future have no time for delay." Pre-Kindergarten is the smartest and most cost-effective investment in education - yet only 52
- [Analysis in Brief: DFPS Budget Proposals](https://everytexan.org/2015/02/19/analysis-in-brief-dfps-budget-proposals/) - This week, I testified in front of the Senate Finance Committee and the House Appropriations Subcommittee on Article II on their respective starting-point budget proposals for DFPS. This testimony comes a month after the Speaker of the House of Representatives Joe Straus (R – San Antonio) introduced HB 1, the House’s recommendations for funding state
- [Analysis in Brief: DARS Budget Proposals](https://everytexan.org/2015/02/19/analysis-in-brief-dars-budget-proposals/) - On January 27, Senate Finance Chair Jane Nelson (R – Flower Mound) introduced SB 2, the Senate’s starting-point 2016-17 Texas budget. Two weeks earlier, the Speaker of the House of Representatives Joe Straus (R – San Antonio) introduced HB 1, the House’s recommendations for funding state services in 2016-17. Public hearings are now underway on
- [ACA and Your Taxes, Part One](https://everytexan.org/2015/02/19/aca-and-your-taxes-part-one/) - It’s tax time, and one of the big changes many people will see on their taxes this year has to do with the Affordable Care Act (ACA). As a result, everyone will see new questions, and some may need to use new forms when filing their federal income taxes for 2014. In this two-part blog
- [ACA and Your Taxes, Part Two](https://everytexan.org/2015/02/20/aca-and-your-taxes-part-two/) - Earlier this week we released Part One of this series which discusses the impact of the ACA on tax filing for people who had health insurance for all of 2014. In Part Two, we provide an overview of the impact for people who did not have health insurance for some or all of 2014. The
- [Impacts of Reducing the Franchise Tax](https://everytexan.org/2015/02/23/impacts-of-reducing-the-franchise-tax/) - UPDATE: Senator Charles Schwertner (R - Georgetown) filed SB 7 , which calls for a reduction in the franchise tax rate, and SB 8, which increases the amount of revenue exempted from the franchise tax. To ensure that all Texans have the chance to compete and succeed in life, we need world-class public schools, roads, hospitals,
- [Don’t Prioritize Roads Over Other Needs](https://everytexan.org/2015/02/24/dont-prioritize-roads-over-other-needs/) - UPDATE: Senator Robert Nichols (R – Jacksonville) announced a change to the proposal. The new proposal, which requires a constitutional amendment, would dedicate 50 percent of the revenue from the motor vehicle sales tax to highways in the following way: the first $2.5 billion would go to General Revenue, the next $2.5 billion would go to
- [Nearly 1.2 Million Fewer Texas Kids Experience Poverty Thanks to State and Federal Programs](https://everytexan.org/2015/02/25/nearly-1-2-million-fewer-texas-kids-experience-poverty-thanks-to-state-and-federal-programs/) - How to measure poverty? It may seem like a wonky question, but it’s one that matters in gauging the impacts of anti-poverty programs. The official poverty measure was created in the 1960s and is valuable for evaluating long-term economic trends. But it doesn’t capture the benefits of anti-poverty programs that benefit Texas kids and families,
- [Proposal Addresses Frustrations with Property Taxes](https://everytexan.org/2015/02/25/proposal-addresses-frustrations-with-property-taxes/) - On Tuesday, Senators Jane Nelson and Charles Schwertner drew much attention when they announced several major tax cut proposals, including a homestead exemption increase. As part of our week-long series on tax policies, today we’re looking at proposals to address frustrations with residential property taxes, such as the homestead exemption increase. While many of the
- [Lower Revenue Cap = Fewer Local Services](https://everytexan.org/2015/02/26/lower-revenue-cap-fewer-local-services/) - We’re continuing our week-long march through tax policy proposals, and today we look at a proposal to lower the cap on local government property tax revenue. SB 182, authored by Senator Paul Bettencourt, and HB 365, by Representative Gary Elkins, aren’t part of the $4.6 billion package of tax cuts senate leaders introduced this week,
- [CPPP Testifies at U.S. House Ways and Means Committee](https://everytexan.org/2015/02/26/cppp-testifies-at-u-s-house-ways-and-means-committee/) - A couple weeks ago U.S. Representative Lloyd Doggett (Texas – 35th District) invited me to testify before the Committee on Ways and Means’ Subcommittee on Human Resources in the U.S. House of Representatives on challenges facing low-income people in Texas. When we talk about what’s needed to move America forward we have to focus on
- [Who Pays Taxes in Texas?](https://everytexan.org/2015/03/01/who-pays-taxes-in-texas-2/)
- [Tax Policy Proposals Recap](https://everytexan.org/2015/02/27/tax-policy-proposals-recap/) - This week we’ve looked at a number of tax policy proposals coming out of the Senate, including those that are part of the $4.6 billion tax cut package announced by Senator Jane Nelson and Lt. Governor Dan Patrick. We’re concerned that these proposals take Texas in the wrong direction at a time when our population
- [It's Amplify Time at CPPP!](https://everytexan.org/2015/03/02/its-amplify-time-at-cppp/) - The Center for Public Policy Priorities will take part in the third annual Amplify Austin — a 24-hour philanthropy day with a goal to raise $7 million dollars for central Texas nonprofits. Between 6 pm on March 5 and 6 pm on March 6, every donation of $25 or more you make via AmplifyAtx.org will be multiplied from
- [Big Week for Texas' Ability to Invest](https://everytexan.org/2015/03/02/big-week-for-texas-ability-to-invest/) - This week is a tipping point for the 84th Texas Legislature. Lawmakers will weigh some game-changing bills that would affect our state's ability to invest in our future. Budget and tax debates don't always draw the biggest crowds of concerned Texans, but all of us have a stake in the outcomes of these policy discussions.
- [Texas Medicaid Spending in Context](https://everytexan.org/2015/03/03/texas-medicaid-spending-in-context/) - The 84th Legislative Session is now well underway, with committees appointed and holding hearings on budget and other important policy issues. In both House and Senate budget hearings, you may have heard legislators surprised to hear how much Texas Medicaid spending has grown. When we talk about increased Medicaid spending, we have to keep in
- [Despite Some Gains, 25% of Texas Kids Live in Poverty](https://everytexan.org/2015/03/04/despite-some-gains-25-of-texas-kids-live-in-poverty/)
- [Time for State Leaders to be Heroes for Kids](https://everytexan.org/2015/03/04/time-for-state-leaders-to-be-heroes-for-kids/) - Superheroes are known for their special powers. As a young girl growing up in Dallas, I was dazzled by Wonder Woman as she wielded her bracelets and Lasso of Truth to fight evil and protect democracy. As an adult, I am continually inspired by Texas parents who exhibit real superpowers every day: protecting their kids
- [Texas Has a Lot to Lose in King v. Burwell](https://everytexan.org/2015/03/05/texas-has-a-lot-to-lose-in-king-v-burwell/) - Yesterday the Supreme Court heard oral arguments on the King v. Burwell case. The plaintiffs argued that the Affordable Care Act should be read literally to allow subsidies to be provided only to taxpayers in Marketplaces established by individual states. This would prohibit the Marketplace established by the federal government from providing subsidies, and end all
- [Closing the Opportunity Gap- Texas Should Invest in High Quality Full-Day Pre-Kindergarten for Disadvantaged Students](https://everytexan.org/2015/03/09/closing-the-opportunity-gap-texas-should-invest-in-high-quality-full-day-pre-kindergarten-for-disadvantaged-students/)
- [Pre-K- Setting Kids Up for Success](https://everytexan.org/2015/03/09/pre-k-setting-kids-up-for-success/)
- [Big Week for Pre-K in the Texas House](https://everytexan.org/2015/03/09/big-week-for-pre-k-in-the-texas-house/) - Pre-Kindergarten in Texas could get a big boost this legislative session, and it's encouraging that there are several legislative proposals on the table. The Center for Public Policy Priorities just released a new report with recommendations for ways Texas can use Pre-K to close the opportunity gap for Texas kids. Governor Abbott has declared Pre-K
- [A Smart Approach to Closing a Costly Loophole](https://everytexan.org/2015/03/11/a-smart-approach-to-closing-a-costly-loophole/) - Senator Rodney Ellis proposed new legislation Tuesday to close a state loophole that allows commercial property owners to skirt their responsibility and significantly reduce their property tax bills below the property’s value by routinely appealing the appraised value of their property. Senator Ellis’ SB 1084 would require commercial property owners protesting appraised value to compare
- [Health Care Coverage Comes to the Capitol Steps](https://everytexan.org/2015/03/12/health-care-coverage-comes-to-the-capitol-steps/) - Several hundred health care advocates from across Texas met at the Capitol this morning to rally for expanded health coverage for all Texans. The Cover Texas Now coalition organized Coverage Expansion Advocacy Day to bring together activists, health care leaders, faith communities, and business leaders to bring a public, statewide voice to the Capitol on
- [Population Growth + Inflation Doesn't Add Up for Texas](https://everytexan.org/2015/03/16/population-growth-inflation-doesnt-add-up-for-texas/) - Imagine you move into a new house only to discover that the ceilings are only 5 feet high, forcing you to walk around hunched over. You would be outraged, uncomfortable, and unable to use your home to its full potential. There is a real danger that future legislators may find a similarly restrictive ceiling on
- [Work-Study Jobs that Lead to Texas Careers](https://everytexan.org/2015/03/17/work-study-jobs-that-lead-to-texas-careers/) - As one of only 14 states with a state-supported work-study program for college students, Texas has been a leader in recognizing the value of connecting students with jobs. This is especially important as college becomes less affordable leaving many students to rely on loans, part-time jobs, and sometimes even full-time jobs to cover tuition and
- [CPPP Presents on College Savings Work at U.S. Department of the Treasury](https://everytexan.org/2015/03/19/cppp-presents-on-college-savings-work-at-u-s-department-of-the-treasury/) - During last month’s meeting of the Financial Literacy and Education Commission (FLEC) meeting in Washington, D.C., I had the privilege of sharing our joint work with RAISE Texas to expand college savings in Texas. A commission Chaired by the Secretary of the Treasury, and made up the heads of 21 federal agencies, FLEC is tasked
- [Superheroes & Superstars: State of Texas Children 2015](https://everytexan.org/2015/03/20/superheroes-superstars-state-of-texas-children-2015/) - Have you been wondering how well Texas kids are doing? There’s some good news, and some bad news. More kids today have health insurance than did a year ago, and more parents are employed. But Texas could be doing better. On March 4th we released our 2015 State of Texas Children report, with the support
- [Coverage Expansion Would Help Your County](https://everytexan.org/2015/03/23/coverage-expansion-would-help-your-county/) - Do you know how many local jobs would be created in your county if Texas closed the health care Coverage Gap? It’s easy to find out with our new fact sheets for every county in Texas. With the support of Methodist Healthcare Ministries of South Texas, we’ve created customized fact sheets that outline the economic
- [Budget Heads to the House Floor](https://everytexan.org/2015/03/24/budget-heads-to-the-house-floor/) - House Appropriations approved a revised budget proposal for the next biennium today, and we covered it with live analysis on Twitter. First, the committee increased general revenue spending in the budget proposal by $5.7 billion over the bill as introduced, and a large portion of the increase goes to highways. HAC adds $5.7 B GR
- [Arkansas’ Private Option Could be Model for Texas](https://everytexan.org/2015/03/25/arkansas-private-option-could-be-model-for-texas/) - Despite exaggerated reports of its untimely death, Arkansas’ “Private Option” coverage expansion is alive, well, and in the black. In recent months several Republican-led states have taken steps to close their health insurance gaps and accept federal funds, Arkansas among them. Texans have closely watched our neighbor implement a unique coverage expansion plan, and there’s
- [Fuel for the Legislative Session](https://everytexan.org/2015/03/26/fuel-for-the-legislative-session/) - Halfway through the Texas Legislative Session, the pace is faster and the stakes are higher. Want to know what helps me ride the proverbial waves at the Capitol? Stepping just outside the pink dome. The stately old live oaks and spring-blooming trees put everything in perspective, and offer shade while I chat with concerned Texans,
- [Invest in Public Education, Not Vouchers](https://everytexan.org/2015/03/26/invest-in-public-education-not-vouchers/) - Today the Senate Education Committee will hear several school voucher bills. Every voucher program is different and they go by many different names, but the basic idea is the same: the programs divert state funding from public education to cover all or part of a student’s tuition at a private or religious school. Promoted under
- [Impact of Lower Oil Prices to State Revenue](https://everytexan.org/2015/03/30/impact-of-lower-oil-prices-to-state-revenue/) - The price of oil, which was over $100 per barrel last summer, has lately been selling at half that amount. Drilling new wells has slowed down, so we’re left to wonder: What happens to state revenue if oil and gas tax revenues fall? Here’s the answer: For every billion dollars that oil and gas production
- [Resources Help Texans Maximize Their Tax Refund](https://everytexan.org/2015/03/31/resources-help-texans-maximize-their-tax-refund/) - For many Texans, their tax refund represents the largest single payment they receive all year and serves as an important part of their income. Last tax season, 2.6 million Texans claimed the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC), a tax credit for working people with low to moderate income, earning back approximately $2,600 per filer. The
- [Who Pays Taxes in Texas?](https://everytexan.org/2015/03/31/who-pays-taxes-in-texas-4/) - Last week’s release of the 2015 Tax Exemption and Tax Incidence report by the Comptroller’s office is great reminder that Texas tax system is in dire need of a little spring-cleaning. The report reveals the unfairness of our tax system, since low-and moderate-income Texas households bear a disproportionate share of state and local taxes. The unfairness
- [Legislative Budget Snapshot](https://everytexan.org/2015/04/01/legislative-budget-snapshot/)
- [Budget Season in Texas Means Sleepless Nights](https://everytexan.org/2015/04/01/budget-season-in-texas-means-sleepless-nights/) - What keeps you up at night? Is it the risks of not having health insurance? The rising cost of college? Overcrowded classrooms at your child’s school? Well, it’s budget season at the Texas Capitol, and how legislators decide to invest state money could profoundly affect these and other aspects of our lives. What have we
- [Closing the Coverage Gap: What You Need to Know](https://everytexan.org/2015/04/01/closing-the-coverage-gap-what-you-need-to-know/) - Guest post via Texas Well and Healthy What is the Coverage Gap? About 1 million uninsured Texans are in the Coverage Gap, meaning they have no affordable health insurance options but would be covered if the state accepted new federal health care funds intended for them. They do not receive health insurance from their employers. They
- [Texas House Budget: The Day After](https://everytexan.org/2015/04/02/texas-house-budget-the-day-after/) - As the dust settles on the 17-hour HB 1 debate in the Texas House, it's worth noting what made it into the final House budget proposal, what didn’t, and what the key takeaways were. Journalists and spectators have already said plenty about the purely political or ideologically driven attacks on everything from public transit to
- [Time to Raise the Minimum Wage](https://everytexan.org/2015/04/06/time-to-raise-the-minimum-wage-2/) - As Texans, we pride ourselves on working hard and being self-sufficient. But too few Texans and their families earn enough to escape working poverty. Nearly 2.4 million workers, or 1 in 4 private sector employees in the state, would receive a pay increase if the state adopted a minimum wage of $10.10 per hour in
- [Time to Raise the Minimum Wage Texas](https://everytexan.org/2015/04/07/time-to-raise-the-minimum-wage-texas/)
- [HB 1759 to Address School Finance](https://everytexan.org/2015/04/07/hb-1759-to-address-school-finance/) - The Texas House is making a serious effort to address school finance this session, adding $3 billion through the budget passed last week. House Public Education Committee Chair Jimmie Don Aycock has laid out HB 1759, which has a number of good aspects, among them increasing the basic allotment. This will benefit all districts, and
- [SB 1475 Establishes Medicaid Managed Care Consumer Supports](https://everytexan.org/2015/04/09/sb-1475-establishes-medicaid-managed-care-consumer-supports/) - CPPP was joined by a large and diverse group of Texas organizations in supporting SB 1475 by Senator Sylvia Garcia, establishing a Medicaid Managed Care Consumer Support System. Texas Medicaid Managed Care was first piloted in four counties in 1994, and is now in all 254 counties. Over 3.6 million of Texas’ 4 million Medicaid
- [Refunds and Repayments from Marketplace Subsidies Very Likely](https://everytexan.org/2015/04/10/refunds-and-repayments-from-marketplace-subsidies-very-likely/) - Last January people across the country began receiving subsidies as they signed up for health coverage through the Health Insurance Marketplaces set up by the Affordable Care Act (ACA). These subsidies help pay premiums for individuals enrolled in a Qualified Health Plan (QHP) through the Marketplace. In the first (2014) open enrollment period, 733,757 Texans
- [Squabbling Over the Best Way to Shortchange Our Kids](https://everytexan.org/2015/04/10/squabbling-over-the-best-way-to-shortchange-our-kids/) - Tax cut fever continues to spread through the Capitol, and we keep asking the same question: is it appropriate or fiscally responsible to place tax cuts at the top of the agenda? State leadership seems to be prioritizing tax cuts above all else, when programs and services our businesses and families depend on are left
- [Drug Testing TANF Recipients Costs More than It Saves](https://everytexan.org/2015/04/10/drug-testing-tanf-recipients-costs-more-than-it-saves/) - In the last few months state legislatures across the country have introduced bills designed to force people in greatest need to prove they are “worthy” of receiving support. Sadly, Texas is no different. The House Human Services Committee is set to hear several bills, including HB 352 by Representative Ken King, requiring drug screening for
- [Limiting Surprise Medical Bills](https://everytexan.org/2015/04/13/limiting-surprise-medical-bills/) - No one likes an unexpected bill, but Texans are fed up with the surprise bills they receive after ER visits, even when they go to hospitals in their insurance network. This session the Legislature is listening to them. Michael Fryar from Grapevine went to an in-network ER for appendicitis, and later got a surprise bill
- [Photo ID on Lone Star Cards Expensive, Unnecessary](https://everytexan.org/2015/04/13/photo-id-on-lone-star-cards-expensive-unnecessary/) - Today the House Human Services Committee will hear several bills that would require Lone Star EBT (electronic benefit transfer) cards, used by Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) and Temporary Aid to Needy Families (TANF) recipients, to have a photo ID of the cardholder. Proponents argue these bills will reduce fraud rates, which are already exceptionally
- [Texas Can't Afford Permanent Tax Cuts](https://everytexan.org/2015/04/15/texas-cant-afford-permanent-tax-cuts/) - The House Ways & Means Committee heard testimony on HB 31 and HB 32, the bills that together make up the House tax cut plan. CPPP’s wonks provided live analysis on Twitter. .@dlavine on tax cuts - Economic growth requires solid foundation of healthy and educated workforce and sound infrastructure. #txlege — Texas Forward (@TXForward)
- [Undocumented Immigrants Paid $1.5 Billion+ in Texas Taxes](https://everytexan.org/2015/04/16/undocumented-immigrants-paid-1-5-billion-in-texas-taxes/) - A just-released Institute on Taxation and Economic Policy report estimates that undocumented immigrants in Texas collectively paid $1.5 billion in property, sales, and excise taxes in 2012. (For other states that have a personal income tax, ITEP estimates that amount as well.) Today’s ITEP report points out that, “[l]ike other people living and working in
- [Kids Shouldn't Have to Wait for Health Coverage](https://everytexan.org/2015/04/16/kids-shouldnt-have-to-wait-for-health-coverage/) - Today Texas law requires that a child must be without private health coverage for 90 days prior to enrolling in the Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP), known as a CHIP waiting period. Once a child is found otherwise eligible for CHIP, they must wait to enroll for three months after the last month they had
- [House Swings and Misses on School Finance](https://everytexan.org/2015/04/17/house-swings-and-misses-on-school-finance/) - Earlier this week the House Committee on Public Education heard HB 1759, a proposal by Chairman Jimmie Don Aycock that would make sweeping changes to the school finance system. This bill was introduced as an effort to increase equity in the public school system and to address the concerns raised in the pending school finance lawsuit.
- [Proposed Bills Expand College Savings Opportunities](https://everytexan.org/2015/04/21/proposed-bills-expand-college-savings-opportunities/) - Imagine if every child in Texas had a college savings account. Imagine the peace of mind and confidence that accumulated savings in this account would give to students as they make the transition to college. Representative Marsha Farney’s HB 3987, which is being considered by the House Public Education committee today, and Senator Sylvia Garcia’s
- [Let's Keep College within Reach](https://everytexan.org/2015/04/22/lets-keep-college-within-reach/) - As Texans, we’re a fierce and competitive bunch, and in the last few years our state has touted its record on low taxes and economic growth. There’s no doubt that Texas has been competitive in job growth, but when it comes to higher education, we’ve lost our edge. And without a well-educated workforce, we’re risking
- [5 Things to Know As Feds Question Texas’ Uncompensated Care Waiver](https://everytexan.org/2015/04/22/5-things-to-know-as-feds-question-texas-uncompensated-care-waiver/) - In a phone call to the state’s Health and Human Services Commission last week, the federal government told Texas that its decision on continuing the “uncompensated care” portion of the 1115 Medicaid waiver will take into account whether the state accepts new Medicaid funds. CPPP has released a helpful fact sheet on the Texas 1115 Waiver
- [Graduation Season Comes Early](https://everytexan.org/2015/04/23/graduation-season-comes-early/) - April might seem a little early for a graduation ceremony, but there I was handing out mock diplomas on the steps of the Texas Capitol surrounded by bright-eyed students in caps and gowns. This pretend ceremony had a very real message: Texas should continue to allow immigrant students who are Texas residents and non-citizens to
- [2016-17 Legislative Budget Snapshot](https://everytexan.org/2015/04/27/2016-17-legislative-budget-snapshot/) - With just weeks remaining in the regular session of the 84th Legislature, House and Senate conferees are working out the two chambers’ different versions of House Bill 1, the 2016-17 General Appropriations Act. Wherever different levels of funding are proposed, the conferees may choose to go with the lower amount, the higher amount, or compromise
- [DFPS House and Senate Budget Proposals Similar, but Priorities Differ](https://everytexan.org/2015/04/27/dfps-house-and-senate-budget-proposals-similar-but-priorities-differ/) - Now that the full Senate has voted out its “marked up” version of the 2016-17 budget, we are one step closer to the end of the 2015 legislative budget process. Conferees on House Bill 1 will resolve differences between the Senate and House proposals before the regular session ends. For child protective services, foster care,
- [Funding for DARS Misses the Mark](https://everytexan.org/2015/04/27/funding-for-dars-misses-the-mark/) - Signaling that we are getting closer to the end of the 2015 legislative budget process, both the full Senate and the House have voted out their respective proposals for the 2016-17 biennium. This analysis looks at how the Senate and House plans differ in support for Early Childhood Intervention (ECI) services, autism, rehabilitation, disability determination,
- [Concerns Remain on HHSC Sunset Consolidation Bill](https://everytexan.org/2015/04/27/concerns-remain-on-hhsc-sunset-consolidation-bill/) - The Health and Human Services Commission Sunset consolidation plan is less spooky than before, but still too scary for many. The House Committee on Human Services holds a public hearing today on HB 2304, the “Sunset” bill reauthorizing the Texas Health and Human Services Commission and calling for a major restructuring of Texas’ health and
- [FAQ: Texas Taxes and Tax Cut Proposals](https://everytexan.org/2015/04/28/faq-texas-taxes-and-tax-cut-proposals/) - The House and Senate have different tax cut proposals, generating many questions about what these tax cuts could mean for the future of Texas. Here are some answers to frequently asked questions. What are the tax cut proposals? The Senate proposes a $4.5 billion tax-cut package, made up of: SB 1, which would cut property
- [Mental Health Reintegration Services’ Eligibility Is Too Limited](https://everytexan.org/2015/04/28/mental-health-reintegration-services-eligibility-is-too-limited/) - By CPPP Policy Analyst Katharine Ligon and CPPP Mental Health Policy Intern Lauren Rosales 35 percent of individuals incarcerated in Texas prisons today struggle, or have struggled, with some form of mental illness. Research and experience have shown that after release, those individuals who receive continuity of mental health care and reintegration services are far
- [It's Time to Raise the Minimum Wage in Texas- Analysis of Who Would Benefit from a Minimum Wage Increase in Texas](https://everytexan.org/2015/04/30/its-time-to-raise-the-minimum-wage-in-texas-analysis-of-who-would-benefit-from-a-minimum-wage-increase-in-texas/)
- [New Research Makes the Case for Pre-K](https://everytexan.org/2015/04/30/new-research-makes-the-case-for-pre-k/) - By CPPP Communications Intern Arthur D. Soto-Vásquez Newly released research from the Child and Family Research Partnership (CFRP) at the LBJ School of Public Affairs at UT Austin demonstrates the urgent need to expand early childhood education in Texas. Governor Abbott and members of the Texas legislature have rightly made early childhood education a major
- [Headline From the Future: Who Passed All These Short-Sighted Tax Cuts?](https://everytexan.org/2015/05/04/headline-from-the-future-who-passed-all-these-short-sighted-tax-cuts/) - Public attention is currently focused on the large tax-cut bills that both the House and the Senate passed, in different forms. The House plan, which would reduce the rates of the sales and franchise tax, would cut the amount of General Revenue (GR) available to fund the 2016-17 budget by $4.9 billion. The Senate plan,
- [Scarlet Letters on Insurance ID Cards](https://everytexan.org/2015/05/07/scarlet-letters-on-insurance-id-cards/) - Imagine if your approximate income was printed on your health insurance ID card alongside your copay and deductible amounts. Would you consider it an invasion of privacy if staff at doctor’s offices, dentist’s offices, and pharmacies had income-related information? Or worry that you may be treated differently because of it? The Texas House of Representatives
- [No One Benefits from Enrollment Roadblocks](https://everytexan.org/2015/05/07/no-one-benefits-from-enrollment-roadblocks/) - With the legislative clock ticking, there has been plenty of talk about the major investments lawmakers could make to improve life in Texas. But there are also a host of cost-effective and important changes that leaders can make to state programs so more hard-working Texans can reach their full potential. Texas has a handful of
- [The Coverage Gap and the Welcome Mat Effect](https://everytexan.org/2015/05/08/the-coverage-gap-and-the-welcome-mat-effect/) - By Caitlin Shea, CPPP Research and KIDS Count Intern What is the coverage gap? The Affordable Care Act (ACA) was written to provide affordable health coverage to adults through two primary mechanisms: a Medicaid expansion for low-income adults, and Marketplace subsidies for adults living above the poverty level. However, a 2012 Supreme Court decision made
- [Pre-K Gets Low Score, HB 4 Won’t Change That](https://everytexan.org/2015/05/11/pre-k-gets-low-score-hb-4-wont-change-that/) - The annually released rankings of state-supported Pre-K programs by the National Institute for Early Education Research (NIEER) once again show that Texas ranks last in quality standards measures compared to all other states with a public supported Pre-K program.[i] Of the ten quality standards benchmarks identified by NIEER, Texas only meets two—comprehensive early learning standards
- [Flat-Dollar Homestead Exemption Benefits Homeowners and Municipalities](https://everytexan.org/2015/05/11/flat-dollar-homestead-exemption-benefits-homeowners-and-municipalities/) - In Texas, school districts grant residential homeowners a flat-dollar-amount homestead exemption of $15,000, but local governments are currently prohibited from doing the same. While they can offer percentage exemptions, the ability to offer flat-dollar-amount homestead exemptions would benefit both homeowners and local taxing entities. At present, more than 800 Texas cities, and more than half
- [The Least-Worst Way to Under-Invest](https://everytexan.org/2015/05/13/the-least-worst-way-to-under-invest/) - Tax cuts are the wrong priority – Texans would be better served if lawmakers increased investments in public services. However, as I told members of the House Ways & Means Committee late Tuesday night, if lawmakers feel they have to cut taxes, then increasing the school homestead exemption (SB 1/SJR 1 by Sen. Jane Nelson) is
- [Let Texans Decide on Increasing Minimum Wage](https://everytexan.org/2015/05/14/let-texans-decide-on-increasing-minimum-wage/) - HJR 26 by Representative Trey Martinez-Fischer is a strong bill that would allow voters to decide whether to raise the minimum wage to $10.10 per hour. The proposal is scheduled for consideration on today's House legislative calendar. CPPP’s recent analysis found that one in four Texans would get a raise if the minimum wage was
- [Down to the Wire](https://everytexan.org/2015/05/15/down-to-the-wire/) - Hundreds of bills have run out of time in the Texas Legislature, but a flurry of amendments and maneuvers mean several policy solutions – and some policy nightmares – still have a chance of passing. Here is a preview of upcoming action we're watching and some of our work from the past week. What we're
- [Big Day in Senate Health and Human Services Committee](https://everytexan.org/2015/05/20/big-day-in-senate-health-and-human-services-committee/) - Today the Senate Health and Human Services committee is expected to hear two important bills we’ve been following: HB 1541 HB 2835 HB 1541 would establish a Medicaid state service plan for peer support services, designating certified peer specialists and certified recovery specialists as a billable provider. Mental health peer support services are proven to
- [10 Days Left](https://everytexan.org/2015/05/22/10-days-left/) - With 10 days left in the 84th Legislative session, there are still a handful of major decisions pending. Here is a preview of upcoming action we're watching and some of our work from the past week. What we're watching: The full Senate should consider HB 1624, a good bill that would help people shopping for
- [Misguided Priorities](https://everytexan.org/2015/05/28/misguided-priorities/) - With four days left in the Texas legislative session, I recall my fervent hope back in January - that lawmakers would put aside their differences and focus on what all Texans believe in. We all want Texas to be the best state for hard-working people and their families. We all want a future for our
- [2015 Legislative Budget Wrap-Up](https://everytexan.org/2015/05/29/2015-legislative-budget-wrap-up/)
- [The Path to Pre-K in 2015](https://everytexan.org/2015/05/28/the-path-to-pre-k-in-2015/) - Today Gov. Abbott will sign HB 4, the much lauded Pre-K bill that topped the governor’s list of emergency items. HB 4 is designed to improve Pre-K quality through an optional program that provides grant funding to some school districts choosing to implement limited quality improvements. It’s a good start, and we applaud the state’s
- [King v. Burwell: Measuring the Potential Harm to Texas](https://everytexan.org/2015/06/16/king-v-burwell-measuring-the-potential-harm-to-texas/) - The U.S. Supreme Court is preparing to issue a ruling in King v. Burwell, the case challenging Affordable Care Act (ACA) insurance subsidies for residents of states — such as Texas — that did not set up their own Health Insurance Marketplaces. Texas and Texans will suffer significant harm if subsidies are eliminated by the
- [King v. Burwell: 4 Things You Need to Know](https://everytexan.org/2015/06/16/king-v-burwell-4-things-you-need-to-know/) - The U.S. Supreme Court is preparing to issue a ruling in King v. Burwell, the case challenging Affordable Care Act (ACA) insurance subsidies for residents of states — such as Texas — that did not set up their own health insurance Marketplaces. Here are four things you should know about the ruling. 1. We are
- [2015 Kids Count Profile (Texas)](https://everytexan.org/2015/06/24/2015-kids-count-profile-texas/)
- [A Look Back at the 84th Legislative Session](https://everytexan.org/2015/06/24/a-look-back-at-the-84th-legislative-session-2/) - Several "scorecards" are floating around, grading the effectiveness of the 84th Texas Legislature. Here at the Center for Public Policy Priorities, we wanted to share our progress toward the objectives we set before the legislative session began. As you will see in our new summary, this Legislature leaves behind a disappointing record for expanding economic
- [Supreme Court Protects Affordable Health Insurance](https://everytexan.org/2015/06/25/supreme-court-protects-affordable-health-insurance/) - Today the Supreme Court handed down its decision in King v. Burwell, protecting the rights of consumers in all states – including those like Texas that did not set up their own health insurance marketplaces – to receive tax credits that make health insurance affordable. This ruling means that the 832,000 Texans whose subsidies pay
- [Marriage Decision Makes Health Insurance Benefits Accessible](https://everytexan.org/2015/06/30/marriage-decision-makes-health-insurance-benefits-accessible/) - On Friday June 26, 2015 the Supreme Court made history by requiring states to allow same-sex couples to marry and to acknowledge marriages of same-sex couples performed in other states. This landmark decision allows same-sex couples to get married and have their marriages recognized in all states. One important thing to remember is that getting
- [New Overtime Protection Coming for Texans](https://everytexan.org/2015/07/02/new-overtime-protection-coming-for-texans/) - Tomorrow President Obama is expected to announce details of new proposed guidance from the Department of Labor that would extend overtime protections to nearly 5 million workers, including approximately 400,000 Texans. The new protection will update the Fair Labor Standards Act, which includes the requirement for businesses to pay time-and-a-half to hourly employees and certain
- [Beautiful, messy ole' democracy](https://everytexan.org/2015/07/08/beautiful-messy-ole-democracy/) - Winston Churchill once quipped that “democracy is the worst form of government, except all the others that have been tried.” Like many Americans, I celebrated the Fourth of July this year with extra gusto and renewed faith in our democracy. The Supreme Court ruled that the Constitution guaranties the right to same-sex marriage, upheld subsidies
- [Statewide Meetings Are Our Chance to Request Federal Health Care Funding](https://everytexan.org/2015/07/08/statewide-meetings-are-our-chance-to-request-federal-health-care-funding/) - This blog post originally appeared on the Texas Well and Healthy "Texas Treatment" blog. Starting July 13th in Houston, Texans can provide their input on maximizing federal health care funding for their communities in public meetings organized by the Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC) on the proposed renewal of the state’s 1115 Medicaid waiver.
- [Alternative Pathways to High School Equivalency](https://everytexan.org/2015/07/13/alternative-pathways-to-high-school-equivalency/) - A high school diploma is a foundational step toward self-sufficiency and economic stability for all Texans. For those who are unable to complete their high school education, high school equivalency exams offer an alternative path to college and career. In 2012, Texas ranked 50th in the country for its high rate of adults age 18
- [Texas' GED Problem Worse than We Thought](https://everytexan.org/2015/07/16/texas-ged-problem-worse-than-we-thought/) - Earlier this week CPPP released a policy brief showing that changes to the General Education Development (GED) test had led to fewer Texans taking the test and fewer passing it. Since our report came out, we have clarified additional data with the Texas Education Agency (TEA), and it turns out that Texas has a much
- [2015 State of Texas Children](https://everytexan.org/2015/07/16/2015-state-of-texas-children/)
- [Is Texas Doing it for the Kids?](https://everytexan.org/2015/07/21/is-texas-doing-it-for-the-kids/) - The new national KIDS COUNT® Data Book from the Annie E. Casey Foundation released today reminds us how challenging it is to be a kid in Texas. Once again, Texas ranked among the ten worst states for children. There were a few bright spots for the Lone Star State including improved math proficiency for eighth
- [Medicare and Medicaid Looking Good at 50](https://everytexan.org/2015/07/28/medicare-and-medicaid-looking-good-at-50/) - Like so many Americans, I am now in that phase of life with aging parents. My dad has advanced Alzheimer’s. Though he’s still living at home and mom does a great job taking care of him, he needs full-time professional care during the day and frequent medical attention. Alzheimer’s is a heartbreaking disease and we’re
- [Suicide in Texas Jails: Time for Reform](https://everytexan.org/2015/07/29/suicide-in-texas-jails-time-for-reform/) - The recent death of Sandra Bland in a Texas county jail is tragic. At CPPP our prayers and thoughts are with Ms. Bland’s family and friends. As the authorities investigate the details surrounding Ms. Bland's death, it's important to point out that over the last decade or so, sheriffs and other local officials have been
- [Community Eligibility Means More Kids Eat Free](https://everytexan.org/2015/08/04/community-eligibility-means-more-kids-eat-free/) - By Caitlin Shea, Research and KIDS COUNT Intern More kids are eating for free and without stigma thanks to a federal school meal option called the Community Eligibility Provision (CEP), introduced in 143 Texas school districts and nearly 1500 campuses last year. Under CEP, when 40 percent or more of the student body is eligible
- [Back to School, Back to Court](https://everytexan.org/2015/08/18/back-to-school-back-to-court/) - Like many Texas parents, I’ve got that end-of-summer-vacation buzz – I’m ready for those school bells to ring! As kids head back to school and parents breathe a sigh of relief, it’s comforting to know that the right to education is enshrined in the Texas Constitution. All Texas children deserve a fair chance to compete
- [Texas' Uninsured Rate Worst in the Nation](https://everytexan.org/2015/08/28/texas-uninsured-rate-worst-in-the-nation/) - They say everything’s bigger in Texas, and Texas now has the biggest percentage of uninsured residents in the country—sitting just above 20 percent. Only Oklahoma (17.7 percent) and Wyoming (18.2 percent) come anywhere close. On August 10 Gallup released their most recent data on uninsured rates by state, showing a continual decline in uninsured rates
- [Ready for a School Finance Solution](https://everytexan.org/2015/08/31/ready-for-a-school-finance-solution/) - The right to a free public education is enshrined in Texas’ constitution to “promote the general diffusion of knowledge,” which is “essential to the preservation of the liberties and rights of the people.” The earliest Texans knew that the state needed well-educated people who could ensure Texas’ growth and prosperity, benefiting the state as a
- [High Enrollment in Medicaid Expansion Benefits States](https://everytexan.org/2015/09/04/high-enrollment-in-medicaid-expansion-benefits-states/) - Many Republican leaders and other conservatives have argued strongly against Medicaid expansion. The claim is that higher-than-expected expansion will cost their states too much, leaving giant holes in their budgets. However, recent reports show the opposite, and states are finding billions of dollars in savings even with tens of thousands more residents enrolling in expanded
- [ACA’s “Family Glitch” Hurts Millions](https://everytexan.org/2015/09/09/acas-family-glitch-hurts-millions/) - Since the Affordable Care Act (ACA) was passed 5 years ago, more than 16 million people have gained health insurance as a direct result of the law. Gallup recently released a poll showing that the uninsured rate in the U.S. in the first half of 2015 was approximately 11.7 percent, the lowest rate since they
- [Preparing Texas Millennials for the Future](https://everytexan.org/2015/09/08/preparing-texas-millennials-for-the-future/) - While we celebrated Labor Day with a family cookout or one last summer trip, let’s remember that this holiday embodies the idea that hard-working Americans make our economy stronger and prosperous. Let’s also remind ourselves that Texas millennials (ages 16-35), a generation that was coming of age during the worst economic crisis since the Great
- [You're Welcome in Texas](https://everytexan.org/2015/09/10/youre-welcome-in-texas/) - Texans are known for our Southern charm and hospitality. Less well known is the fact that welcoming newcomers and visitors is not just true to our values but good for our economy, too. Today one in six Texans is an immigrant (over 4.2 million people), and a recent CPPP study shows immigrants contribute billions of
- [Food Insecurity in Texas Improving but Still High](https://everytexan.org/2015/09/16/food-insecurity-in-texas-improving-but-still-high/) - When we think of lists Texas rates high on, the hunger list isn’t one that usually comes to mind. And yet, according to the recently released United States Department of Agriculture’s annual Household Food Security Survey[i] 17.2 percent of Texas households experience food insecurity, meaning they cannot always afford enough nutritious food to support a
- [Former Drug Offenders Gain Access to Food Assistance](https://everytexan.org/2015/09/17/former-drug-offenders-gain-access-to-food-assistance/) - As of September 1, Texans with a felony drug conviction in their past are now potentially eligible to receive food assistance benefits thanks to the passage of SB 200 during the 84th Legislature. The new law ends Texas’ old policy of permanently disqualifying anyone with a felony drug conviction that occurred after August 22, 1996
- [Census Data Reveal New Facts on Health Insurance](https://everytexan.org/2015/09/17/census-data-reveal-new-facts-on-health-insurance/) - There were several key takeaways from this week's U.S. Census release about health insurance. Here are my favorites: Things got better There were over 700,000 fewer uninsured Texans in 2014 than in 2013 thanks to the Affordable Care Act (ACA). Texas’ overall (all ages) uninsured rate dropped from 22.1 percent in 2013 to 19.1 percent
- [Health Insurance Marketplace Enrollment Timeline](https://everytexan.org/2015/10/01/health-insurance-marketplace-enrollment-timeline/) - Welcome to our Countdown to Coverage 2016 blog series. Over the next several weeks we'll provide the information consumers need to make the best health insurance choices for themselves and their families. Next month marks the beginning of the third open enrollment period for the Health Insurance Marketplace. This year’s open enrollment dates are a little different
- [It Pays to Shop for Health Coverage](https://everytexan.org/2015/10/08/it-pays-to-shop-for-health-coverage/) - Open enrollment for 2016 health insurance through the Health Insurance Marketplace starts on November 1. Health plan subscribers who are currently enrolled in a Marketplace plan soon will begin to receive notices on how they can renew their health coverage for 2016. Everyone who is currently enrolled in a Marketplace plan is given the option
- [My Favorite Day of the Year](https://everytexan.org/2015/10/14/my-favorite-day-of-the-year/) - The CPPP Legacy Luncheon is one of my favorite days of the year because it's a room filled with hundreds of smart people who share CPPP's vision for Texas. It's hard work pounding the marble floors under the pink Capitol dome all legislative session promoting policies that will make Texas the best state for hard-working
- [Need Health Insurance? Look Beyond Sticker Price](https://everytexan.org/2015/10/15/need-health-insurance-look-beyond-sticker-price/) - Next month marks the beginning of the third open enrollment period, during which Texans can purchase insurance from Healthcare.gov, the Health Insurance Marketplace created by the Affordable Care Act. In this edition of the Countdown to Coverage 2016 series, we’re exploring questions you should consider when choosing among the many health plans available in the
- [Know Before You Vote: Props 1 and 7](https://everytexan.org/2015/10/19/know-before-you-vote-props-1-and-7/) - Early voting begins October 19 for the upcoming statewide elections, where Texans will vote on seven proposed constitutional amendments. CPPP encourages all Texans to learn about the implications of these proposed amendments for the future prosperity of our state. CPPP has a new breakdown of the impacts of Proposition 1, which would increase the homestead exemption
- [College Savings Pilot Program Launches in Dallas Area](https://everytexan.org/2015/10/20/college-savings-pilot-program-launches-in-dallas-area/) - Two elementary schools in the Dallas region are testing a new college savings program called Dollars for College this school year. Tied to Texas’ mandated financial education curriculum, Dollars for College helps kindergarten students build financial skills by teaching them about college savings accounts. OpportunityTexas (CPPP’s joint initiative with RAISE Texas) is carrying out Dollars
- [Texas Cuts Access to Women's Health Care- Again](https://everytexan.org/2015/10/21/texas-cuts-access-to-womens-health-care-again/) - Kicking Planned Parenthood out of the Texas Women’s Health Program proved to be a terrible idea in 2013, one that jeopardized the health of women and babies, reduced access to health care, and increased costs for the state. In Texas we’re usually good about learning from our mistakes, but not so much where women’s health
- [Community Eligibility Provision Feeds One Million Kids Daily](https://everytexan.org/2015/10/22/community-eligibility-provision-feeds-one-million-kids-daily/) - The Community Eligibility Provision (CEP) means that over 1 million Texas public school students now receive free breakfast and lunch each day. This new tool makes school meal signups easier and increases revenue for schools. CEP is now in place at over 1,648 schools in Texas, making the Lone Star State the national leader in
- [Why Immigrants Struggle to Get Health Coverage](https://everytexan.org/2015/10/22/why-immigrants-struggle-to-get-health-coverage/) - For this week’s installment of Countdown to Coverage 2016 we’re looking at some of the challenges uninsured lawfully present immigrants often face when trying to get health insurance. Two key reasons why legal immigrants may go without health coverage are confusion about their eligibility to purchase Marketplace health plans, and fear that applying for health insurance
- [Uphill Battle for Immigrants to get Insurance](https://everytexan.org/2015/10/29/uphill-battle-for-immigrants-to-get-insurance/) - Last week we discussed how confusion about eligibility and fear can keep immigrants from accessing the affordable coverage now available to them through the Affordable Care Act (ACA). This week we will look at common technical hurdles immigrants must overcome when they do attempt to enroll in affordable coverage in the Marketplace. Many immigrants may
- [2nd Year of Modest Rate Increases in Texas Marketplace](https://everytexan.org/2015/10/30/2nd-year-of-modest-rate-increases-in-texas-marketplace/) - This week, we got the first snapshot of Texas Marketplace premium rates for next year, and the modest average premium increases come as welcome news. Texans will see a 5 percent average premium increase for the second-lowest cost Silver-level plan (called the “benchmark” plan) in the Health Insurance Marketplace in 2016. The increase was 4
- [Texans at Risk of Poverty](https://everytexan.org/2015/11/09/texans-at-risk-of-poverty/) - Texas remains a tough place for many children and their families. Although the poverty rate in Texas and nationwide slightly decreased, Texas ranks 38th in the country for its high poverty rate, according to 2014 American Community Survey data released last month by the U.S. Census Bureau. The data also reveal that poverty in Texas
- [Celebrating a New Wage in Dallas](https://everytexan.org/2015/11/12/celebrating-a-new-wage-in-dallas/) - The Dallas City Council provided strong leadership and vision this week by voting to pay a minimum wage of $10.37 to all contract workers employed with city funds. The Dallas Poverty Task Force also deserves credit for identifying the need to raise wages for contract workers and championing the issue. Mayor Mike Rawlings created the
- [Texas Education Scorecard Grades County-level Education Success](https://everytexan.org/2015/11/17/texas-education-scorecard-grades-county-level-education-success/) - This week CPPP released a new data tool, the Texas Education Scorecard, which compares counties on the policies and practices that affect school readiness, education funding, and transitions to college. The results are literally all over the map. All Texas kids should have a chance to succeed, but the capacity of Texas schools to prepare
- [Pre-K Benefits are in the Details](https://everytexan.org/2015/12/01/pre-k-benefits-are-in-the-details/) - If a mechanic told you she could make your car perform better, you would probably want more details before she started rearranging wires under your hood. Well, after the Texas Legislature passed the High-Quality Prekindergarten Grant Program (HB 4) this spring, many of us applauded the law as a good first step. Now it's details
- [Texas Health Care Guide Helps Consumers](https://everytexan.org/2015/12/01/texas-health-care-guide-helps-consumers/) - Today CPPP debuted the Texas Health Care Guide to help Texans navigate their options for affordable health coverage. The new website helps users find expert resources on how to apply for coverage, how to choose a plan, how to use and understand insurance, and much more. Texans have more options than ever to access affordable
- [Meanwhile...back at the Capitol](https://everytexan.org/2015/12/03/meanwhile-back-at-the-capitol/) - The word "interim" comes from the Latin word for "meanwhile." Many of us are looking ahead to the winter holidays, but meanwhile the gears are turning as lawmakers prepare for the 2017 legislative session. The interim charges that Senate and House committees will discuss in the coming months offer a preview of the policy debates
- [Marketplace Enrollment Tools Help Consumers](https://everytexan.org/2015/12/10/marketplace-enrollment-tools-help-consumers/) - Did you know that 48 percent of uninsured consumers don’t feel confident in choosing a health plan? The great news is that this open enrollment period there are new and improved tools to help consumers choose the best health insurance plan for themselves and their families. Consumers who fully understand their plan benefits are more
- [Penalties Increase for Going without Coverage](https://everytexan.org/2016/01/11/penalties-increase-for-going-without-coverage/) - Open enrollment for the Health Insurance Marketplace began on November 1. In roughly the first two months, 8.5 million people nationwide selected plans in the federal Marketplace. About 6 million consumers renewed their existing coverage, and about 2.5 million consumers newly selected a plan. So far, 1.1 million Texans have selected plans for 2016. Open
- [Now is the Time](https://everytexan.org/2016/01/12/now-is-the-time/) - Speaking on the steps of the Lincoln Memorial in 1963, Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. said, "Now is the time to open the doors of opportunity to all of God's children." A few months later, I was born. I just happened to be White, which opened invisible doors to success that were all too often
- [CHIP More Kid-Friendly than Marketplace](https://everytexan.org/2016/01/13/chip-more-kid-friendly-than-marketplace/) - In November, the U.S. Health and Human Service (HHS) released a report comparing plan benefits and cost-sharing under the Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP) to benefits and cost-sharing in plans offered on the Health Insurance Marketplace created by the Affordable Care Act (ACA). The big takeaway from this report is that CHIP health coverage in
- [Keep Students Fueled with Free Meals after Class](https://everytexan.org/2016/01/13/keep-students-fueled-with-free-meals-after-class/) - This week CPPP released Afterschool Meals: Keep Students Fueled with Free Meals after Classes, a new fact sheet to help school administrators, nutrition directors, and parents better understand the benefits of the Afterschool Meals Program (also known as “CACFP At-Risk”). With this program, schools can provide a free meal and/or a snack to kids involved
- [The Case for a Flat-Dollar Exemption](https://everytexan.org/2016/01/14/the-case-for-a-flat-dollar-exemption/) - In the 2015 session, legislators considered a promising proposed constitutional amendment to give cities, counties, and other local taxing units the option of lowering property taxes through a flat-dollar homestead exemption. The measure passed the Senate and the House Ways & Means Committee with significant support, but failed to come up for a full House
- [January 31 Final Deadline to Sign up for Coverage](https://everytexan.org/2016/01/28/january-31-final-deadline-to-sign-up-for-coverage/) - The final deadline to sign up for coverage is almost here. Consumers have to sign up for 2016 coverage by January 31, 2016. Here are a few fast facts about getting covered through HealthCare.gov: It's not as expensive as you think. So far, 8 out of 10 Texans who enrolled in a health plan were
- [CPPP Helps with Nationwide Homeless Count](https://everytexan.org/2016/02/01/cppp-helps-with-nationwide-homeless-count/) - Mild winters are one of the many benefits of living in Austin, Texas. However, in the early morning hours of January 23, 2016 the temperature hovered near freezing. A group of eight current and previous staff members from CPPP woke up before the sun, bundled up and ventured out to participate in the 2016 Point
- [Proposed Rules for High Quality Pre-K Released](https://everytexan.org/2016/02/08/proposed-rules-for-high-quality-pre-k-released/) - After hearing testimony from stakeholders on December 1, 2015, the Texas Education Agency has released the Commissioner’s proposed rules on what should be included in the criteria to qualify for the High Quality Pre-K Grant Program (HB 4). Under the proposed rules, a high quality program is defined in terms of curriculum, teacher training, and
- [More Options Coming for High School Equivalency Exams](https://everytexan.org/2016/02/09/more-options-coming-for-high-school-equivalency-exams/) - On January 29th the Texas State Board of Education (SBOE) voted to allow multiple vendors to provide a high school equivalency exam to Texans without a high school diploma. The move was spurred by concerns about the General Education Development© (GED) test, administered by GED Testing Services, a subsidiary of Pearson. The GED is the
- [Innovative Mental Health Peer Support Program Comes to Texas Jails](https://everytexan.org/2016/02/10/innovative-mental-health-peer-support-program-comes-to-texas-jails/) - Last week, the Department of State Health Services (DSHS) announced it will support three peer support re-entry pilot program sites, funded through a $1 million budget rider passed by the Legislature in 2015. Mental health peer support is a cost-effective, evidence-based practice in which an individual with a lived experience of mental illness provides guidance
- [It's Time to Remodel Our School Finance System](https://everytexan.org/2016/02/10/its-time-to-remodel-our-school-finance-system/) - The Texas Supreme Court is expected to hand down its decision in the pending school finance lawsuit in the coming months, so get out your hard hat. The court’s decision will likely direct the Legislature to remodel the state’s public school finance system. For lawmakers, the message should be clear: Our children deserve a quality
- [Happy #HealthPolicyValentines Day!](https://everytexan.org/2016/02/12/happy-healthpolicyvalentines-day/) - We put together this great little video to express our love for the idea of expanding health to all Texans. We hope you enjoy our #HealthPolicyValentines! Please share this video with the hashtag #HealthPolicyValentines if you support expanding health care. Did you know that at least 766,000 Texans would be eligible for affordable health care
- [New Features in the KIDS COUNT Data Center](https://everytexan.org/2016/02/15/new-features-in-the-kids-count-data-center/) - The KIDS COUNT Data Center from the Annie E. Casey Foundation has useful data on Texas children and their families, and the Data Center recently rolled out a new feature. Users can now explore results divided by three significant characteristics: age, family nativity (i.e. immigrant or U.S.-born families), and race and ethnicity. The new categories
- [The Pope and the Sisters](https://everytexan.org/2016/02/18/the-pope-and-the-sisters/) - In honor of Pope Francis' visit to Mexico this week – including a historic mass along the Texas border – I wanted to share this thoughtful commentary from CPPP's founders. Over 30 years ago, the Benedictine Sisters of Boerne, Texas, founded what became CPPP to advance public policies that would help low-income people get affordable
- [Countdown to Coverage: Opportunities to Enroll Year-Round](https://everytexan.org/2016/02/22/countdown-to-coverage-opportunities-to-enroll-year-round/) - The third open enrollment period for the Health Insurance Marketplace created by the Affordable Care Act officially closed on February 1, 2016. This year 1.3 million Texans selected a 2016 plan during open enrollment, up slightly from 1.2 million last year. Now that open enrollment has ended, the only way to enroll in coverage through
- [Texas Undocumented Immigrants Pay At Least $1.5 Billion in Taxes](https://everytexan.org/2016/02/24/texas-undocumented-immigrants-pay-at-least-1-5-billion-in-taxes/) - Undocumented immigrants in Texas pay at least $1.5 billion in property, sales, and excise taxes annually, according to the new Institute on Taxation and Economic Policy (ITEP) report. According to the report, "these tax contributions would increase significantly if all undocumented immigrants currently living in the United States were granted a pathway to citizenship as part
- [Talking about Race and Equity in Austin](https://everytexan.org/2016/02/25/talking-about-race-and-equity-in-austin/) - “There isn’t a silver bullet to fix everything. The state alone can’t fix it. The community alone can’t fix it. But, if they come together and each takes their part, change can occur,” said Garrett Groves, Director of Economic Opportunity at CPPP, during a panel discussion at the University of Texas’ Opportunity Forum discussing racial
- [What is the Texas Coverage Gap?](https://everytexan.org/2016/03/14/what-is-the-texas-coverage-gap-2/) - Find this blog post at bit.ly/CPPPcoveragegap or download a fact sheet here. Between 750,000 and 1 million uninsured adult Texans are in the Coverage Gap, meaning they have no affordable health insurance options today, but they would be covered if our state accepted new federal health care funds that are available for their coverage. The Coverage
- [College Savings Pilot Program Launches in Pflugerville](https://everytexan.org/2016/03/07/college-savings-pilot-program-launches-in-pflugerville/) - The Pflugerville Independent School District (PfISD) is partnering with A+ Federal Credit Union (A+ FCU) and OpportunityTexas to bring Dollars for College, a financial education and college savings pilot program for fourth grade students, to Brookhollow, Pflugerville, and Wieland Elementary Schools this semester. Tied to Texas’ mandated financial education curriculum, Dollars for College helps students
- [Have Property Taxes Gone Up, Really?](https://everytexan.org/2016/03/14/have-property-taxes-gone-up-really/) - Property taxes are the major source of support for local public services – schools, emergency services, roads, parks and libraries. They are also among the most unpopular of all state and local taxes. Many taxpayers complain that their property tax bill can go up, even if their ability to pay that bill does not. So
- [Detailed Updates on the Texas Medicaid 1115 Waiver Renewal and the Health Care Coverage Gap](https://everytexan.org/2016/03/14/detailed-updates-on-the-texas-medicaid-1115-waiver-renewal-and-the-health-care-coverage-gap/)
- [The Affordable Care Act and Your 2015 Taxes (part one)](https://everytexan.org/2016/03/15/the-affordable-care-act-and-your-2015-taxes-part-one/) - Part One: I Had Insurance in 2015 It’s tax time again, and it’s the second year people will see changes to their income tax filing because of the Affordable Care Act (ACA). This is the first of our now-annual two-part blog series on the ACA and taxes, focusing on taxpayers who had health coverage in
- [Quick Update on the Texas Medicaid 1115 Waiver Renewal and the Health Care Coverage Gap](https://everytexan.org/2016/03/15/quick-update-on-the-texas-medicaid-1115-waiver-renewal-and-the-health-care-coverage-gap/) - The costs of Texas’ inaction—not moving ahead with a plan for health care coverage and accepting federal Medicaid Expansion funds available to our state—are mounting with the passage of time. Experts estimate Texas is currently losing around $6 billion a year in federal dollars for health care because we have not closed our Texas Coverage
- [The Affordable Care Act and Your 2015 Taxes (part two)](https://everytexan.org/2016/03/16/the-affordable-care-act-and-your-2015-taxes-part-two/) - Part Two: I Didn’t Have Health Insurance in 2015 It’s tax season again and like last year we are providing high-level information on how the Affordable Care Act (ACA) impacts personal income taxes. Earlier this week, we released Part One of this series which discusses the impact of the ACA on tax filing for people
- [ACA 6th Anniversary: Good Riddance!](https://everytexan.org/2016/03/23/aca-6th-anniversary-good-riddance/) - As we reflect on the Affordable Care Act on its 6th anniversary this week, it is easy to point to great new things ushered in by the law – like insurance coverage for 20 million previously uninsured Americans and the largest one-year drop in Texas’ uninsured rate to date. With so much focus on what
- [On the Road Again](https://everytexan.org/2016/03/28/on-the-road-again/) - One of the things I love about my job is the chance to travel around the state and meet Texans committed to helping other Texans reach their full potential. Last week I spent two days in Fort Worth, inspired by the can-do spirit of Cowtown. Leadership Fort Worth sponsored a top-notch gathering of business and
- [Sales Tax Holidays Aren't Good for Texas](https://everytexan.org/2016/04/04/sales-tax-holidays-arent-good-for-texas/) - Last week I presented invited testimony to the Senate Finance Committee about sales tax holidays. Sales tax holidays sound good to consumers, especially in the late summer right before school starts. With a list of school-year needs a mile long, from school supplies to new clothes, hard-working Texas families look for every opportunity to save
- [Place, Race, and Poverty in Dallas](https://everytexan.org/2016/04/13/place-race-and-poverty-in-dallas/) - More than 1.2 million kids live in the Dallas metro area, representing more than one out of every six kids living in Texas. Dallas is a city of both great wealth and poverty, and the data show large differences in children’s health, education and financial security across race and ethnicity. Like many Texas cities, policies
- [Expanding Opportunity for Every Texas Child](https://everytexan.org/2016/04/13/expanding-opportunity-for-every-texas-child/) - As a young girl growing up in Dallas, I remember being glued to the television, awestruck as we watched the first man walk on the moon. I was amazed by that remarkable human achievement, and proud that Americans had come together to solve a challenge many thought was impossible. As a parent, I’ve toured NASA
- [Tax Day: A Celebration of Service](https://everytexan.org/2016/04/18/tax-day-a-celebration-of-service/) - Today marks Tax Day – the deadline by which most Americans file their personal income tax returns. This year we managed to get three extra days to file our taxes thanks to the observance of Emancipation Day in Washington, D.C. on April 15. The hard work of my fellow volunteers in Volunteer Income Tax Assistance
- [What's at Stake in the School Finance Ruling](https://everytexan.org/2016/04/19/whats-at-stake-in-the-school-finance-ruling/) - We’re eagerly awaiting the Texas Supreme Court’s school finance ruling, expected almost any day. It’s a good time to consider what it would take for our school finance system to adequately and equitably fund our public schools so all Texas kids have access to a quality education, no matter where they live or what their
- [The Texas School Finance Challenge and What to Do About It](https://everytexan.org/2016/04/20/the-texas-school-finance-challenge-and-what-to-do-about-it/)
- [“1332 Waivers”: Opportunities for Innovation in Healthcare Coverage with Protections for Consumers](https://everytexan.org/2016/04/21/1332-waivers-opportunities-for-innovation-in-healthcare-coverage-with-protections-for-consumers/) - Although the ACA expands health insurance coverage through Medicaid and the Health Insurance Marketplace, it does not limit states to using only those two options in the future. Starting in 2017, states can seek federal approval of “1332 waivers” (or State Innovation Waivers) that allow states to waive key portions of the Affordable Care Act
- [Maintaining Health Care Status Quo "Not in the Cards" for Texas](https://everytexan.org/2016/04/25/maintaining-health-care-status-quo-not-in-the-cards-for-texas/) - It looks like Texas leaders might be on the clock to get the state's health care system in line with the new way of doing business across the country. For several years, the federal government has sent billions of dollars to Texas and other states to help with the unpaid hospital bills left behind by
- [Closing the Wealth Gap, in Austin and Beyond](https://everytexan.org/2016/04/25/closing-the-wealth-gap-in-austin-and-beyond/) - On Friday, the University of Texas wrapped up the 2015-2016 Opportunity Forum Series, Uniting our Divided City, with a discussion of Austin’s racial wealth divides. Several of our staff attended and were reinforced in our commitment to advancing racial equity as a way to make sure every Texan is healthy, well-educated and financially secure. According
- [Back to Our Roots – the Benedictine Sisters of Boerne](https://everytexan.org/2016/05/02/back-to-our-roots-the-benedictine-sisters-of-boerne/) - Last Tuesday, the CPPP staff carpooled down wildflower-studded back roads to spend the day with our founders, the Benedictine Sisters of Boerne, Texas. It was a journey back to our roots and core values. The Benedictine Sisters in Boerne, founded CPPP in 1985 to advance public policy solutions for expanding access to health care. We
- [Hearing on Surprise Medical Bills May 4](https://everytexan.org/2016/05/03/hearing-on-surprise-medical-bills-may-4/) - On May 4 at 9 a.m. the Senate Business and Commerce Committee will hold an interim hearing to monitor implementation of SB 481 from the 2015 session intended to help protect consumers from surprise medical bills. SB 481 was an important step in the right direction, allowing more Texas consumers to challenge surprise medical bills.
- [1.3 Million Texans Signed Up For Marketplace Coverage](https://everytexan.org/2016/05/04/1-3-million-texans-signed-up-for-marketplace-coverage/) - In March, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) released the final report for the 2016 open enrollment period for the Health Insurance Marketplaces, established by the Affordable Care Act (ACA). This year enrollment in the Marketplace continued to grow with 1.3 million Texans selecting health plans in the Marketplace, 48 percent of
- [Feeding Kids When School Is out for Summer](https://everytexan.org/2016/05/05/feeding-kids-when-school-is-out-for-summer/) - The days are getting hotter in Texas, you can tell that summer is right around the corner. Although many students can’t wait until school lets out for summer, it can be a difficult time for the 2.8 million children who depend on free or reduced school breakfast and lunch. These kids often don’t know when
- [San Antonio Kids: A Glimpse at Texas' Future](https://everytexan.org/2016/05/11/san-antonio-kids-a-glimpse-at-texas-future/) - San Antonio has a rich history that illuminates much of the great cultural diversity of Texas’ past, while giving us a peek into the state’s future. Children living in the eight-county San Antonio metro area are 64 percent Hispanic, 25 percent White, 6 percent Black and 4 percent Asian, multiracial or some other race, which
- [State of Texas Children 2016 Race and Equity in Fort Worth](https://everytexan.org/2016/05/25/state-of-texas-children-2016-race-and-equity-in-fort-worth-2/)
- [Healthy Moms, Healthy Babies](https://everytexan.org/2016/05/25/healthy-moms-healthy-babies/) - When any family is expecting a new baby, the first hope is that the baby is born healthy. Unfortunately several of Texas’ key indicators show that not all children have the same likelihood of reaching these milestones or celebrating their first birthday. This week we’re heading to Fort Worth to release our State of Texas
- [Most Texas Adults with Serious and Chronic Illnesses Do Not Qualify for Medicaid](https://everytexan.org/2016/06/01/most-texas-adults-with-serious-and-chronic-illnesses-do-not-qualify-for-medicaid/)
- [Fort Worth-Area Child Poverty – Historical and Current Policies Mean Wide Disparities across Race, Ethnicity, Gender and Location](https://everytexan.org/2016/05/25/fort-worth-area-child-poverty-historical-and-current-policies-mean-wide-disparities-across-race-ethnicity-gender-and-location/)
- [NEW FACT SHEET:  Most Texas Adults with Serious and Chronic Illnesses Do Not Qualify for Medicaid](https://everytexan.org/2016/06/06/new-fact-sheet-most-texas-adults-with-serious-and-chronic-illnesses-do-not-qualify-for-medicaid/) - Texas Medicaid rules strictly limit which adults can get health coverage, and most adults who can work are ineligible. Most parents whose children get Medicaid cannot get Medicaid themselves (3 million Texas children but fewer than 148,000 parents covered in February 2016). Many Texas adults with serious illnesses and complex chronic conditions (e.g., cancer, MS)
- [Letter to the Texas Health and Human Services Commission regarding Zika](https://everytexan.org/2016/06/20/letter-to-the-texas-health-and-human-services-commission-regarding-zika/)
- [Texas Medicaid Expansion and Coverage Gap Estimates Need Some Updating](https://everytexan.org/2016/06/15/texas-medicaid-expansion-and-coverage-gap-estimates-need-some-updating/) - We get a lot of “numbers” questions: about uninsured Texans, and Texas Medicaid, and about how many could get covered if our state accepted federal dollars allocated to cover our low-income adults. One challenge is that the numbers keep changing over time. This blog post launches our latest updated estimates of the number of uninsured
- [Legislative Testimony- House Higher Education](https://everytexan.org/2016/06/21/legislative-testimony-house-higher-education/)
- [State of Texas Children 2016: Race and Equity in Fort Worth](https://everytexan.org/2016/06/24/state-of-texas-children-2016-race-and-equity-in-fort-worth/)
- [State of Texas Children 2016: Race and Equity in San Antonio](https://everytexan.org/2016/06/23/state-of-texas-children-2016-race-and-equity-in-san-antonio/)
- [Texas Must Get Serious about Workforce Development](https://everytexan.org/2016/06/29/texas-must-get-serious-about-workforce-development/) - If Texas wants to remain one of the top states for business growth and job creation, then we must get serious about workforce development. We currently rank 40th in the nation with only 35 percent of adults attaining a postsecondary degree, compared to 41 percent nationally. And we trail every state except California in the percent
- [State of Texas Children 2016: Race and Equity in Dallas](https://everytexan.org/2016/06/24/state-of-texas-children-2016-race-and-equity-in-dallas/)
- [Free Meals for All Students through the Community Eligibility Provision](https://everytexan.org/2016/06/30/free-meals-for-all-students-through-the-community-eligibility-provision/) - Kids and parents might be focused on summer fun right now, but school leaders are busy making plans for how to make next school year a success. That’s where the Community Eligibility Provision (CEP) can help. Through CEP, high-need schools can provide all of their students with free meals—both breakfast and lunch—without having to collect
- [Zika is Coming – Let's Be Sure All Texans Have Access to Preventive Measures](https://everytexan.org/2016/06/30/zika-is-coming-lets-be-sure-all-texans-have-access-to-preventive-measures/) - Written by CPPP Health and Wellness Intern Julia Von Alexander Currently there have been 49 recorded cases of people with Zika virus in Texas, almost all acquired from foreign travel. But experts believe that mosquitos carrying Zika will come to the Gulf Coast soon. While Texas has started a campaign telling people to protect themselves
- [How Business Leaders Can Help Employees Build Financial Stability](https://everytexan.org/2016/07/07/how-business-leaders-can-help-employees-build-financial-stability/) - In Texas, we pride ourselves on working hard and being self-sufficient. However, we have not done enough to correct the fact that too many Texans are stuck in low quality jobs that make self-sufficiency all but impossible. Specifically, 2.4 million Texas workers (26 percent of all private sector jobs) earn less than $11.62 an hour
- [Are You Ready for Texas Budget Season? An Infographic](https://everytexan.org/2016/07/06/are-you-ready-for-texas-budget-season-an-infographic/) - If you're a budget analyst like me, the summer before the Legislature meets is as exciting as watching a rodeo rider get ready for what's always a wild ride. Even if you're not a budget analyst, it's worth paying attention to how and where Texas lawmakers decide to invest the state and federal money that
- [CPPP Welcomes New Directors of Development and Finance](https://everytexan.org/2016/07/11/cppp-welcomes-new-directors-of-development-and-finance/) - The Center for Public Policy Priorities is pleased to announce that two experienced leaders have joined our staff to help make Texas the best state for hard-working people and their families. Nick Canedo is the new Director of Development. A native of San Antonio, Nick spent the last 11 years in New York City. Much
- [When Debating School Finance, Don't Leave out Pre-K](https://everytexan.org/2016/07/20/when-debating-school-finance-dont-leave-out-pre-k/) - One of the most effective ways we can help kids compete and succeed in life is to make sure they are ready to start Kindergarten. Research has shown positive results from the state-supported Pre-K program, yet Texas regularly receives low marks for quality in the National Institute for Early Education Research’s (NIEER) annual State of
- [Legacy Luncheon Honoring Senator Lloyd and B.A. Bentsen](https://everytexan.org/2016/07/25/legacy-luncheon-honoring-senator-lloyd-and-b-a-bentsen/) - Join us on Tuesday, October 4 to honor Senator Lloyd and B.A. Bentsen as our 2016 Texas Legacy honorees! Just announced: we’ll have Robert Rubin delivering a keynote address. Senator Bentsen was a man of remarkable courage, wisdom, and civility who set the highest standard for public service as Secretary of the Treasury. He
- [Get Your Tickets: 2016 William P. Hobby DARE TEXAS Summit](https://everytexan.org/2016/08/01/get-your-tickets-2016-william-p-hobby-dare-texas-summit/) - Registration for the 2016 DARE TEXAS Summit is now open! Named for former Texas Lt. Governor William P. Hobby, Jr., the two-day event will bring together over 300 advocates, leaders, policy experts and visionaries representing the diverse voices and faces of Texas. We’re uniting Capitol insiders with local leaders from across the state, all working
- [Keeping Kids with Family: How Texas Can Support Kinship Caregivers](https://everytexan.org/2016/08/02/keeping-kids-with-family-how-texas-can-support-kinship-caregivers/) - This week CPPP released Keeping Kids with Family: How Texas Can Financially Support Kinship Caregivers, a new brief that explains who kinship caregivers are and what the Texas Legislature can do to support these family members and friends who have stepped up to provide homes for children whose parents cannot care for them. These "kinship
- [From Texas to Brexit and Back](https://everytexan.org/2016/08/03/from-texas-to-brexit-and-back/) - I’ve spent my summer working at the CPPP office helping communicate our vision. In between interim planning and Kids Count events, I had the chance to take two weeks off and fly to England for a two-week global media policy summit at the University of Oxford. My experience moving from the state and local
- [HB 4 and High Quality Pre-K](https://everytexan.org/2016/08/16/hb-4-and-high-quality-pre-k/) - We believe helping kids start school ready to learn is one of the best ways to ensure all Texans have the chance to compete and succeed in life. While passage of HB 4 last session was a step in the right direction, it did not go far enough in terms of improving Pre-K quality and
- [It's #WonkOlympics Time!](https://everytexan.org/2016/08/23/its-wonkolympics-time/) - Thanks to everyone who watched #WonkOlympics this year! Now it's time for us to gear up for our own Olympics: next year's Legislative session. Will the copiers be ready? Will the Excel formulas work in time? How many pies are needed to explain property taxes this upcoming legislative session? Our wonks worked hard training to
- [Fewer Insurers in the Marketplace: What it Means for Texas](https://everytexan.org/2016/08/19/fewer-insurers-in-the-marketplace-what-it-means-for-texas/) - Several insurers have announced plans to withdraw from the Marketplace in 2017, both in Texas and nationally. Aetna, United Healthcare, and Scott and White have each announced that they will not offer plans on the Texas Marketplace in 2017. Humana has indicated that it will exit some state Marketplaces, participating in 11 states in 2017
- [Remembering Nelda Laney](https://everytexan.org/2016/08/25/remembering-nelda-laney/) - CPPP mourns the death of Nelda Laney, wife of former Texas Speaker of the House Pete Laney. The Laneys have been long-time supporters of CPPP and together made major strides to improve our great state. CPPP honored Pete Laney with our Texas Legacy Award in 2007. Throughout Mrs. Laney's life, she was a champion for
- [Health Advocates Deliver Detailed Response to Senators’ Comments on Health Coverage](https://everytexan.org/2016/09/01/health-advocates-deliver-detailed-response-to-senators-comments-on-health-coverage/) - This post originally appeared on Texas Well and Healthy. A Texas Senate Committee travelling the state to discuss property tax reform is hearing loud and clear that accepting Medicaid expansion funding should be part of their strategy, and now they’ve received a response to many of the questions and comments they’ve offered during those hearings. Medicaid expansion
- [Now Look How Many States Have Stopped Surprise Medical Bills](https://everytexan.org/2016/09/02/now-look-how-many-states-have-stopped-surprise-medical-bills/) - If you go to a hospital that is in your insurance company’s network, you can assume you’ll only get in-network medical bills, right? That is now true in four of the five largest U.S. states, but not here in Texas. This week California passed Assembly Bill 72, a strong bill that protects California patients from
- [Chipping Away at Food Insecurity in Texas](https://everytexan.org/2016/09/12/chipping-away-at-food-insecurity-in-texas/) - Last week the United States Department of Agriculture released its Household Food Security in the United States in 2015 report. This annual report highlights the disturbingly high rate of Texans who struggle to afford enough food for a healthy diet. This year’s report actually shows some good news. The end of the recession and the
- [Despite Progress, Refusal to Expand Medicaid Keeps Texas the State with Most Uninsured Residents](https://everytexan.org/2016/09/13/despite-progress-refusal-to-expand-medicaid-keeps-texas-the-state-with-most-uninsured-residents/) - Thanks to the Affordable Care Act (ACA), the number of Texans without health insurance continues to decline. Over 432,000 fewer Texans were uninsured in 2015 than in 2014. But despite the progress, Texas still has both the largest number (4.6 million) and percentage (17.1) of uninsured residents in the country. Today's release of the Current
- [A New Advocate at CPPP](https://everytexan.org/2016/09/07/a-new-advocate-at-cppp/) - Hello! I'm excited to join the Health and Wellness team at CPPP as the organization's first Hogg Foundation Mental Health Policy Fellow. I am a native of Monterrey, Mexico. I moved to Austin in 2010 to attend the University of Texas at Austin, and this past May I graduated with a Master of Public Affairs
- [Consumer Financial Protection Bureau Director Announces New Financial Education Resources in Dallas](https://everytexan.org/2016/09/16/consumer-financial-protection-bureau-director-announces-new-financial-education-resources-in-dallas/) - I was thrilled to attend the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau’s (CFPB) first town hall meeting on financial education in Dallas on September 7, co-hosted by Texas Appleseed. At the event, CFPB Director Richard Cordray shared findings from the Bureau’s new report, “Building Blocks to Help Youth Achieve Financial Capability.” At the meeting, a variety of
- [Salaries Increase, but More Texans Still Living in Poverty Than before the Recession](https://everytexan.org/2016/09/15/salaries-increase-but-more-texans-still-living-in-poverty-than-before-the-recession/) - The median Texas household income increased by $2,555 last year according to new data from the Census Bureau. The data also show that fewer Texans are living in poverty, although overall incomes and poverty levels need improvement to ensure long-term economic growth for all Texans. These changes are welcome news and mirror similar improvements for low-income
- [Cost of Diapers is a Challenge to Low-Income Families](https://everytexan.org/2016/09/22/cost-of-diapers-is-a-challenge-to-low-income-families/) - The week of September 26 – October 2 will be Diaper Need Awareness Week. In short, diapers are expensive and low-income families are struggling to pay for them. In fact, 1 in 3 families in the United States struggles with diaper need. The Austin Diaper Bank estimates that families can spend around $100 per month
- [Let's Renovate Our School Finance System](https://everytexan.org/2016/09/26/lets-renovate-our-school-finance-system/) - Maintaining an old house is hard work. Everyone knows that for a home to retain its value and run efficiently it needs periodic repairs and updates. Our school finance system, in many ways, is similar to an old house that has fallen into disrepair. More than 30 years of legal challenges and legislative adjustments have
- [CPPP Welcomes New Board Members Andrade, Janda and Keffer](https://everytexan.org/2016/10/04/cppp-welcomes-new-board-members-andrade-janda-and-keffer/) - The Center for Public Policy Priorities has added three members to its board of directors: Former Texas Secretary of State Hope Andrade, prominent health care advocate and business leader Ken Janda, and outgoing Texas Representative Jim Keffer (R-Eastland). CPPP's important work is made possible by the leadership of our board of directors, who volunteer their
- [CPPP Comments on Rules to Support Access to Highly Qualified Family Planning Providers in the Federal Title X Program](https://everytexan.org/2016/10/12/cppp-comments-on-rules-to-support-access-to-highly-qualified-family-planning-providers-in-the-federal-title-x-program/) - Title X, the only dedicated source of federal funding for family planning, plays an essential role in proving access to preventive health care in Texas and the nation. The Center for Public Policy Priorities strongly supports the Office of Population Affair's efforts to clarify and reinforce the longstanding requirement that health care providers not be
- [Help Uninsured Texans Go to the Capitol to Fight for Health Coverage](https://everytexan.org/2016/10/28/help-uninsured-texans-go-to-the-capitol-to-fight-for-health-coverage/) - This post is courtesy of Texas Well and Healthy. We’re excited to help launch a new campaign to give YOU another way to stand up for uninsured Texans! Right now in Texas, there are moms who have cancer but can’t get the treatment they need. Dads who can’t pay for their depression medication. Child care
- [Changes for Open Enrollment 2017: What You've Heard and What it Means](https://everytexan.org/2016/10/24/changes-for-open-enrollment-2017-what-youve-heard-and-what-it-means/) - This post was written by Stacey Pogue and Melissa McChesney and it's the first post of several in our Countdown to Coverage series. We're kicking off our annual blog series leading into the fourth open enrollment, the period when people can up for health insurance through the Affordable Care Act Marketplace. It's important to first identify
- [What is a Surprise Medical Bill? (Infographic)](https://everytexan.org/2016/11/13/what-is-a-surprise-medical-bill-infographic/)
- [What's Next for the Affordable Care Act?](https://everytexan.org/2016/11/11/whats-next-for-the-affordable-care-act/) - Given the results of the national election, we know that many people concerned with Texans' access to quality health coverage under the Affordable Care Act are uncertain about the future availability of coverage. It's too early to predict what policy changes Texas and the rest of the country might see, but here are some things
- [This Veterans Day, Let's Look at How Many Vets Lack Health Care](https://everytexan.org/2016/11/02/this-veterans-day-lets-look-at-how-many-vets-lack-health-care/) - This post was written by Kamia Rathore and it's our second post in our Countdown to Coverage series. Since the Affordable Care Act (ACA) went into effect, the number of uninsured veterans has dropped nationally. This trend has filtered down to Texas, but our state still has about 72,000 veterans who lack insurance—meaning Texas has the highest
- [Lessons from School-Based Children’s Savings for College Programs in Texas](https://everytexan.org/2016/12/06/lessons-from-school-based-childrens-savings-for-college-programs-in-texas/) - Children’s Savings Accounts (CSAs) for College offer a promising strategy to get more Texas students to college and help students and parents build financial skills. CPPP and RAISE Texas have made several advances over the past five years to develop a model to expand access to CSAs, particularly in kindergarten through 8th grade alongside Texas’
- [Equal Treatment for Mental Health Needs](https://everytexan.org/2016/12/09/equal-treatment-for-mental-health-needs/) - Over the next few months, I’ll be writing about "mental health parity." This first post explains what “parity” is. Future posts will look at ongoing mental health parity issues and the intersection with the Affordable Care Act (ACA)—including how efforts to repeal or replace the ACA could weaken today’s parity rules. The idea behind mental
- [Texas Has a Lot to Lose with a Full ACA Repeal](https://everytexan.org/2016/12/08/texas-has-a-lot-to-lose-with-a-full-aca-repeal/) - This post was written by Melissa McChesney and it’s the third post in our Countdown to Coverage series. Since the ACA was implemented, Texas has seen historic reductions in the number of uninsured in our state. From 2013 to 2015, the uninsured rate in Texas dropped a total of 5 percentage points, with 1.1 million fewer uninsured
- [United Way's Pathways to Work Initiative](https://everytexan.org/2016/12/12/united-ways-pathways-to-work-initiative/) - CPPP Director of Economic Opportunity Garrett Groves presented to the United Way of Metropolitan Dallas quarterly funders' forum. Garrett provided a community profile of the Dallas-Fort Worth region on changing demographic and economic trends. The presentation focused in particular on building regional talent pipelines to help address the shrinking middle class in Texas. The event
- [New Report: Income Inequality Especially Bad in Texas](https://everytexan.org/2016/12/15/new-report-income-inequality-especially-bad-in-texas/) - Texas is among the states with the highest income inequality, according to a new report from the Center on Budget and Policy Priorities. Texas ranks 10th in the country, with its richest residents— the top five percent of households— having average incomes 15 times as large as the bottom 20 percent of households and five
- [Groups Urge State Leaders to Protect Health Care for All Texans](https://everytexan.org/2016/12/22/groups-urge-state-leaders-to-protect-health-care-for-all-texans/) - Earlier this month, leaders from the U.S. House of Representatives sent a letter to all governors and state insurance commissioners requesting input on potential changes to the Affordable Care Act (ACA) and Medicaid. The U.S. Senate Committee on Finance sent a separate letter seeking similar input to members of the Republican Governor’s Association. As Congress
- [Gearing Up for the Texas Revenue Estimate](https://everytexan.org/2017/01/05/gearing-up-for-the-texas-revenue-estimate/) - On Monday, January 9, State Comptroller Glenn Hegar will issue the revenue estimate for 2018-19, as well as update legislators on 2016-17 state revenue collections. This key stage in the budget cycle is when state officials find out how much will be available to invest in schools, higher education, health care, and other services through
- [Affordable Care Act Repeal Would Mean Less Mental Health Coverage](https://everytexan.org/2017/01/09/affordable-care-act-repeal-would-mean-less-mental-health-coverage/) - In media coverage about what a full Affordable Care Act (ACA) repeal would mean for Americans, the focus is usually on two main topics: insurance companies not being able to deny anyone with a pre-existing condition coverage, and young adults may stay covered on their parents’ insurance until they reach age 26. While those are
- [Poverty and Income in Texas- Findings from the 2015 American Community Survey](https://everytexan.org/2017/01/12/poverty-and-income-in-texas-findings-from-the-2015-american-community-survey/)
- [Why the Texas Middle Class Is Shrinking](https://everytexan.org/2017/01/18/why-the-texas-middle-class-is-shrinking/) - Report shows keys to reducing wage disparities and promoting economic growth Over the past 30 years, the largest share of jobs at the center of the U.S. economy – known as "middle-skill jobs" – have been declining according to a report released today from the Federal Reserve Bank of Dallas and the Center for Public
- [Put on the Brakes, Congress! The Damage in Texas if Congress Repeals the Affordable Care Act without an Immediate Replacement](https://everytexan.org/2017/01/23/put-on-the-brakes-congress-the-damage-in-texas-if-congress-repeals-the-affordable-care-act-without-an-immediate-replacement/)
- [A Dangerous Sign for Legislative Transparency](https://everytexan.org/2017/01/23/a-dangerous-sign-for-legislative-transparency/) - Update, 2/1/2017: The Legislative Budget Board's GEER staff report is out. Read it here. Today at a Senate Finance Committee Hearing, Legislative Budget Board Director Ursula Parks stated that Lt. Governor Dan Patrick had instructed the LBB not to release the Government Effectiveness and Efficiency Report (GEER) this year. The 2015 GEER was full of
- [Here's What to Look for in Today's Budget Bills](https://everytexan.org/2017/01/18/heres-what-to-look-for-in-todays-budget-bills/) - Here's what we know so far Today, the Senate and House released starting-point budgets for education, health care, and other state-funded services in 2018 and 2019. Each legislative chamber will hold public hearings on the proposals (SB 1 and HB 1) and “mark up” their respective drafts for full Senate and House approval. Then, before
- [Texas Senate Budget Proposal Is Worse Than You Think](https://everytexan.org/2017/01/23/texas-senate-budget-proposal-is-worse-than-you-think/) - On January 24, the Texas Senate Finance Committee will hear invited and public testimony on its 2018 and 2019 budget proposals for the Texas Education Agency, Teacher Retirement System, and other public school and higher education services that receive state funding. Public testimony on health and human services is scheduled for Tuesday, January 31. These
- [High-Stakes Health Care - Essentials on the Affordable Care Act, Medicaid and CHIP in a Trump Administration](https://everytexan.org/2017/01/26/high-stakes-health-care-essentials-on-the-affordable-care-act-medicaid-and-chip-in-a-trump-administration/)
- [How an ACA Repeal Would Harm Texans](https://everytexan.org/2017/01/26/how-an-aca-repeal-would-harm-texans/) - With the Affordable Care Act (ACA) Open Enrollment deadline just one week away, it’s important to outline how important the landmark health law has been for Texans. Over 1.1 million Texans have selected plans in the health insurance Marketplace so far, with 27 percent of them being new to the Marketplace this year. In our
- [Good News on Mental Health in Texas](https://everytexan.org/2017/01/24/good-news-on-mental-health-in-texas/) - Building on the state’s recent progress in mental health capacity and quality is a top priority for lawmakers this Legislative Session, as identified in the interim report by the House Select Committee on Mental Health. CPPP is pleased to see this comprehensive and timely report. The report provides a detailed review of eight public hearings
- [A Texas-Sized Problem- How to Limit Out-of-Control Surprise Medical Billing Feb. 2017](https://everytexan.org/2017/02/01/a-texas-sized-problem-how-to-limit-out-of-control-surprise-medical-billing-feb-2017/)
- [Testimony- Senate Finance Committee -- Potential impact of a TANF kinship subsidy carve-out program in Texas](https://everytexan.org/2017/01/31/testimony-senate-finance-committee-potential-impact-of-a-tanf-kinship-subsidy-carve-out-program-in-texas/)
- [When Does Texas Senate’s Deep Medicaid “Under-Funding” Become a “Cut”?](https://everytexan.org/2017/01/30/when-does-texas-senates-deep-medicaid-under-funding-become-a-cut/) - This week CPPP joins dozens of other Texans—individuals and organizations—to testify on the Texas Senate’s current state budget proposal, Senate Bill 1. As our testimony details, we are alarmed by several key Senate budget proposals related to Medicaid: Not fully funding Medicaid in the final month(s) of the 2016-2017 budget, denying $1.2 billion in general
- [How the Texas Education Commissioner Decided to Give $100 Million to Rich Homeowners in Rich School Districts- The effect of the local option homestead exemption](https://everytexan.org/2017/02/01/how-the-texas-education-commissioner-decided-to-give-100-million-to-rich-homeowners-in-rich-school-districts-the-effect-of-the-local-option-homestead-exemption/)
- [Texas Biennial Budget Cycle](https://everytexan.org/2017/02/07/texas-biennial-budget-cycle/)
- [State Higher Education Agency Recommends Implementing Off-Campus Work-Study Pilot Program](https://everytexan.org/2017/02/02/state-higher-education-agency-recommends-implementing-off-campus-work-study-pilot-program/) - Connecting Students with Jobs: CPPP Supports State Higher Education Agency’s Recommendation to Implement Off-Campus Work-Study Pilot Program The Texas economy depends on a skilled workforce—and off-campus work-study positions are a neglected tool in Texas’ higher education system that we could use more broadly to provide career-relevant work experience for students and newly trained skilled talent
- [Public Testimony in Support of House Bill 10](https://everytexan.org/2017/02/08/public-testimony-in-support-of-house-bill-10/)
- [It's Time to Address the Shrinking Middle Class in Texas](https://everytexan.org/2017/02/13/its-time-to-address-the-shrinking-middle-class-in-texas/)
- [It's Time to Renovate Our School Finance System](https://everytexan.org/2017/02/13/its-time-to-renovate-our-school-finance-system/)
- [How Texas Education Chief Gave $100 Million to Rich Homeowners](https://everytexan.org/2017/02/17/how-texas-education-chief-gave-100-million-to-rich-homeowners/) - Recently the Texas Education Commissioner changed the interpretation of a long-standing statue in order to give $100 million to wealthy homeowners in wealthy school districts. KEY TAKEAWAYS: *It's understandable that school districts have concerns about the underfunding of the Texas public school finance system and want state leaders to make changes. *But a sudden, under-the-radar
- [Important Mental Health Bills Would Assure Access to Mental Health and Substance Use Disorder Services](https://everytexan.org/2017/02/15/important-mental-health-bills-would-assure-access-to-mental-health-and-substance-use-disorder-services/) - Texans in need of mental health and substance use disorder (MH/SUD) care too often experience barriers to assistance because insurance companies fail to comply with mental health parity laws. Mental health parity means that insurance benefits for mental health and substance use disorder (MH/SUD) care are equal to coverage for physical health care. For example,
- [Checking in on Pre-K and the 2017 Texas Legislature](https://everytexan.org/2017/02/17/checking-in-on-pre-k-and-the-2017-texas-legislature/) - As Texas Senate and House committee hearings pick up, it's worth checking in on early childhood education, specifically Pre-K. Helping kids start school ready to learn is one of the best ways to ensure all Texans have the chance to compete and succeed in life. Investing in Pre-K also means significant short and long-term returns
- [New Report Shows Only a Tiny Fraction of Texas Patients Helped with Surprise Bills](https://everytexan.org/2017/02/22/new-report-shows-only-a-tiny-fraction-of-texas-patients-helped-with-surprise-bills/) - Today, we released a new report, video, and fact sheets on surprise medical bills. Surprise medical bills happen when insurers and doctors or other health care providers--fighting over prices-- jointly pass the buck to a patient, who received out-of-network health care unknowingly. Surprise billing is especially common in an emergency--when sick or injured patients must
- [Congress’ Latest ACA “Replacement” Plan Falls Far Short](https://everytexan.org/2017/03/01/congress-latest-aca-replacement-plan-falls-far-short/) - Congressional Republicans are reportedly adding to an initial plan to repeal and “replace” the Affordable Care Act ("ACA" or Obamacare), which will result in fewer people being able to afford insurance—especially low- and moderate-income individuals—and insurance plans that cover less. The plan certainly fails to live up to President Trump’s vow that the ACA replacement
- [Congressional Medicaid Proposals Would Mean Big Cuts to Medicaid, Higher Costs for Texas](https://everytexan.org/2017/03/03/congressional-medicaid-proposals-would-mean-big-cuts-to-medicaid-higher-costs-for-texas/) - As CPPP's Stacey Pogue recently explained, U.S. House leaders are expected to file legislation within days that will begin to repeal and “replace” the Affordable Care Act ("ACA" or Obamacare). Based on an outline made public in February, the bill is expected to result in fewer people being able to afford insurance—especially low- and moderate-income
- [Immigrants Drive the Texas Economy](https://everytexan.org/2017/03/02/immigrants-drive-the-texas-economy-2/) - Texas has a strong tradition of embracing immigrant culture, and immigrants have played a leading role in our state’s economic success. In the current environment of hostility toward refugees and immigrants, CPPP’s new fact sheet is an important reminder that Immigrants Drive the Texas Economy. One out of every six Texans is an immigrant, and
- [Medicaid Block Grants – by Any Name – Would Mean Massive Cuts, Costs Shifted to Texas](https://everytexan.org/2017/03/03/medicaid-block-grants-by-any-name-would-mean-massive-cuts-costs-shifted-to-texas/)
- [Hopeful Legislation Could Help Address Our Texas-Sized Surprise Medical Billing Problem](https://everytexan.org/2017/03/08/hopeful-legislation-could-help-address-our-texas-sized-surprise-medical-billing-problem/) - Surprise medical bills happen when insurers and doctors or other health care providers – fighting over prices – jointly pass the buck to a patient, who received out-of-network health care unknowingly. Texas technically has a “mediation” system for surprise medical bills but the hurdles patients must overcome just to get in the door, prevent most
- [Honoring Women through Common-Sense Policies](https://everytexan.org/2017/03/07/honoring-women-through-common-sense-policies/) - On March 8 we observe International Women’s Day, which “celebrates the social, economic, cultural, and political achievement of women.” Why am I telling you this? First, I have to acknowledge that as a woman with a daughter who comes from a family of all daughters, I think that the idea of International Women’s Day is
- [TOO MANY TEXAS STUDENTS GET STUCK IN THE MIDDLE GRADES](https://everytexan.org/2017/03/09/too-many-texas-students-get-stuck-in-the-middle-grades/)
- [VIDEO: What Does the Congressional Health Care Proposal Mean for Texas?](https://everytexan.org/2017/03/09/video-what-does-the-congressional-health-care-proposal-mean-for-texas/) - By Anne Dunkelberg This week I joined CPPP Senior Policy Analyst Stacey Pogue for a Facebook Live discussion about what Congressional health care proposals might mean for Texas. You can watch a recording of the discussion here. Overall: The most distressing part of the Congressional plan is that it doesn’t provide a pathway to reach
- [House Public Education Committee Takes on School Finance Reform with HB 21](https://everytexan.org/2017/03/09/house-public-education-committee-takes-on-school-finance-reform-with-hb-21/) - You can print out a copy of this post as a 2-pager here. Delivering on their promise to address the minimally constitutional school finance system this session, the House Public Education Committee heard HB 21 by Chairman Dan Huberty. HB 21 is a good first step toward improving the school finance system because it aims
- [STUCK IN THE MIDDLE GRADES](https://everytexan.org/2017/03/09/stuck-in-the-middle-grades/)
- [Tweens at Risk of Dropping out before High School](https://everytexan.org/2017/03/10/tweens-at-risk-of-dropping-out-before-high-school/) - Texas students in grades four through eight (known as "the middle grades") are considered at-risk in the education pipeline. These "tweens" are at a make or break period for determining future academic success. Research has shown that students who are not proficient in reading by the beginning of fourth grade are four times more likely
- [Anti-Immigrant Policies Are Bad for Texas](https://everytexan.org/2017/03/14/anti-immigrant-policies-are-bad-for-texas/) - To create a Texas where everyone is healthy, well-educated, and financially secure, CPPP believes our state should provide pathways to opportunity for all immigrants – not put up barriers to their productive participation in our shared economy and society. This week the House State Affairs Committee will hear public testimony on SB 4. The House
- [Congressional Health Scheme Would Cause 24 Million in U.S. to Lose Insurance](https://everytexan.org/2017/03/16/congressional-health-scheme-would-cause-24-million-in-u-s-to-lose-insurance/) - This week the non-partisan Congressional Budget Office (CBO) released its official cost estimates of the House Republican’s health plan, the American Health Care Act (AHCA). The CBO is the non-partisan office that provides Congress with budget-related information, including cost estimates for proposed bills. The CBO’s report shows the bill will be devastating: 24 million fewer
- [Increasing Access to Mental Health Peer Support Services](https://everytexan.org/2017/03/17/increasing-access-to-mental-health-peer-support-services/) - House Bill 1486, sponsored by Chairman Four Price, has been referred to the House Committee on Public Health on March 21. The common-sense proposal would give more access to peer support services to Texans in need of mental health and substance use disorder services. Mental health peer support is a cost-effective, evidence-based practice in which
- [Repeal Bill Threatens Texas Medicaid](https://everytexan.org/2017/03/21/repeal-bill-threatens-texas-medicaid/) - Last week’s Congressional Budget Office (CBO) official “score” for the House’s ACA Repeal bill found that it would cut Medicaid spending by 880 billion over 10 years, with 14 million fewer Americans receiving Medicaid coverage in 2026 than under current federal law. The bill also slashes today’s tax credit subsidies for health insurance by 44%,
- [It’s Getting Harder to Find a Job that Pays the Cost of Living in Texas](https://everytexan.org/2017/03/20/its-getting-harder-to-find-a-job-that-pays-the-cost-of-living-in-texas/) - As Texans, we pride ourselves on working hard and being self-sufficient. But too few workers are able to earn enough to support themselves and their families. From 1979 to 2014, the share of low-wage jobs grew by 15.5 percent in Texas. At the same time, the share of jobs that paid middle wages dropped more
- [Repeal Bill Threatens Texas Medicaid updated](https://everytexan.org/2017/03/21/repeal-bill-threatens-texas-medicaid-updated/)
- [SB 17: A Time Bomb That Could Blow Up Future State Budgets](https://everytexan.org/2017/03/21/sb-17-a-time-bomb-that-could-blow-up-future-state-budgets/) - The Texas Senate may vote as early as Tuesday, March 21 on an alarming bill that would automatically lock in future revenue cuts, without regard to budget needs. SB 17, sponsored by Sen. Jane Nelson, would cut the rate of the franchise tax if the comptroller’s biennial revenue estimate showed that general revenue related funds
- [College Affordability The State is Failing Students and Families](https://everytexan.org/2017/03/21/college-affordability-the-state-is-failing-students-and-families/)
- [First Look -- Senate Budget Update Improves Health, Higher Ed. Funding](https://everytexan.org/2017/03/22/first-look-senate-budget-update-improves-health-higher-ed-funding/) - Stay tuned over the next several days for more analysis and reaction to Texas Senate and House budget proposals and revisions. Today the Senate Finance Committee approved its substitute for the Senate budget proposal (Senate Bill 1), the General Appropriations Act for 2018 and 2019. Total spending proposed for the next budget cycle in SB 1
- [Impact of ACA Repeal and Replace Legislation on Mental Health](https://everytexan.org/2017/03/22/impact-of-aca-repeal-and-replace-legislation-on-mental-health/) - In December 2016 Congress delivered on a long-standing promise to overhaul the country’s mental health system by passing the 21st Century Cures Act, an achievement that Speaker Paul Ryan called “the most significant reform in a decade.”[1] The Act authorized treatment and prevention programs and created a new Assistant Secretary for mental health at the
- [Texas Children in Immigrant Families- Five things to know about race, ethnicity and immigration status](https://everytexan.org/2017/03/22/texas-children-in-immigrant-families-five-things-to-know-about-race-ethnicity-and-immigration-status/)
- [Texas Children in Immigrant Families: Five Things to Know](https://everytexan.org/2017/03/23/texas-children-in-immigrant-families-five-things-to-know/) - As the state’s economy and population grow, the future of Texas depends on the health, education and financial security of all our children. But we cannot raise the bar for all kids if we don’t look specifically at how children of color are faring and how our public policies impact the 2.4 million children of
- [Senate Bill 9 [Population/Inflation spending cap]- Opposed](https://everytexan.org/2017/03/27/senate-bill-9-population-inflation-spending-cap-opposed/)
- [House Budget Proposals: Using Rainy Day Fund Critical to Health Care & Education](https://everytexan.org/2017/03/24/house-budget-proposals-using-rainy-day-fund-critical-to-health-care-education/) - There’s only one thing the Legislature has to do before leaving Austin: pass a budget. The Senate budget proposal (SB 1) is out of committee and headed to the full Senate for a vote. The House proposal (HB 1) is almost out of committee. Together they will eventually become the General Appropriations Act for 2018-2019,
- [Big Week for the Budget](https://everytexan.org/2017/03/27/big-week-for-the-budget/) - Last week the Senate Finance Committee approved an updated $218 billion budget proposal for 2018-2019, and the full Senate will vote on it this week. Overall, the Senate budget proposal is troubling and should concern all Texans. Yes, SB 1 includes several improvements over the budget proposal as originally filed, especially as it relates to
- [Medicaid Funding: Like Senate, House Committee Budget Raises Unanswered Questions](https://everytexan.org/2017/04/03/medicaid-funding-like-senate-house-committee-budget-raises-unanswered-questions/) - The House Committee on Appropriations approved its budget proposal on March 29, and a floor vote by the full House is set for April 6. The bill will, as usual, undergo some additional amendments on the House floor. Let's explore some key Medicaid and Children's Health Insurance Program (CHIP) provisions in the House Committee bill.
- [10 Things to Know about the Texas House Budget Proposal](https://everytexan.org/2017/04/03/10-things-to-know-about-the-texas-house-budget-proposal/) - View online at cppp.org On April 6 the Texas House will debate and consider amendments to its 2018-2019 state budget proposal. It’s one of the most important days of the legislative cycle, as decisions can determine the fate of public education, health care and other key programs Texans rely on. Ahead of Thursday’s debate, here
- [Tuition Cap, Ending Set-Asides Won't Help Students Afford College](https://everytexan.org/2017/04/04/tuition-cap-ending-set-asides-wont-help-students-afford-college/) - The Texas Senate has approved two bills that fail to address the state role in making college affordable for Texas students. While capping tuition may seem like an easy solution to the rising cost of college tuition in Texas, in reality, this Band-Aid would not address one of the key drivers of rising costs –
- [The Ups and Downs of School Finance: Protecting the Floor While Raising the Ceiling](https://everytexan.org/2017/04/04/the-ups-and-downs-of-school-finance-protecting-the-floor-while-raising-the-ceiling/) - CPPP Recommendation: Increase the basic allotment floor to $5,200 to absorb funding elements eliminated in HB 21. The House Public Education Committee recently passed HB 21, which takes the first step in making needed improvement to the school finance system. The bill removes some outdated and inefficient elements in the system while also adding additional
- [Administration, Congress Considering More Damaging New Twist on ACA Repeal: Texas Implications](https://everytexan.org/2017/04/05/administration-congress-considering-more-damaging-new-twist-on-aca-repeal-texas-implications/) - Media reports indicate that President Trump and Congressional Republicans are working to revive their bill to repeal the Affordable Care Act (ACA) with the same harmful provisions plus two new ones. States would be able to opt out of “essential health benefits” and the requirement that health plans not charge people more because they are
- [Eliminating SNAP's Asset Test Helps Families Earn and Save](https://everytexan.org/2017/04/10/eliminating-snaps-asset-test-helps-families-earn-and-save/) - The Texas Legislature recently heard testimony on HB 1533, to modify state rules for non-exempt resources and assets that determine household eligibility for SNAP. This blog post lays out how removing the current asset test helps Texas families achieve financial stability. The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), formerly known as the food stamp program, is the largest
- [A Recap of the Texas House Budget](https://everytexan.org/2017/04/07/a-recap-of-the-texas-house-budget/) - Corrected April 12, 2017 After 15 hours of amendments and debate, the Texas House of Representatives passed its $218 billion state budget proposal for 2018-2019. Much less noticed: the House – unlike the Senate – sensibly recognized and approved in House Bill 2 paying for $2.6 billion (in state and federal funds) in Medicaid bills
- [Testimony Opposed to HB 3634 Texas Medicaid 1115 Waiver](https://everytexan.org/2017/04/18/testimony-opposed-to-hb-3634-texas-medicaid-1115-waiver/)
- [Promising School Finance Bills Advance in Texas House](https://everytexan.org/2017/04/17/promising-school-finance-bills-advance-in-texas-house/) - This post was updated on August 8th, 2017. The first major pieces of Texas school finance legislation this special session have passed the House and are on their way to the Senate. On Monday the House passed HB 21 and HB 30. Sponsored by House Public Education Committee Chairman Dan Huberty, HB 21 has many
- [How the ACA Fights the Opioid Epidemic](https://everytexan.org/2017/04/19/how-the-aca-fights-the-opioid-epidemic/) - Every day, on average, 78 Americans die from opioid abuse.[1] But did you know that the Affordable Care Act (ACA/Obamacare) has been the key way that states have developed tools to fight the opioid epidemic across America? The ACA’s expansion of healthcare coverage—including benefits for prevention, treatment and harm reduction—continues to help lessen the epidemic and save lives.
- [Testimony on SB 764 – Senate Finance - Comptroller study on costs/benefits of unauthorized immigration](https://everytexan.org/2017/04/24/testimony-on-sb-764-senate-finance-comptroller-study-on-costs-benefits-of-unauthorized-immigration/)
- [The Texas Legislature: A Lesson in How Not to Learn a Lesson](https://everytexan.org/2017/04/24/the-texas-legislature-a-lesson-in-how-not-to-learn-a-lesson/) - You would think that, having just written proposed state budgets that would underfund or cut health care, financial aid, and more, the Texas Legislature would want to avoid similar tight budget sessions in the future. But, here we are in 2017 preparing to repeat the mistakes of the past. Lawmakers are actively considering two bills
- [TX House & Senate Budgets Side by Side](https://everytexan.org/2017/04/25/tx-house-senate-budgets-side-by-side/) - The Texas Senate and House of Representatives have each approved their state budget proposals for 2018-2019. As a conference committee prepares to iron out the details, CPPP highlights key differences in health care and education that must be resolved. CPPP recommends that the conference committee members adopt the best elements of each budget proposal to most
- [ACA Repeal Scheme is Back with a New, Terrible Twist](https://everytexan.org/2017/04/26/aca-repeal-scheme-is-back-with-a-new-terrible-twist/) - Media outlets are reporting that two members of Congress – the leaders of the far-right Freedom Caucus and the moderate Tuesday Group, both composed of Republican members—have agreed to an amendment for the stalled U.S. House’s Affordable Care Act (ACA, or Obamacare) repeal bill. The amendment would make a bad bill worse by gutting protections
- [New ACA Marketplace Rules, Good for Insurance Companies Bad for Consumers](https://everytexan.org/2017/04/25/new-aca-marketplace-rules-good-for-insurance-companies-bad-for-consumers-2/) - On April 13, 2017 the Department of Health and Human Services released its final “marketplace stabilization” rule. (You may remember that we blogged about the proposed rules when they were released in February.) Regardless of that title, the Marketplace showed signs of stabilization in 2016 under current law. The administration could have capitalized on that progress but instead these rules just fulfill
- [Compare House and Senate Funding Sent to Conference Committee](https://everytexan.org/2017/05/03/compare-house-and-senate-funding-sent-to-conference-committee/) - Putting House and Senate Budget Cuts in Perspective Eva DeLuna Castro’s Comparison of the Texas Senate and House Budgets includes some of the high-level concerns about the major gaps in both chambers’ Medicaid-Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP) proposals. This post and a new linked detailed table provides more details on Medicaid-CHIP, with special focus on
- [Let's Go Back to the Future](https://everytexan.org/2017/05/03/lets-go-back-to-the-future/) - Why talk about the 2020-21 Texas state budget when lawmakers are still deciding the 2018-19 budget? It’s because the decisions our state leaders make now will have dramatic effects on the ability of the next Legislature to support health care, public education and other key services when they return to write a budget in January
- [Remembering the Bad Old Days of High-Risk Pools](https://everytexan.org/2017/05/01/remembering-the-bad-old-days-of-high-risk-pools/) - There seems to be a lot of nostalgia among lawmakers for “high-risk pools” these days. In the past, high-risk pools offered high-cost health insurance to people with pre-existing conditions who would have been denied standard coverage by insurers.First, the latest amendment to the federal health care repeal bill would let states gut coverage guarantees for
- [Promising School Finance Bills Stuck in Texas Legislative Limbo](https://everytexan.org/2017/05/09/promising-school-finance-bills-stuck-in-texas-legislative-limbo/) - A committee substitute introduced on 5/11 added special ed vouchers to HB 21. Therefore we do not support this committee substitute. Here’s why vouchers are the wrong solution. Last month we were pleased to see the Texas House of Representatives approve a bill that would take some good steps toward remodeling our neglected school finance system.
- [Misguided Senate Bill 2 Could Tie Hands of Cities and Counties](https://everytexan.org/2017/05/09/misguided-senate-bill-2-could-tie-hands-of-cities-and-counties/) - This post was updated on 5/17/17. Texas local governments – cities, counties, community colleges and hospital districts – provide vital services to their constituents. Locally elected officials decide how to provide these services and how to pay for them, an arrangement that reflects the values and desires of local voters. The Texas Legislature is now
- [Sandra Bland Act at the Capitol](https://everytexan.org/2017/05/15/sandra-bland-act-at-the-capitol/) - This session Chairman Garnet Coleman authored the Sandra Bland Act (HB 2702), a comprehensive bill that aimed to change the way civilians and law enforcement officers interact. Chairman John Whitmire of the Senate Committee on Criminal Justice filed the companion, SB 1849. Sandra Bland, an African American woman from Illinois, committed suicide while in a
- [Remembering Deacon Joe Rubio](https://everytexan.org/2017/05/23/remembering-deacon-joe-rubio/) - CPPP mourns the passing of Deacon Joe Rubio on May 21, 2017. As an original member of the CPPP Board of Directors, Deacon Joe Rubio played an instrumental role in the development of the organization in a variety of roles over the years of his service, including board chair. “Deacon Joe Rubio was a dear
- [Saturday Night Budget Deal Explained](https://everytexan.org/2017/05/22/saturday-night-budget-deal-explained/) - You may have been watching the Saturday Night Live season finale, but I was watching the real show – the Texas Senate and House budget conferees rolling out a state budget compromise. The conferees adopted the major decisions that will shape the 2018-2019 state budget. As Senate Finance Chair Jane Nelson stated, “Both chambers recognize
- [New Analysis of U.S. House Health Care Repeal Proves How Damaging it Would Be](https://everytexan.org/2017/05/24/new-analysis-of-u-s-house-health-care-repeal-proves-how-damaging-it-would-be/) - Today the independent Congressional Budget Office (CBO) released its “score” of the U.S. House-passed health care repeal bill. Earlier this month the House took the short-sighted and unusual step of voting to pass the “American Health Care Act” before the CBO scored it, and now we can see why. The score reveals terrible news that
- [Surprise Medical Billing Bill Signed into Law](https://everytexan.org/2017/05/24/surprise-medical-billing-bill-signed-into-law/) - Yesterday Gov. Abbott signed SB 507 into law, improving consumer protections related to surprise medical billing. Surprise out-of-network medical bills, sometimes called “balance bills,” happen when insurers and doctors fighting over prices jointly pass the buck to a patient who received out-of-network care unknowingly. The Texas Legislature has worked to address surprise medical bills consistently
- [Looking at Medicaid in the 2018-2019 Texas Budget](https://everytexan.org/2017/05/26/looking-at-medicaid-in-the-2018-2019-texas-budget/) - The Texas Senate and House of Representatives have agreed on a $217 billion 2018-2019 budget, officially named Senate Bill 1. Eva DeLuna Castro has a good overview of the whole budget. Let’s take a closer look at the funding for Medicaid. Total funding for Medicaid in 2018-2019 is $62.4 billion All Funds ($26.3 billion non-federal).
- [First Look: The 2018-2019 Texas Budget](https://everytexan.org/2017/05/25/first-look-the-2018-2019-texas-budget/) - The Texas Senate and House of Representatives have agreed on a $217 billion 2018-2019 budget, officially named Senate Bill 1. Though the dollar amount is about the same as the 2016-2017 level of support for public and higher education, health care, public safety, and other services, the budget is actually a decrease of about 8
- [Comments to HHSC on the Healthy Texas Women Demonstration Waiver Application](https://everytexan.org/2017/06/12/comments-to-hhsc-on-the-healthy-texas-women-demonstration-waiver-application/)
- [Addiction Treatment: Expanded Access or Dramatic Cuts?](https://everytexan.org/2017/06/12/addiction-treatment-expanded-access-or-dramatic-cuts/) - Heroin and prescription drug addiction in the U.S. has skyrocketed over the past 25 years. Millions of people across the country are struggling to access needed substance use disorder (SUD) treatment services and are unable to recover. On May 17, U.S. Senators Dick Durbin (D-IL), Rob Portman (R-OH), Sharon Brown (D-OH), Shelley Moore Capito (R-WV),
- [In Shroud of Secrecy, Senate Will Not Make Health Care Repeal Bill Much Less "Mean"](https://everytexan.org/2017/06/20/in-shroud-of-secrecy-senate-will-not-make-health-care-repeal-bill-much-less-mean/) - The U.S. Senate plans to vote on a health care repeal bill next week that has been crafted in secret. The Senate inherited a terrible bill (American Health Care Act, AHCA) from the House that even President Trump now admits is “mean, mean, mean.” Despite initial claims that the Senate would start over with a new bill, it has become clear
- [Federal Actions Cause Further Erosion of Individual Market Stability](https://everytexan.org/2017/06/21/federal-actions-cause-further-erosion-of-individual-market-stability/) - The Texas Health Insurance Marketplace and the individual market more broadly became less stable in 2017 as some high-profile insurers exited the market and others increased rates. Premiums for the “benchmark” plan (the second-lowest cost silver plan) in the Marketplace increased 11.7 percent in 2017 in Texas and 21.3 percent nationally. Studies have pointed to 2017 changes as a
- [The U.S. Senate Could End Medicaid As We Know It](https://everytexan.org/2017/06/27/the-u-s-senate-could-end-medicaid-as-we-know-it/) - CPPP Senior Policy Analyst Stacey Pogue co-wrote this post. It is unclear when the U.S. Senate will vote on its Medicaid cut and repeal of the Affordable Care Act (ACA) bill, the "Better Care Reconciliation Act" (BCRA). CPPP will keep posting updates, and it's important to keep urging Senators to oppose this scheme. The non-partisan Congressional
- [Help Stop Health Care Repeal: Call Your Senators Now](https://everytexan.org/2017/06/22/help-stop-health-care-repeal-call-your-senators-now/) - We finally know what’s in the secret bill to repeal the Affordable Care Act, and it’s still bad. The U.S. Senate is expected to vote next week on their disastrous health care repeal bill, which has made a few changes from the House-passed version, but in some critical ways it’s worse. Key problems in the Senate
- [U.S. Senate Bill Would Worsen Drug and Alcohol Addiction](https://everytexan.org/2017/06/29/u-s-senate-bill-would-worsen-drug-and-alcohol-addiction/) - Drug overdoses killed a little over 52,000 people in the United States in 2015 and about 60,000 in 2016 – more than car accidents or gun violence. CPPP is joining the national Drug and Alcohol Addiction Week of Action in an effort to protect access to essential substance use disorder services. But Republicans in the
- [Over a Million Texans May Lose Insurance Under Senate Plan](https://everytexan.org/2017/07/05/over-a-million-texans-may-lose-insurance-under-senate-plan/) - Originally posted by Cover Texas Now. By now, we all know that the CBO report that came out on June 26 estimated that the Senate health care bill ("BCRA") will increase the number of uninsured Americans by 22 million. And now we’re starting to see some estimates of what that would look like in Texas. A report
- [Texas College Work-Study Program Makes Moderate Progress during 2017 Legislative Session](https://everytexan.org/2017/07/10/texas-college-work-study-program-makes-moderate-progress-during-2017-legislative-session/) - Established in 1989, the Texas College Work-Study Program (TCWS) pairs financially needy college students with part-time jobs. The state covers the cost of either 50 or 75 percent of the salaries for these work-study jobs, depending on whether the employer is a for-profit or non-profit organization. As a result of the TCWS, students gain professional
- [Medicaid Cuts Go Deeper in Senate Health Care Repeal Bill After 2025: New Look at Texas Cuts](https://everytexan.org/2017/07/10/medicaid-cuts-go-deeper-in-senate-health-care-repeal-bill-after-2025-new-look-at-texas-cuts/) - If you didn’t read this great round-up of how the House AHCA and the Senate BCRA would increase the uninsured, cut Medicaid, and affect Texas, go take a look now. With the July 4th holiday, you may have missed a couple of updates adding to the growing body of evidence of deep harm to our most vulnerable
- [What Dan Patrick Got Wrong about Public School Finance](https://everytexan.org/2017/07/13/what-dan-patrick-got-wrong-about-public-school-finance/) - At a press conference today, Lieutenant Governor Dan Patrick made several misleading and inaccurate statements related to public education in Texas. Here are a few important things to keep in mind as we discuss supporting the over 5.3 million kids in Texas public schools: If state leaders are really concerned about property taxes, they should
- [Coverage May Once Again Be Unavailable to People with Pre-Existing Conditions Under Senate Idea](https://everytexan.org/2017/07/10/coverage-may-once-again-be-unavailable-to-people-with-pre-existing-conditions-under-senate-idea/) - Texas Senator Ted Cruz has floated an idea for an amendment to the Senate’s health care repeal and Medicaid cut bill that is under consideration. His amendment would set up two parallel health insurance markets – one with popular consumer protections from the Affordable Care Act and one without them. The idea would result in people with
- [State of Texas Children 2016: Race and Equity](https://everytexan.org/2017/07/15/state-of-texas-children-2016-race-and-equity/)
- [Texas Relies Too Much on Local Taxpayers to Fund Public Education](https://everytexan.org/2017/07/18/texas-relies-too-much-on-local-taxpayers-to-fund-public-education/) - Texans value public education. Our constitution and state laws decree that providing a quality education for all children is a state responsibility.[1] Texas law also states that the school finance system should be substantially financed through state revenue sources.[2] However, because the school finance system is outdated and underfunded, lawmakers have substantially shifted the responsibility
- [New Health Care Repeal Bill Gets Even Worse](https://everytexan.org/2017/07/14/new-health-care-repeal-bill-gets-even-worse/) - The U.S. Senate has released a revised version of its bill to cut Medicaid and repeal the Affordable Care Act (ACA, or Obamacare). The Senate plans to vote the week of July 17 on this scheme, once it gets an official "score" on only parts of the bill from the non-partisan Congressional Budget Office, expected
- [Concerned About Property Taxes?](https://everytexan.org/2017/07/18/concerned-about-property-taxes/) - Increase state support to public schools. The Texas Legislature is again threatening to interfere with local communities by limiting the ability of local governments to raise the revenue they need to deliver public safety, health care, parks, libraries and other services their communities want. Senate Bill 1 during the 2017 special session is part of
- [Spending Caps: Arbitrary Limits on State Investments](https://everytexan.org/2017/07/18/spending-caps-arbitrary-limits-on-state-investments-2/) - Harmful proposals would further limit state and local elected officials’ ability to plan for a growing and changing Texas. For Texans of all backgrounds to reach their full potential, our state and local governments need to be able to provide services such as pre-K-12 public schools, state-supported universities and community colleges, health care, roads and
- [Likely Good News as Senate Fails to Repeal Health Care](https://everytexan.org/2017/07/18/likely-good-news-as-senate-fails-to-repeal-health-care/) - U.S. Senate Republicans couldn’t find the 51 votes needed this week to pass its bill to cut Medicaid and repeal the Affordable Care Act. Within the GOP caucus, members couldn’t reach consensus on some of the most damaging parts of the bill: huge cuts to Medicaid (Texas would lose $1.5 billion in federal funds each year) and gutting protections
- [New Property Tax Bill, Same Fuzzy Math](https://everytexan.org/2017/07/20/new-property-tax-bill-same-fuzzy-math/) - This post was updated on July 31, 2017. The Senate last week passed Senate Bill 1 by Sen. Paul Bettencourt, a dangerous bill that would limit the ability of local governments to raise the revenue needed to pay police officers, firefighters and other first responders. This was a bad idea during the regular session (when it
- [The Latest Legislative Nightmare: Senate Bill 18](https://everytexan.org/2017/07/20/the-latest-legislative-nightmare-senate-bill-18/) - Recently we dove into why spending caps are horrible ideas if you want to keep local services running (think fire departments, police departments, electric utilities, etc.) while also being able to adapt to population growth and change, especially in a state like Texas. The need for these services varies from community to community – what McAllen
- [Texas Needs Real School Finance Remodel, Not Vouchers](https://everytexan.org/2017/07/21/texas-needs-real-school-finance-remodel-not-vouchers/) - This post was updated on July 31st, 2017. House Bill 253 has emerged as the latest voucher bill of the 85th legislative session, a near duplicate of Senate Bill 2. Both bills are riddled with problems in addition to the vouchers for students in special education. The bills take millions of dollars from the Health
- [Will U.S. Senate Strip Coverage from up to 32 Million People?](https://everytexan.org/2017/07/21/will-u-s-senate-strip-coverage-from-up-to-32-million-people/) - If you have been somewhat confused about what the U.S. Senate is doing on health care, you aren’t alone. Senators are confused too. They don’t even know what bill they will be voting on – and the vote is supposed to tomorrow! Last week, Senator John Cornyn of Texas said that knowing what the Senate
- [The Flat-Dollar Homestead Exemption- a better way to help Texas homeowners](https://everytexan.org/2017/07/24/the-flat-dollar-homestead-exemption-a-better-way-to-help-texas-homeowners/)
- [Cornyn and Cruz Let down Texans with Health Repeal Vote](https://everytexan.org/2017/07/25/cornyn-and-cruz-let-down-texans-with-health-repeal-vote/) - The US Senate narrowly voted to proceed with the legislative process toward gutting Medicaid and ripping health care away from millions of Americans. We are disappointed that our Texas Senators John Cornyn and Ted Cruz would vote to start debate on a series of bills that would have such disastrous effects on some of our
- [Texas Impact of proposed federal roll-back of Medicaid and the ACA](https://everytexan.org/2017/07/25/texas-impact-of-proposed-federal-roll-back-of-medicaid-and-the-aca/)
- [Excluding Planned Parenthood has been Terrible for Texas Women](https://everytexan.org/2017/08/01/excluding-planned-parenthood-has-been-terrible-for-texas-women/)
- [Maternal Mortality is Back on the Legislative Agenda](https://everytexan.org/2017/07/25/maternal-mortality-is-back-on-the-legislative-agenda/) - By Kamia Rathore, Health and Wellness Policy Intern This blog was updated on August 3rd, 2017. Last summer, Texas’ Maternal Mortality and Morbidity Task Force issued a stark assessment of maternal health in Texas that pointed to a high rate of women dying during pregnancy, childbirth, or in the months after delivery and serious racial
- [Death of a Good Retirement Savings Program](https://everytexan.org/2017/07/31/death-of-a-good-retirement-savings-program/) - This post was written by CPPP Economic Opportunity Policy Intern Anna Crockett Last week the U.S. Treasury Department announced that it is ending myRA, an innovative retirement savings program created during the Obama administration and designed to help low-income workers save. We are disappointed that the Treasury Department decided to eliminate the program, which helped
- [Kicking out Planned Parenthood Has Been Terrible for Texas Women](https://everytexan.org/2017/08/03/kicking-out-planned-parenthood-has-been-terrible-for-texas-women/) - Kamia Rathore, Health & Wellness Intern, wrote this post. Too many Texas women need affordable family planning services, but state leaders have made ill-advised and politically motivated decisions that limit access to critical services. Overwhelming evidence from academic research and the state’s own data shows that after Texas excluded its largest provider, Planned Parenthood, from
- [Chance for Pre-K in the Special Session](https://everytexan.org/2017/08/02/chance-for-pre-k-in-the-special-session/) - Pre-K during the Special Session After a disappointing regular session for early childhood education, the special session currently offers two final opportunities for lawmakers to make improvements to Pre-K. During the regular session, CPPP recommended that the Legislature increase formula funding by providing full-day funding for districts that are already running full-day programs (at least
- [Comments to CMS on the Healthy Texas Women Demonstration Waiver Application](https://everytexan.org/2017/08/04/comments-to-cms-on-the-healthy-texas-women-demonstration-waiver-application/)
- [Property Taxes- misguided Senate Bill 1 could tie hands of cities and counties](https://everytexan.org/2017/08/04/property-taxes-misguided-senate-bill-1-could-tie-hands-of-cities-and-counties-2/)
- [Join Us in Honoring Bill White at Our 2017 Texas Legacy Luncheon](https://everytexan.org/2017/08/14/join-us-in-honoring-bill-white-at-our-2017-texas-legacy-luncheon/) - The Center for Public Policy Priorities is proud to honor Bill White as our 2017 Texas Legacy. Throughout his distinguished career, including as Mayor of Houston and U.S. Deputy Secretary of Energy, White has focused on results over rhetoric, and common sense solutions over ideology. His can-do attitude has brought valuable community projects in Houston to fruition, enabled
- [New Property Tax Bill, Same Fuzzy Math: An Update](https://everytexan.org/2017/08/10/new-property-tax-bill-same-fuzzy-math-an-update/) - This Saturday the Texas House will take up Senate Bill 1, a dangerous bill that would limit the ability of local governments to raise the revenue needed to pay for public safety, health care, parks, libraries and other services their communities want. How would it work? Under current law, local governments can choose to increase their
- [New Report Shows that Rural and Small town Texas would be Hurt Most by SNAP Cuts](https://everytexan.org/2017/08/09/new-report-shows-that-rural-and-small-town-texas-would-be-hurt-most-by-snap-cuts/) - Kamia Rathore, CPPP Health and Wellness Policy Intern The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), formerly known as the food stamp program, is the largest program for preventing hunger in our state. In Texas, SNAP helps nearly 3.8 million individuals afford food when they go through a period of financial hardship and plays an especially important
- [Property Taxes- misguided Senate Bill 1 could tie hands of cities and counties](https://everytexan.org/2017/08/14/property-taxes-misguided-senate-bill-1-could-tie-hands-of-cities-and-counties/)
- [Legislature Pits Education against Health Care ](https://everytexan.org/2017/08/15/legislature-pits-education-against-health-care/) - CPPP Senior Policy Analyst, Chandra Villanueva, co-wrote this post. This post was updated on August 16th, 2017. The final version of HB 21 is a step in the wrong direction, worsening funding disparities between charter and traditional public schools. HB 21 also maintains an inefficient funding stream known as ASATR (Additional State Aid for Tax
- [Texas asks health plans to loosen health coverage restrictions for people affected by Hurricane Harvey](https://everytexan.org/2017/09/01/texas-asks-health-plans-to-loosen-health-coverage-restrictions-for-people-affected-by-hurricane-harvey/) - In response to Hurricane Harvey, the Texas Department of Insurance (TDI) released four health insurance-related “bulletins,” or formal communications to insurance companies with requests and instructions. (TDI also released several additional bulletins focused on property insurance. All Harvey-related bulletins from TDI can be found here.) The purpose of the bulletins is to help ensure that
- [Mental Health Parity in the 2017 Texas Legislative Session](https://everytexan.org/2017/08/28/mental-health-parity-in-the-2017-texas-legislative-session/) - During the 2017 Texas Regular Legislative Session, lawmakers passed an important bill related to mental health parity (House Bill 10). The new law, signed by Governor Abbott, aims to address ongoing challenges with mental health and substance use disorder “parity” protections. The goal is for more insured Texans have equal access to both physical health
- [Help with Questions about Hurricane Harvey and Health Coverage](https://everytexan.org/2017/09/01/help-with-questions-about-hurricane-harvey-and-health-coverage/) - Hurricane Harvey will affect Texans’ access to health care in many ways. People may need to replace medications lost or forgotten during an evacuation or damaged by flooding. When displaced, people may need health care from out-of-network providers. Doctors, clinics, hospitals, and insurers may be flooded or without power, and unable to file or process
- [Trump Administration Slashes ACA Outreach to the Bone](https://everytexan.org/2017/09/05/trump-administration-slashes-aca-outreach-to-the-bone/) - On August 31, 2017 the Trump Administration announced a devastating reduction in support for outreach and enrollment efforts for the Affordable Care Act (ACA or Obamacare) Marketplace. According to federal officials, the administration plans to slash funding for ACA Marketplace advertising and outreach from $100 million to a mere $10 million. In addition, they will
- [Fighting Hunger after Hurricane Harvey](https://everytexan.org/2017/09/08/fighting-hunger-after-hurricane-harvey/) - Updated September 15, 2017 Long before Hurricane Harvey, millions of low-income Texans relied on the federal nutrition programs including the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (or SNAP, formerly known as food stamps), the Women, Infants and Children program (WIC) and school meals to feed their families. But the devastation and chaos of Harvey left even more
- [Campaign Launches to Advance Earned Paid Sick Days in Austin](https://everytexan.org/2017/09/05/campaign-launches-to-advance-earned-paid-sick-days-in-austin/) - All workers, regardless of what kind of job they do or how much they earn, should be able to care for themselves or a loved one. Unfortunately an estimated 40 percent of Texas workers are at risk of losing wages or being fired if they follow doctor’s orders when they or a family member is
- [What to Know about Hurricane Harvey and the Economic Stabilization Fund](https://everytexan.org/2017/09/06/what-to-know-about-hurricane-harvey-and-the-economic-stabilization-fund/) - Texans are still reeling from the tragedy that Hurricane Harvey wrought on our state. We mourn the loss of over 60 lives, the disruption and anxiety for millions more, and the harm to people and property across the state. As the water recedes, the discussion turns to how Texas will pay for the mammoth costs
- [Gap between Texas and U.S. in Health Coverage Continues to Widen, Census Shows](https://everytexan.org/2017/09/12/gap-between-texas-and-u-s-in-health-coverage-continues-to-widen-census-shows/) - Today’s U.S. Census data release confirms that the number of Texans without health insurance continued to decline in 2016, with uninsured Texans dropping by 70,000 from the 2015 number, and by over 1.2 million since 2013. But despite the progress, Texas still has both the largest number (4.5 million) and percentage (16.6 percent) of uninsured
- [New Texas Household Income, Poverty Rate Census Numbers](https://everytexan.org/2017/09/14/new-texas-household-income-poverty-rate-census-numbers/) - The U.S. Census Bureau just released data from the most recent American Community Survey (ACS). Tune in LIVE today (September 14) at 2pm CT at Facebook.com/BetterTexas for a Facebook Live discussion of the new data. Texas highlights from today's release include: Income *The median household income in Texas remained relatively flat between 2015-2016. 2016: $56,565o
- [Harmful Medicaid Cut/ACA Repeal Bill Resurfaces in the Senate](https://everytexan.org/2017/09/18/harmful-medicaid-cut-aca-repeal-bill-resurfaces-in-the-senate/) - Some members of the U.S. Senate are making one last-ditch effort to cut Medicaid and repeal the Affordable Care Act. The Senate has only until September 30 – just about two weeks from now – to pass a repeal bill with only 51 votes, instead of the standard 60-vote threshold. The approaching deadline has motivated
- [Texas loses under Graham-Cassidy](https://everytexan.org/2017/09/19/texas-loses-under-graham-cassidy/) - Updated September 20, 2017. At first glance it may look like Texas comes out ahead in the Graham-Cassidy bill, the Senate’s last-ditch effort to cut Medicaid and repeal the Affordable Care Act (ACA), but that is only if one considers just a narrow portion of the bill – short-term block grant funding. Taken as a
- [As ACA Open Enrollment Nears, Trump Administration Creates More Roadblocks](https://everytexan.org/2017/09/28/as-aca-open-enrollment-nears-trump-administration-creates-more-roadblocks/) - The next open enrollment period for the Affordable Care Act (ACA) Marketplace begins in just over a month, on November 1st, and ends on December 15. As community organizations across Texas gear up to get the word out that the ACA is still the law of the land, the Trump Administration continues to create roadblocks to
- [Consequences of the Texas Public School Funding Hole of 2011-16 - Executive Summary](https://everytexan.org/2017/10/03/consequences-of-the-texas-public-school-funding-hole-of-2011-16-executive-summary/)
- [All workers should be able to earn paid sick days](https://everytexan.org/2017/10/03/all-workers-should-be-able-to-earn-paid-sick-days/) - For many Austinites, being unable to go to work because of an illness can mean lost wages, or worse, loss of a job. This is unacceptable, and it’s time for the city to recognize that all workers, regardless of where they work or how much they earn, should be able to care for themselves or
- [U.S. HHS Extends ACA Enrollment Opportunities for Those Impacted by Harvey](https://everytexan.org/2017/09/29/u-s-hhs-extends-aca-enrollment-opportunities-for-those-impacted-by-harvey/) - On September 28, 2017, the U.S. Dept. of Health and Human Services released guidance outlining new special enrollment period (SEP) rules for people affected by the 2017 hurricanes. This new guidance will provide individuals who were impacted by Harvey additional opportunities to enroll or change their ACA coverage for 2017 and additional time to enroll in coverage for 2018. This
- [The Consequences of Underfunding our Public Schools](https://everytexan.org/2017/10/05/the-consequences-of-underfunding-our-public-schools/) - Making sure our children receive a quality education is essential for the future prosperity of Texas. To be successful academically, many students rely on programs like tutoring or bilingual education. But a new analysis from CPPP and University of Texas at Austin professor Dr. Michael Marder found that when the state cuts funding to public education,
- [Insurance Coverage for Contraception Should be a Health Care Standard](https://everytexan.org/2017/10/06/insurance-coverage-for-contraception-should-be-a-health-care-standard/) - The Trump administration just issued new federal rules that allow employers or insurance companies to stop offering coverage of birth control with no out-of-pocket costs. These rules take effect immediately. The rules create large, new loopholes in existing protections from the Affordable Care Act (ACA or Obamacare) that currently require nearly all insurance plans, with
- [Support Proposition 7, a Proposal to Help Texans Build Their Savings on the November Ballot](https://everytexan.org/2017/10/10/support-proposition-7-a-proposal-to-help-texans-build-their-savings-on-the-november-ballot/) - Wouldn't it be great if you were eligible to win a cash prize just for putting money in your savings account? In next month's election, your vote for Proposition 7 could make this a reality in Texas. This policy proposal to encourage more Texans to save is much needed in our state and country. Over
- [Executive Order Will Destabilize Insurance Market](https://everytexan.org/2017/10/11/executive-order-will-destabilize-insurance-market/) - President Trump is expected to sign an executive order soon designed to further sabotage the Affordable Care Act, or Obamacare. This move is one among many actions his administration has taken since January to undermine the ACA. These actions have already contributed to steep premium increases for 2018 Marketplace coverage, and the new executive order,
- [The Devil is in the Details](https://everytexan.org/2017/10/11/the-devil-is-in-the-details/) - The Comptroller’s just-released revenue update predicts that the Texas economy will continue to grow steadily in 2018 and 2019, as measured by total number of jobs, personal income, or Gross State Product. But that economic growth – now forecast to be slightly better the Comptroller predicted back in January 2017 – is not expected to
- [Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP) Essential Care, Designed for Texas Children](https://everytexan.org/2017/10/16/childrens-health-insurance-program-chip-essential-care-designed-for-texas-children/)
- [Trump Administration Guts Subsidies, Targets Hard-working Americans](https://everytexan.org/2017/10/13/trump-administration-guts-subsidies-targets-hard-working-americans/) - Unable to get health care legislation through Congress, the Trump Administration is trying to sabotage Americans' health care coverage and livelihoods through executive actions. On October 12 Trump announced plans to increase access to skimpy health care plans that don’t meet minimum standards for coverage. Then today the administration announced that it would cut payments
- [Congress: Renew CHIP Funding NOW!](https://everytexan.org/2017/10/17/congress-renew-chip-funding-now/) - While Congress members were focused on legislation to repeal the Affordable Care Act (ACA) and cut Medicaid, they irresponsibly let federal funding for the Children's Health Insurance Program (CHIP) expire on September 30. Texas and other states are keeping the program going right now using existing funds, but those will only last for a few
- [Texas State Budget: Balancing Act or Funhouse Mirror?](https://everytexan.org/2017/10/23/texas-state-budget-balancing-act-or-funhouse-mirror/) - Last week we dug into Texas Comptroller Glenn Hegar’s revenue update for the 2018-2019 state budget cycle. Compared to his January forecast, Comptroller Hegar now predicts more rapid economic growth. But the details of the revenue update show that economic growth alone won’t fix the significant fiscal challenges facing Texas, such as our seriously underfunded
- [Don’t Deport 10-year-old Rosa Maria, and Stop Targeting Families](https://everytexan.org/2017/11/03/dont-deport-10-year-old-rosa-maria-and-stop-targeting-families/) - Update: On Friday, November 3, Rosa Maria was reunited with her parents. Her lawyers report that she has been served with a notice that she could face deportation, but charges have not been officially filed in immigration court. CPPP joins many others in calling for the Trump administration to drop her case. The problem of
- [Alarming Numbers about Texans and Retirement](https://everytexan.org/2017/10/25/alarming-numbers-about-texans-and-retirement/) - A majority of Texans are not saving adequately for retirement. One key reason is that half of working Texans do not have the opportunity to save at work, which is the best and most common way individuals build retirement savings. National studies estimate that between one-half and two-thirds of Americans are at risk of not
- [Only Baby Steps from Trump on Opioid Crisis](https://everytexan.org/2017/10/31/only-baby-steps-from-trump-on-opioid-crisis/) - Earlier this month President Trump declared the national opioid epidemic a public health emergency. This move takes a few baby steps toward tackling a growing problem. The country is in the midst of an opioid epidemic, with over 60,000 people dying from a drug overdose in 2016. The National Commission on Combating Addiction and the
- [Deporting People from Churches, Schools and Hospitals Is Bad for Texas- We need a system that keeps families together and protects community life](https://everytexan.org/2017/11/03/deporting-people-from-churches-schools-and-hospitals-is-bad-for-texas-we-need-a-system-that-keeps-families-together-and-protects-community-life/)
- [Financial Wellness Programs Boost Stability for Texans](https://everytexan.org/2017/11/08/financial-wellness-programs-boost-stability-for-texans/) - According to a new CPPP and RAISE Texas report, too many Texas workers are living in financial insecurity, which leads to financial stress that can result in reduced productivity on the job. Other negative effects of financial insecurity include missed work and the potential for higher employer healthcare costs. Workplace financial wellness programs – which help
- [Measuring and Responding to the Texas Opioid Crisis](https://everytexan.org/2017/11/07/measuring-and-responding-to-the-texas-opioid-crisis/) - We are facing a crisis of opioid addiction and overdoses in the U.S. and in Texas. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports that the rate of drug overdose deaths involving opioids in the country increased from 2.1 per 100,000 people in 1999 to 8.8 per 100,000 people in 2014. Texas had a
- [30+ Texas Health Groups Send Urgent CHIP letter to Washington](https://everytexan.org/2017/11/09/30-texas-health-groups-send-urgent-chip-letter-to-washington/) - With a quickly approaching deadline—after which 400,000 Texas kids could be dropped from the Children's Health Insurance Program (CHIP)—over 30 leading Texas health care and advocacy organizations sent a joint letter to U.S. Senators John Cornyn and Ted Cruz and Governor Greg Abbott urgently requesting intervention. As part of the Children's Health Coverage Coalition, the
- [U.S. Senate Tax Plan is a Giveaway to Wealthy Families and Corporations](https://everytexan.org/2017/11/10/u-s-senate-tax-plan-is-a-giveaway-to-wealthy-families-and-corporations/) - Like the House’s tax proposal, the U.S. Senate plan released this week would give hundreds of billions of dollars in tax cuts to wealthy households and major corporations at the expense of low-and middle-income families. The Senate proposal would add at least $1.5 trillion in debt – and to pay for it, Congress will almost
- [Get Covered, Texans: Dec. 15 = Health Care Enrollment Deadline!](https://everytexan.org/2017/12/04/get-covered-texans-dec-15-health-care-enrollment-deadline/) - The good news: despite the Trump Administration putting hurdles in front of Americans’ ability to sign up for health care for 2018, Texans are signing up for coverage much faster than they did last year. Despite the Trump Administration putting hurdles in front of Americans’ ability to sign up for health care for 2018, Texans
- [Texas Jobs Don’t Pay Enough, Especially for Women](https://everytexan.org/2017/11/16/texas-jobs-dont-pay-enough-especially-for-women/) - When examining the cost of basic needs for several different types of working families in the state's largest metro areas, it is clear that far too many jobs don’t pay enough for families to pay for their most basic expenses, much less to get ahead by saving for the future. The financial challenges are especially
- [State of Texas Kids- Rio Grande Valley](https://everytexan.org/2017/12/05/state-of-texas-kids-rio-grande-valley/)
- [State of Texas Kids- Rio Grande Valley (Spanish)](https://everytexan.org/2017/12/05/state-of-texas-kids-rio-grande-valley-spanish/)
- [State of Texas Kids- Rio Grande Valley](https://everytexan.org/2017/12/05/state-of-texas-kids-rio-grande-valley-2/)
- [How the Federal Tax Bill Threatens State and Local Public Services](https://everytexan.org/2017/12/06/how-the-federal-tax-bill-threatens-state-and-local-public-services/) - The tax bill currently making its way through Congress would make it more difficult for Texas and our local governments to provide the public services that we all need. Under current law, you do not have to pay federal taxes on the amount you have already paid in state or local taxes. Specifically, taxpayers can
- [What Texas Services Are Most at Risk from Tax Bill?](https://everytexan.org/2017/12/06/what-texas-services-are-most-at-risk-from-tax-bill/) - Last week the U.S. Senate passed its dangerous tax bill, which is about as bad as the one the U.S. House of Representatives approved in mid-November. Both would give hundreds of billions of dollars in tax cuts to wealthy households and major corporations at the expense of low-and middle-income families. The Senate and House proposals
- [An Update on How Rio Grande Valley Kids Are Doing](https://everytexan.org/2017/12/06/an-update-on-how-rio-grande-valley-kids-are-doing/) - Historical and current policies have created and maintained large disparities in children’s health, education and financial security, according to State of Texas Children 2017: Child Well-Being in the Rio Grande Valley, a new CPPP report. The Rio Grande Valley has a unique place in Texas history, but like many Texas regions, a history of discriminatory local
- [Toward Equality for Texans with Mental Illness and Substance Use Disorders- A status report on implementing new federal parity protections](https://everytexan.org/2017/12/06/toward-equality-for-texans-with-mental-illness-and-substance-use-disorders-a-status-report-on-implementing-new-federal-parity-protections/)
- [The Latest on Mental Health Parity in Texas](https://everytexan.org/2017/12/06/the-latest-on-mental-health-parity-in-texas/) - All Texans deserve high-quality health care, whether it's for a physical ailment or a mental health or substance use issue. In health insurance, the term “parity” describes the equal treatment of mental health (MH) conditions and substance use disorders (SUD) in insurance plans, when compared to coverage for medical or surgical (M/S) health care. When
- [If you were affected by Hurricane Harvey, you still have time to purchase a health insurance plan for 2018](https://everytexan.org/2017/12/16/if-you-were-affected-by-hurricane-harvey-you-still-have-time-to-purchase-a-health-insurance-plan-for-2018/) - The regular open enrollment period for health insurance through the Obamacare Marketplace ended Friday December 15, but Texans who either currently live in a disaster-affected area, or did when Hurricane Harvey hit, will have until December 31, 2017 to enroll in 2018 coverage without a fine. According to FEMA, the Special Enrollment Period covers Texans
- [The Texas GED Problem Is Getting Worse As our population grows, the number of GED test takers is dropping](https://everytexan.org/2018/01/05/the-texas-ged-problem-is-getting-worse-as-our-population-grows-the-number-of-ged-test-takers-is-dropping/)
- [Texas Has a GED Problem](https://everytexan.org/2018/01/08/texas-has-a-ged-problem/) - Texas has the highest percentage of adults in the country that lack a high school diploma or equivalent. Changes to the national GED test in 2014 exacerbated this problem by making the test more expensive, computer-based only, and harder to complete. Between 2003 and 2012, an average of 33,700 students per year from across the
- [CPPP Welcomes New Board Members Carlisle, Ross, Saldaña](https://everytexan.org/2018/01/11/cppp-welcomes-new-board-members-carlisle-ross-saldana/) - The Center for Public Policy Priorities has added three members to its board of directors: Amarillo education leader Anette Carlisle, AT&T Texas executive Angela Ross, and former director of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement Sarah Saldaña. The leadership of the volunteers on the CPPP board of directors is critical to the organization's ability to help
- [School Financial Series - Part 1](https://everytexan.org/2018/01/17/school-financial-series-part-1/)
- [Austin is Sick of This](https://everytexan.org/2018/01/22/austin-is-sick-of-this/) - This post was written by Economic Opportunity Intern Anna Crockett. No one should have to choose between their health – or their family’s health – and keeping their job. Unfortunately, this impossible choice is a reality for the estimated 37 percent of Austin workers without paid sick days. That’s why the proposed citywide paid sick
- [Health Insurance Interim Hearings Update](https://everytexan.org/2018/01/19/health-insurance-interim-hearings-update/) - During this interim legislative year, two Texas legislative committees have been tasked with studying whether Texas could use waivers authorized by the Affordable Care Act (ACA) to help stabilize the individual health insurance market. The House Insurance Committee held a hearing on the topic on December 6, 2017 (see CPPP's testimony here), and the Senate
- [Medicaid Work Requirements- Bad Medicine for Texans](https://everytexan.org/2018/02/01/medicaid-work-requirements-bad-medicine-for-texans/)
- [As New Commission Prepares to Meet, it's Time to Take Real Action on Public School Finance](https://everytexan.org/2018/01/22/as-new-commission-prepares-to-meet-its-time-to-take-real-action-on-public-school-finance/) - On Tuesday, January 23, the new Texas Commission on Public School Finance will hold its first meeting in Austin. The Commission has the chance to hold important conversations about how to remodel our state's public school finance system. Better funded schools mean: smaller classes with more support from teachers; science labs and updated technology; professional
- [HHSC Reports Substance Use Disorder Treatment in Texas Medicaid is Working](https://everytexan.org/2018/02/06/hhsc-reports-substance-use-disorder-treatment-in-texas-medicaid-is-working/) - It could seem like substance use disorders (SUDs), including opioid addiction are a new problem in Texas, but that's not the case. What is more recent are the full SUD benefits provided as part of the Texas Medicaid program. Really in just the last six years have Texans on Medicaid been able to access the
- [Rise and Fall of Texas STEM Education- Evidence from the nation’s report card](https://everytexan.org/2018/02/07/rise-and-fall-of-texas-stem-education-evidence-from-the-nations-report-card/)
- [School Financial Series - Part 2](https://everytexan.org/2018/02/06/school-financial-series-part-2/)
- [Where does facilities funding fit into the school finance debate?](https://everytexan.org/2018/02/07/where-does-facilities-funding-fit-into-the-school-finance-debate/) - For more info on school finance in Texas, head here. The Legislative Budget Board estimates that the state’s share of Foundation School Program[i] funding will drop to 38 percent by 2019, due to rising school property values/taxes and less state aid. Recently, some legislators have argued that it is unfair to include facilities funds raised
- [New Analysis Confirms Economic Benefits of Proposed Paid Sick Leave Ordinance in Austin](https://everytexan.org/2018/02/13/new-analysis-confirms-economic-benefits-of-proposed-paid-sick-leave-ordinance-in-austin/) - Communities and businesses in Austin could see over $8 million in annual net savings should Austin implement the paid sick leave ordinance sponsored by Council Member Casar and co-sponsored by Mayor Pro Tem Tovo, Council Member Ann Kitchen, and Council Member Delia Garza, according to a new analysis from Institute for Women’s Policy Research (IWPR).
- [The Numbers Don't Lie: Paid Sick Days Would Boost Austin Economy, Benefit Employers and Workers](https://everytexan.org/2018/02/14/the-numbers-dont-lie-paid-sick-days-would-boost-austin-economy-benefit-employers-and-workers/) - Photo: Trey Perry, Creative Commons License 2.0 Earlier this week the respected, independent, non-partisan Institute for Women's Policy Research (IWPR) released a new cost-benefit analysis of the proposed paid sick leave ordinance for Austin workers. The IWPR found that the ordinance could provide over $4 million in annual net savings to businesses. The analysis came in response to requests from business groups,
- [Texas students used to lead nation in math scores—what happened?](https://everytexan.org/2018/02/20/texas-students-used-to-lead-nation-in-math-scores-what-happened/) - This post was written by CPPP Communications Intern Bianca Lopez. Photo credit: Glenn Strong, Flickr. CC license: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/2.0 In general, math scores are a pretty good indicator of students’ future academic success. Rise and Fall of Texas STEM Education: Evidence from the nation’s report card, a new report by Professor Michael Marder of the University
- [A Mean-Spirited Budget Proposal from Washington](https://everytexan.org/2018/02/15/a-mean-spirited-budget-proposal-from-washington/) - On February 12, the White House released its $4.4 trillion proposal for the 2019 federal budget, which calls for many of the same deep cuts to health, housing, and education that the President proposed for 2018. Presidential budget proposals are often “big picture” priorities that gain little traction, since Congress sets the actual budget. But
- [Everything You Need to Know About Austin's New Paid Sick Days Ordinance](https://everytexan.org/2018/02/21/everything-you-need-to-know-about-austins-new-paid-sick-days-ordinance/) - Just after midnight on Thursday, the Austin City Council passed an ordinance allowing all Austin workers to earn paid sick time, making Austin the first city in Texas – and the first city in the South – to adopt a paid sick days ordinance. We're a proud member of the Work Strong Austin coalition, which
- [Policy Questions to Ask Candidates about Addiction, Public School Finance](https://everytexan.org/2018/02/21/policy-questions-to-ask-candidates-about-addiction-public-school-finance/) - With important elections slated for 2018, it's a good chance to ask candidates for all offices where they stand on key policy issues. Here at CPPP, we have assembled some questions about some of the most pressing challenges facing Texas kids and families these days. Read and share our suggested questions about addiction and substance use and public
- [Comments on Proposed AHP Rule](https://everytexan.org/2018/03/06/comments-on-proposed-ahp-rule/)
- [School Financial Series - Part 3](https://everytexan.org/2018/03/02/school-financial-series-part-3/)
- [Why Medicaid Work Requirements Are a Terrible Idea for Texas](https://everytexan.org/2018/02/26/why-medicaid-work-requirements-are-a-terrible-idea-for-texas/) - Medicaid is a critically important program that pays for more than 50 percent of births in the United States, and covers four in ten Texas children and virtually all Americans with life-long serious disabilities. Kicking people out of the program who would be better workers and parents if they had healthcare will have damaging impacts
- [Our Chance to Stand Up for Public Schools](https://everytexan.org/2018/03/07/our-chance-to-stand-up-for-public-schools/) - On March 19th in Austin, the public will have a rare chance to testify about the importance of investing in our public schools. The new Texas Commission on Public School Finance will have its first -- and possibly only -- meeting that is open to public testimony. Two years ago, the Texas Supreme Court ruled
- [CPPP Announces New Director of Economic Opportunity Team](https://everytexan.org/2018/03/19/cppp-announces-new-director-of-economic-opportunity-team/) - We're thrilled to announce that Chandra Villanueva, previously one of our Senior Policy Analysts, is our new Program Director of the Economic Opportunity Team. Chandra is widely acknowledged by lawmakers and education advocates as one of the state’s leading experts on school finance, which remains one of CPPP’s top policy priorities. In the past few
- [Medicaid is part of the solution to the addiction crisis](https://everytexan.org/2018/03/26/medicaid-is-part-of-the-solution-to-the-addiction-crisis/) - The United States is in the midst of an acute addiction crisis. A record 63,600 people died from a drug overdose in 2016 with 42,400 of these identified opioid-related deaths, and this number is growing. Medicaid is the largest provider of behavioral health services in the country, including substance use disorder (SUD) services. Elected officials
- [Risks of Work Documentation Requirements in Non-Expansion States: What Texas Can Learn from Alabama’s Proposal](https://everytexan.org/2018/03/29/risks-of-work-documentation-requirements-in-non-expansion-states-what-texas-can-learn-from-alabamas-proposal/) - Earlier this year, the Center for Medicaid and Medicare Services (CMS) told states they would support state proposals to change Medicaid rules so that adults would be required to provide documentation that they work a certain number of hours per week. Soon after this was announced, several states submitted such proposals. So far, CMS has
- [Interim Charge 11- 1332 waivers and federal health care changes](https://everytexan.org/2018/04/04/interim-charge-11-1332-waivers-and-federal-health-care-changes/)
- [Public Hearing, Interim Charge 11](https://everytexan.org/2018/04/04/public-hearing-interim-charge-11/)
- [Testimony- House Committee on Appropriations, Article II Subcommittee](https://everytexan.org/2018/04/04/testimony-house-committee-on-appropriations-article-ii-subcommittee/)
- [Bilingual Education Spending Still Hasn’t Recovered](https://everytexan.org/2018/04/05/bilingual-education-spending-still-hasnt-recovered/) - This blog post was written by Communications Intern Bianca Lopez. It’s been seven years since the Texas Legislature made deep budget cuts to public education, leaving local school districts scrambling to work around a funding hole over five billion dollars deep. A 2017 report by Dr. Michael Marder of the University of Texas at Austin
- [Raising the sales tax rate is not the way to lower school property taxes](https://everytexan.org/2018/04/05/raising-the-sales-tax-rate-is-not-the-way-to-lower-school-property-taxes/)
- [Why Raising the Sales Tax Won't Lower Your Property Taxes](https://everytexan.org/2018/04/05/why-raising-the-sales-tax-wont-lower-your-property-taxes/) - Lawmakers at the Capitol have been pushing an extremely dangerous idea for some time now that would replace property taxes with higher sales taxes in our state. This would give Texas the highest sales tax rate in the country, hurt the economy and make public services more vulnerable to economic fluctuations. It would shift the
- [Defying Odds, 2018 Was Pretty Good for Health Insurance Signups](https://everytexan.org/2018/04/10/defying-odds-2018-was-pretty-good-for-health-insurance-signups/) - Updated: 4/17/2018 Hard-working Texans need access to health coverage, even if they are not fortunate enough to have jobs that offer affordable health insurance to employees and their families. Health coverage improves access to health care and protects against financial calamity in the face of significant illness or injury. People who do not have access to job-based insurance and do
- [How to Boost Funding to Public Education](https://everytexan.org/2018/04/23/how-to-boost-funding-to-public-education/) - The Texas public school finance system is due for some renovations. And we need raw material to get the job done. As the Texas Public School Finance Commission debates changes to how we fund our schools, commissioners also need to consider how to find the money needed to support public education. Here are some suggestions:
- [Health Insurance Subsidies Did Their Job in 2018](https://everytexan.org/2018/04/16/health-insurance-subsidies-did-their-job-in-2018/) - On April 3, 2018, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) released its annual final report on the Affordable Care Act (ACA) health insurance Marketplace open enrollment period for 2018. Our previous blog post looked at the enrollment data in this report. Now we’ll look at what the data show about premiums for 2018 health

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- [Home](https://everytexan.org/) - Social Justice Requires Public Policy We strengthen public policy to expand opportunity and equity for Texans of all backgrounds. We focus on policies that will enable Texans of all backgrounds to thrive. We prioritize policies that will measurably improve equity in and access to health care, food security, education, and financial security.
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- [K-12 Public Education](https://everytexan.org/our-work/policy-areas/quality-education/k-12-public-education/) - Quality Education K-12 Public Education School Finance: K-12 Public Education Education is the bedrock of an informed democracy and the bridge to lifelong opportunities. As a state, we rely on our public education system to develop a talented workforce and promote shared prosperity. But in order to fulfill our promise to the next generation of
- [Research & Data](https://everytexan.org/research-data/) - Research & Data We’re known for practical, data-driven policy solutions.We use high-quality data collected from credible sources, analyzed by our team of experts. We explore data for potential solutions to everyday problems — and we make that data accessible to everyone, from policymakers to concerned Texans. Our goal is to help you visualize and quantify
- [Wade G. Chappell](https://everytexan.org/wade-g-chappell/) - Wade G. Chappell Wade G. Chappell is a ninth-generation Texan and Fort Worth native whose career weaves together small business ownership, community service, and public policy to expand opportunity and wellbeing for Texans. A government relations leader in the data center and infrastructure sector, he operates at the crossroads of economic development, energy policy, and local
- [College Affordability](https://everytexan.org/our-work/policy-areas/quality-education/higher-education/student-debt/) - Quality Education College Affordability The costs of college have been skyrocketing and have doubled over the past 15 years. College students now regularly face choices between taking on greater amounts of debt, working longer hours in part-time jobs, or going without food, books or housing to cover their growing college costs and living expenses to
- [Federal Budget & Taxes](https://everytexan.org/our-work/policy-areas/budget-taxes/federal-budget-taxes/) - Budget & Taxes Federal Budget & Taxes Federal dollars account for one-third of the Texas state budget. Source: Legislative Budget Board Federal expenditures in Texas are one and a half times as much as what our state and local government revenues pay for, combined. Federal dollars account for one-third of the Texas state budget and one-tenth
- [Legacy](https://everytexan.org/legacyaward/) - Legacy Policy Summit Oct. 30, 2025 • 3-7:30 PM CT Springdale Station Austin An afternoon of big conversations and bold possibilities. Panels • 3pmParty • 6pm RSVP Now RSVP Become a Sponsor Program FAQ Panelists Support Legacy Celebrating 40 Years of Impact! Join Every Texan this fall for Legacy 2025, our 25th annual celebration! This year,
- [Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP)](https://everytexan.org/our-work/policy-areas/food-security/snap/) - Food Security Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) More than 3.5 million Texans receive SNAP benefits. Despite record-low unemployment rates, Texas continues to be one of the hungriest states in America. The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP, formerly “food stamps”) is the first line of defense for 3.5 million low-income Texans who rely on it to
- [Higher Education](https://everytexan.org/our-work/policy-areas/quality-education/higher-education/) - Quality Education Higher Education The costs of college have skyrocketed, doubling over the past 15 years. To increase higher education access, Texas must build a pipeline across our educational and workforce systems to prepare Texans for the jobs of tomorrow. Learn about our Higher Education fellowship! College Affordability College students now regularly face choices between
- [Quality Education](https://everytexan.org/our-work/policy-areas/quality-education/) - Quality Education Texas is home to 5.5M students, 24% of which are Emergent Bilingual Learners. Closing opportunity gaps builds prosperity for all Texans. Investment in public education (the teachers, students, learning centers, schools, and higher education institutions that are the center of communities) drives equity. Closing the opportunity gap ensures that every Texas student is
- [About](https://everytexan.org/about/) - About Us Social Justice Requires Public Policy. We envision a Texas where people of all backgrounds can fulfill their potential and contribute to our community.We’re Texans, and we take great pride in that. Texas boasts a rich, unique mix of resources, and an equally unique ecosystem. Our population is growing and diversifying all the time. In Texas,
- [Worker Power & Thriving Families](https://everytexan.org/our-work/policy-areas/worker-power-thriving-families/) - Worker Power & Thriving Families No matter our race, gender, or place, Texans deserve dignified jobs that support thriving individuals and families. We raise the bar for every Texan living in our state when workers of all backgrounds earn living wages, experience safe working conditions, and access essential benefits like affordable health care coverage and
- [Food Security](https://everytexan.org/our-work/policy-areas/food-security/) - Food Security 1.8 million Texas children live in households where access to food is limited. We believe every Texan is worth access to healthy and healthy food. In a state as great as Texas, no one should have to worry about where they will find their next meal. Over 4 million Texans experience food insecurity,
- [Health Care](https://everytexan.org/our-work/policy-areas/health-care/) - Health Care 76% of the 4M+ Texans on Medicaid are kids. We envision a state where a culture of care drives positive health outcomes for all. Texas faces long-standing challenges to optimal health, including the nation’s highest uninsured rates, and deep financial and systemic gaps for those who have insurance. We provide policy and administrative
- [Ways to Get Involved](https://everytexan.org/get-involved/ways-to-get-involved/) - Ways to Take Action We’re shifting power to build equity in Texas. Every Texan is part of an ecosystem of advocacy organizations across Texas with a shared vision of a state where every Texan can thrive. We identify our policy priorities in direct collaboration with the communities most affected by policies enacted by the Legislature.Every
- [Policy Areas](https://everytexan.org/our-work/policy-areas/) - Policy Areas Advancing Public Policy for Every Texan. Social justice requires public policy. We use data-based analysis and strategic communications and advocacy to build engagement ladders that advance key policy changes at the local, state, and federal level. As a multi-issue organization, we are uniquely positioned to make connections across issue silos. As a founder
- [Donate](https://everytexan.org/get-involved/donate/) - Invest in Every TexanSupport data-driven advocacy to strike change across Texas.At Every Texan, we know that social justice requires strong public policy. We’re proud of our independent voice, earned relationships with Texas leaders who trust our research, and engagement in policy change through powerful coalitions and across the political spectrum.Our bipartisan work is respected throughout
- [News & Media](https://everytexan.org/news-media/) - News & Media Request an Interview Every Texan is driven by a team of experts that infuse the organization’s mission with distinct knowledge, BIPOC leadership, and lived experience. The team’s knowledge and expertise is grounded in communities across Texas. Every Texan is proud to elevate our experts’ voices, research, and knowledge in the public space
- [Legacy 2025](http://everytexan.org/legacyaward) - Join us this fall for Legacy, Every Texan’s 25th annual celebration! This year, we celebrate 40 years of building the case for equity with a policy summit and community celebration to follow. Join Texas’ leading policy voices as we bring healthcare, education, and engagement experts together to present a vision for the state where everyone prospers.
- [At the Texas Legislature](https://everytexan.org/our-work/current-projects/texas-legislature/) - At the Texas Legislature 89th Regular Legislative Session Recap Explore the Breakdown by Policy Area During the 89th Legislative Session, Every Texan provided trusted, independent policy research and analysis to state leaders, advocates, and stakeholders, ensuring they were equipped to make informed policy choices for Texans across the state.This session was marked by uncertainty and
- [Equity & Inequality](https://everytexan.org/our-work/policy-areas/equity-inequality/) - Equity & Inequality Every Texan’s commitment to equity, with a focus on race and class, is part of the legacy and values handed down from our founders, The Benedictine Sisters of Boerne, Texas. Equity is built by policies, systems, and a distribution of resources that consider the varied histories, challenges, and needs of the people
- [Our History](https://everytexan.org/about/our-story/) - Our History Originally founded by the Benedictine Sisters of Boerne, Texas in 1985, Every Texan has pursued the vision of a more equitable Texas for 40 years and counting. We were originally the Benedictine Resource Center, and then the Center for Public Policy Priorities (CPPP) until 2020. We became an independent, tax-exempt organization in 1999. Today,
- [Contact Us](https://everytexan.org/about/contact-us/) - Contact Us Every Texan 5900 Balcones Dr.Suite 21646Austin, TX 78731 Phone: 512.320.0222 Fax: 512.320.0227 Email: info@everytexan.org To request an interview with Every Texan, please send an email to media@everytexan.org.If you are an analyst wishing to donate time and skills to ongoing policy projects, please email info@everytexan.org. Hire us to help with your data project Do you
- [Kids Count](https://everytexan.org/research-data/kids-count/) - 2024 Texas KIDS COUNT Data Book A Data-Driven Approach to Support All Texas Children The well-being of Texas children is essential to the future of our state. Recent years have presented significant challenges for Texas’ youngest residents, particularly in areas of economic stability, health, and education. According to the Annie E. Casey Foundation, Texas declined
- [Jobs & Internships](https://everytexan.org/get-involved/jobs-internships/) - Jobs & Internships Thank you for your interest in working at Every Texan! We are currently hiring for:Executive Director Every Texan is an equal opportunity employer committed to inclusive hiring and dedicated to diversity in our work and staff. We do not discriminate in employment opportunities or practices based on actual or perceived race, color,
- [Patty Quinzi](https://everytexan.org/patty-quinzi-board/) - Patty Quinzi Patty is Director of Public Affairs and Legislative Counsel for the Texas chapter of the American Federation of Teachers. Originally from Laredo, TX, Patty has worked as an advocate for public educators since 2004, with prior experience as a budget and policy analyst for the Texas Legislative Budget Board. Patty is a joint-degree
- [Cordelia Tullous](https://everytexan.org/cordelia-tullous-board/) - Cordelia Tullous Cordelia Tullous currently serves as an Associate Principal at Redstone Consulting, bringing her experience leading nonprofit, public and private organizations to strategic growth and success to assist philanthropies, nonprofits and governments solve the world’s most urgent social issues. She joined Redstone from Step Up, a mentoring organization, focused on helping girls define and
- [Kerry Knerr](https://everytexan.org/kerry-knerr/) - Email Kerry Knerr, Deputy Director of Community Philanthropy Kerry Knerr is a researcher and storyteller with over a decade of nonprofit administration experience. She has served in numerous capacities across a range of nonprofit settings, most recently as Grants Manager with the Texas State Historical Association and as Project Manager with Foodways Texas. In addition
- [Leave Your Legacy!](https://everytexan.org/legacy-donations/) - Leave Your Legacy! 40 years building the case for equity. Since 1985, Every Texan has researched policy and analyzed data to reimagine and propose what’s possible for our state… but we can’t do it without your support. Join us for Legacy on October 30, 2025 to continue building a bridge from policy to the people.Help
- [Dr. Michelle Smith](https://everytexan.org/michelle-smith/) - Email Dr. Michelle Smith, Interim CEO Dr. Michelle Smith joined Every Texan in 2025 as the organization’s Interim CEO. She brings deep experience in nonprofit leadership, advocacy, and public policy and has spent her career championing policies that improve education and economic opportunity across Texas. She previously served as Executive Director at Raise Your Hand Texas,
- [Access](https://everytexan.org/our-work/policy-areas/quality-education/higher-education/access/) - Quality Education Access Apply for our Higher Education fellowship! Two-thirds of Texans ages 25-54 lack an associate’s degree or higher. Low-income working adults in Texas face significant barriers to moving into higher-skilled jobs that pay a family-supporting wage. Background Of the nearly 1.2 million low-income working families—those with annual incomes lower than twice the federal
- [89th Legislative Session Recap](https://everytexan.org/89th-legislative-session-recap/) - Texas Truth: 89th Legislative Session Recap Health + Food Justice Education Fair Taxes Worker Power Voting Rights Health + Food Justice A Culture of Care Every Texan envisions a state where a culture of care drives positive health outcomes for all. In the 89th Legislative Session, we welcomed new Health and Food Justice (HFJ) team
- [Xochitl Rodriguez](https://everytexan.org/xochitl-rodriguez/) - Email Xochitl Rodriguez, Senior Director of Communications & Advocacy Born and raised in the Chihuahuan Desert border region that weaves the United States and Mexico together, Xochitl is a proud graduate of the University of Texas at El Paso. As Director of Communications, Xochitl drives Every Texan’s mission through collaborative storytelling that is rooted in
- [Impact Report](https://everytexan.org/impact-report/) - Every TexanImpact Report (2020-Present) CEO Letter Board Timeline Dashboard Highlights Next 40 A Letter from the CEO Dear Friends, Partners, and Fellow Texans, It is with great pride that I introduce Every Texan’s 5-Year Impact Report, highlighting our journey moving through the challenges of 2020 with commitment to shaping a more equitable and inclusive Texas.Our
- [Jennifer Whitcomb](https://everytexan.org/jennifer-whitcomb/) - Email Jennifer Whitcomb, Senior Director of Finance and Administration Prior to joining Every Texan, Jennifer was the Director of Finance for the Texas State Independent Living Council, Executive Director of Deaf Independent Living Association and the Executive Director of Georgia Council for the Hearing Impaired. Her passion for the independent living movement led community advocates
- [Tracking Medicaid & SNAP Delays in Texas](https://everytexan.org/tracking-texas-medicaid-snap-delays/) - Every Texan's tracker highlights key developments related to Texas' strained eligibility system as Texas re-checks eligibility for all 6 million Texans with Medicaid, following a nationwide pause on disenrollments during the pandemic.
- [Racial Equity FAQ](https://everytexan.org/race-equity-faq/) - Our commitment to racial equity is in our legacy. We are committed to sustained action to dismantle racist systems, policies, practices, and ideologies.
- [Danielle N. Nolen](https://everytexan.org/danielle-n-nolen/) - Email Danielle N. Nolen, Senior Director of Community Philanthropy Danielle Nolen is the Senior Director of Community Philanthropy at Every Texan, bringing over eight years of experience in nonprofit development, donor engagement, and strategic fundraising. A recent Dallas resident from Durham, NC, Danielle is passionate about leveraging philanthropy to drive social impact and equity. She
- [Chandra Kring Villaneuva](https://everytexan.org/chandra-kring-villaneuva/) - Email Twitter Chandra Kring Villanueva, Director of Budget & Policy Chandra Villanueva oversees Every Texan’s policy and advocacy work. She joined Every Texan in 2010 and focused on school finance and education policy ranging from early education to higher education access and success. Prior to joining Every Texan, Chandra was the manager of Advocacy and
- [Coda Rayo-Garza](https://everytexan.org/coda-rayo-garza/) - Email Coda Rayo-Garza, Senior Director of Research & Data Coda Rayo-Garza serves as Every Texan’s Senior 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
- [Katie Martin Lightfoot](https://everytexan.org/katie-martin-lightfoot/) - Email Katie Martin Lightfoot, Director of Strategic Campaigns & Engagement Katie Martin Lightfoot leads Every Texan’s community engagement and advocacy work. She brings strategic vision and tactical execution to Every Texan’s expanding engagement work to center people in the policymaking process. Katie joined Every Texan in 2019 as the 2020 Census Community Engagement Coordinator and
- [Luis Figueroa](https://everytexan.org/luis-figueroa-2/) - Email Twitter Luis Figueroa, Senior Director of Legislative Affairs Luis Figueroa joined Every Texan in 2018 as the first Legislative and Policy Director. In his important role as Senior Director of Legislative Affairs, Luis oversees Every Texan’s comprehensive legislative strategy. He was previously General Counsel for Texas State Senator José Rodríguez and Executive Director of
- [Simona Gabriela Harry](https://everytexan.org/simona-gabriela-harry/) - Email Twitter Simona Gabriela Harry, Deputy Director of Strategic Campaigns & Engagement Simona joined Every Texan as the Higher Education Policy and Advocacy Intern in the summer of 2020. During that time, she worked on a project to launch the pilot policy initiative to aid college students in entering and championing public policy and policy
- [Kaitlan Wong](https://everytexan.org/kaitlan-wong/) - Email Kaitlan Wong, Deputy Director of Research and Data Kaitlan Wong joined Every Texan in 2021 as a Research Analyst supporting data-based advocacy efforts in the movement for a more just and equitable Texas. Born and raised in Nebraska, Kaitlan earned her Bachelor’s degree in Sociology and Political Science with minors in History and Human
- [Amanda Posson](https://everytexan.org/amanda-posson/) - Email Twitter Amanda Posson, Senior Policy Analyst Amanda serves Every Texan’s mission by working in partnership with unions, worker centers, and coalitions to raise Texas’ labor standards and achieve a fair economy. Amanda joined Every Texan in 2018 as the organization’s senior manager for strategic growth, where she spearheaded new giving programs and encouraged pro-public
- [Lynn Cowles](https://everytexan.org/lynn-cowles/) - Email Lynn Cowles, Director of Health and Food Justice As Every Texan’s Health and Food Justice Director, Lynn Cowles works to increase food security and access to affordable health care coverage for all Texans, regardless of income, immigration status, employment status, education, primary speaking languages, gender identity, or medical history. She is a Community Health
- [Amber O'Connor](https://everytexan.org/amber-oconnor/) - Email Amber O'Connor, Food Policy Analyst Amber is passionate about social justice as it pertains to food access and nutrition. She operates under the guiding belief that every human has the right to culturally appropriate, nutritious food regardless of who they are, where they came from, or where they are going. She works to level
- [College Students Are Eligible for SNAP](https://everytexan.org/our-work/policy-areas/food-security/snap/college-students/) - Food Security College Students Are Eligible for SNAP SNAP Eligibility Has Changed During the Public Health Emergency (PHE), college students were able to take advantage of SNAP benefits.During the pandemic, exemptions were offered to Students eligible to participate in state or federally funded work-study during the school yearStudents who had an Expected Family Contribution (EFC) of
- [Shannon Halbrook](https://everytexan.org/shannon-halbrook/) - Email Shannon Halbrook, Director of Invest in Texas Shannon Halbrook is the director of our Invest in Texas team, overseeing our fiscal policy research and advocacy. He joined Every Texan in March 2023. Previously, he worked for the Texas Comptroller of Public Accounts and the Department of Information Resources as a policy researcher and data
- [Lorna Ramage](https://everytexan.org/lorna-ramage/) - Email Lorna Ramage, Deputy Communications Director With experience in television production, editorial guidance, and media design, Lorna serves as Every Texan’s Deputy Director of Communications. She left news to join Every Texan in 2023 to have her hand in making policy change, not just reporting it. As Deputy Communications Director, Lorna coordinates with media partners,
- [89th Legislative Session: Voucher Loss Analysis](https://everytexan.org/89th-legislative-session-voucher-loss-analysis/) - 5.6 million students are served by Texas public schools, yet under the leadership of Gov. Abbott, the Legislature has refused to provide new resources to schools since 2019. Texans can use this tool to find their school district and its estimated loss of funding from the introduction of a voucher program.
- [Enrollment Videos](https://everytexan.org/our-work/policy-areas/health-care/health-insurance-coverage/eligibility-outreach-enrollment/enrollment-videos/) - Health Care Enrollment Videos 2024 Healthcare.gov Application Walk-Through September 2024Explore the full playlist on Youtube. Texas State of Enrollment 2024Our latest free two-day virtual conference with webinars on the latest on outreach and enrollment in Texas health care and benefit programs. Texas Health Programs and Eligibility & Enrollment Scenarios (Sept. 24)Setting the foundation for conference
- [Future of Texas Award](https://everytexan.org/future-of-texas-award/) - Since 2014, the Future of Texas award honors an extraordinary young leader whose work has made a significant and demonstrable impact that improves the lives of Texans.
- [Eligibility, Outreach & Enrollment](https://everytexan.org/our-work/policy-areas/health-care/health-insurance-coverage/eligibility-outreach-enrollment/) - Health Care Eligibility, Outreach & Enrollment Health Care Enrollment Videos Explore Our Health Care Enrollment Webinars! Normal 0 false false false EN-US X-NONE X-NONE MicrosoftInternetExplorer4 /* Style Definitions */ table.MsoNormalTable {mso-style-name:"Table Normal"; mso-tstyle-rowband-size:0; mso-tstyle-colband-size:0; mso-style-noshow:yes; mso-style-priority:99; mso-style-parent:""; mso-padding-alt:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; mso-para-margin:0in; mso-para-margin-bottom:.0001pt; mso-pagination:widow-orphan; font-size:10.0pt; font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;} Over 400,000 uninsured Texas children are eligible
- [Daniela Padilla](https://everytexan.org/daniela-padilla/) - Email Daniela Padilla, Texas for All Education Fund Project Director Daniela joined Every Texan in January of 2024 as the Texas for All Education Fund Fellow. With deep roots in community partnership work, she’s spent time working alongside immigrant, border, and Indigenous communities. Daniela grew up in a rural community in the Central Valley of
- [The People's Budget](https://everytexan.org/peoples-budget/) - In Texas, there’s more that unites us than divides us. Regardless of our race, gender, or socioeconomic status, Texans of all backgrounds know our worth. We are worth a quality public education, affordable health care, dignified jobs, and a fair shot at prosperity.
- [Future of Texas Award Recipients](https://everytexan.org/future-of-texas-award-recipients/) - Future of Texas Award Recipients The Award Future of Texas leaders are under 40 and work in food security and access to healthy and sufficient food; good jobs, living wages, and financial security; health care expansion and access; high-quality public schools and college or post-secondary education; racial, ethnic, or gender equity and inclusion; smart public
- [Privacy Policy](https://everytexan.org/privacy-policy/) - Privacy PolicyEvery Texan is committed to protecting the privacy and security of your online information. Some information is collected automatically when you visit us online to maintain the safety and security of our websites and to help improve their usability and contents. You may choose to share other information with us when you try to interact
- [Monifa Jordan](https://everytexan.org/monifa-jordan/) - Email Monifa Jordan, Director of Finance & Administration Monifa Jordan brings over 15 years of experience in nonprofit accounting, budgeting, financial reporting, and auditing to Every Texan. Prior to joining Every Texan as the Director of Finance & Administration in June 2019, she worked as Assistant Controller at KIPP Austin, Internal Auditor for AISD, Accounts
- [Jill Feldstein](https://everytexan.org/jill-feldstein/) - Email Jill Feldstein, Chief Operating Officer Jill Feldstein has 20 years of strategy and operations experience leading organizations committed to racial, social and economic equity. As Chief Operating Officer at Penn Medicine’s Center for Community Health Workers, she built a nationally-recognized program from the ground up, first launching a health equity initiative in Philadelphia and
- [Valerie Davidson](https://everytexan.org/valerie-davidson/) - Email Valerie L. Davidson, Manager of Administration Valerie L. Davidson joined Every Texan in 2002. She is responsible for accounts payable, payroll, and other business. Before coming to Every Texan, Davidson was an administrator in the Office of the District Judges of Travis County. She earned a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science from Southwest
- [Jaime Puente](https://everytexan.org/jaime-puente/) - Email Twitter Jaime Puente, Director of Economic Opportunity Jaime Puente oversees Every Texan’s work on education, workforce development and job quality. Before joining Every Texan, Jaime served three sessions as Legislative Director for two members of the Texas House of Representatives, Dr. Alma Allen and Rep. Ann Johnson. He also served for one review cycle
- [Sarah Serpas](https://everytexan.org/sarah-serpas/) - Email Sarah Serpas, Senior Research & Data Analyst Sarah Serpas joined Every Texan in 2024 as a Senior Research & Data Analyst. She brings over a decade of experience in participatory urban planning, demographic research, and community engagement. She holds a deep belief that if you can’t explain something simply, you don’t understand it well
- [Marisa Bono](https://everytexan.org/marisa-bono/) - Email Twitter Marisa Bono, Chief Executive Officer Lifelong social justice advocate and thought leader Marisa Bono joined Austin-based Every Texan as Executive Director in 2021. She is a licensed attorney and has specific policy expertise in social equity as it relates to education, immigration, voting rights, and political access. Marisa is the first woman of
- [Dick Lavine](https://everytexan.org/dick-lavine-2/) - Email Dick Lavine, Senior Fiscal Analyst Dick Lavine focuses on building state and local revenue systems that meet Texans’ needs. Before coming to Every Texan in 1994, he was a Senior Researcher at the House Research Organization of the Texas House of Representatives for ten years. He is a Chartered Financial Analyst and a Trustee
- [CPPP Rebrand](https://everytexan.org/about/cppp-rebrand/) - New Name, Same Mission Why We Rebranded Social justice requires public policy. This has been our driving belief for nearly 40 years.The Center for Public Policy Priorities is excited to announce our new name and brand. Our new name is Every Texan. We believe this name better reflects who we are and our social justice
- [Pledge Your Support for The People's Budget](https://everytexan.org/peoples-budget-pledge/) - We're forming a statewide coalition of organizations and everyday Texans who believe our government should work for all of us, not just the powerful few. Take the pledge!
- [Legacy Award Recipients](https://everytexan.org/legacy-archive/) - Legacy Award Recipients 2024 Texas Legacy Awardees Marisol Resendez For more than 18 years, Marisol Resendez has been a noteworthy leader in the health care space. As the executive director at El Milagro Clinic, Resendez is a key player in providing the Rio Grande Valley’s uninsured population with access to life-saving, comprehensive health care. The
- [The Collective with Every Texan](https://everytexan.org/get-involved/donate/collective/) - The Collective with Every Texan Join Us!Collective power fuels the long fight for change.Every Texan fights for policy priorities that measurably improve our communities. Social justice requires public policy, and the changes we need won’t happen in a single day, month, or legislative session. Like you – we are in this for the long haul!Become
- [State Taxes](https://everytexan.org/our-work/policy-areas/budget-taxes/where-money-comes-from/state-taxes/) - Budget & Taxes State Taxes Our quality of life depends on our public structures—including public education, health services, and transportation infrastructure — supported by Texas tax dollars. A good tax system would not only provide adequate revenue to maintain these structures, but would also match the share of taxes paid with the share of income
- [Our Blog](https://everytexan.org/our-blog/) - Our Blog SB 1 Is in Effect: See What Every Texan Is Tracking SB 1, the state budget for the 2026-27 biennium, took effect on Sept. 1, 2025. It represents $338 billion in all funds and $149 billion in general revenue spending (the Read More Lorna Ramage February 11, 2026 Highest Tax Rates in the
- [Nontraditional Students](https://everytexan.org/our-work/policy-areas/quality-education/higher-education/nontraditional-students/) - Quality Education Nontraditional Students From 2008 - 2016, the number of part-time students at 4-year universities increased by 78% in Texas. Postsecondary education is critical for driving prosperity for all Texas families. The high cost of postsecondary education and dwindling financial aid, however, make it hard for students to afford a postsecondary education. This is
- [Women, Infants, and Children (WIC)](https://everytexan.org/our-work/policy-areas/food-security/food-assistance/wic/) - Food Security Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) WIC serves about 675,000 Texans. Source: Texas Health and Human Services Commission The Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) is designed to improve the health of nutritionally at-risk pregnant women, new mothers, infants and children under age five by providing healthy foods, nutrition education,
- [Surprise Medical Billing](https://everytexan.org/our-work/policy-areas/health-care/affordability-medical-debt/surprise-medical-billing/) - Health Care Surprise Medical Billing Surprise medical bills happen when insurers and doctors or other health care providers – fighting over prices – jointly pass the buck to a patient, who received out-of-network health care unknowingly. Surprise bills are especially common when patients have no ability to choose the doctors who treat them, like in
- [Medical Debt](https://everytexan.org/our-work/policy-areas/health-care/affordability-medical-debt/medical-debt/) - Health Care Medical Debt Medical debt is experienced by millions of Texans. When people become sick or suffer an accident, the cost of their healthcare may end up becoming their greatest burden. Medical debt is debt incurred from medical expenses that patients are unable to pay in full. One in four Texas consumers have medical
- [Immigrant Access](https://everytexan.org/our-work/policy-areas/health-care/immigrant-access/) - Health Care Immigrant Access Barriers to basic needs for health care, food, education, and housing that face many non-citizen Texans affect us all. One in four Texas children has a non-citizen parent, and when individual immigrants are disenfranchised from access to health care or other basic needs, it can affect whole families, and the health
- [Family Planning & Women's Health](https://everytexan.org/our-work/policy-areas/health-care/family-planning-womens-health/) - Health Care Family Planning & Women’s Health Two million Texas women need publicly funded family planning. Source: Guttmacher Institute Ensuring all Texans have access to family planning services so they can plan the timing and size of their families is critical to building equal economic and social opportunity. In addition, family planning helps women prepare for
- [Children's Medicaid & CHIP](https://everytexan.org/our-work/policy-areas/health-care/health-insurance-coverage/childrens-medicaid-chip/) - Health Care Children’s Medicaid & CHIP 11.2% of Texas kids were uninsured in 2018. Source: 2018 US Census Data All Texans should have access to affordable, high-quality health care. Ensuring that our children can access health care is particularly essential, because early diagnosis can be the difference between a lifetime disability, or a child reaching
- [Consumer Protection in Private Health Care](https://everytexan.org/our-work/policy-areas/health-care/health-insurance-coverage/consumer-protection-in-private-health-care/) - Health Care Consumer Protection in Private Health Care Health insurance should help people both access needed health care and protect against financial ruin due to an injury or illness. To do that, coverage must be adequate. It must provide a comprehensive range of benefits, be accepted by enough doctors, and cap an individual’s out-of-pocket costs
- [Affordable Care Act & Healthcare Reform](https://everytexan.org/our-work/policy-areas/health-care/health-insurance-coverage/aca-healthcare-reform/) - Health Care Affordable Care Act & Healthcare Reform 9 in 10 Texans who buy Marketplace coverage get financial help. Source: Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, 2020 Marketplace Open Enrollment Thanks to the Affordable Care Act (ACA), more than 20 million Americans, including around 1 million Texans, have gained health coverage. Equity in Focus With
- [Medicaid](https://everytexan.org/our-work/policy-areas/health-care/health-insurance-coverage/medicaid/) - Health Care Medicaid Medicaid and CHIP are public insurance programs created under federal law, and operated as federal-state partnerships. Medicaid was created by Congress in 1965, and the Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP) was added in 1997. States have minimum federal standards their Medicaid programs must meet, but also have a lot of options they
- [Uninsured in Texas](https://everytexan.org/our-work/policy-areas/health-care/health-insurance-coverage/uninsured-in-texas/) - Health Care Uninsured in Texas The number of uninsured Texans in 2018 was 5 million. Texas enjoyed three straight years of historic improvements in our uninsured rates from 2014 to 2016, but lost ground in 2017 and 2018, leaving 17.7 percent of Texans uninsured. Texas remains the state with both the largest number and percentage
- [Tax Fairness](https://everytexan.org/our-work/policy-areas/budget-taxes/where-money-comes-from/tax-fairness/) - Budget & Taxes Tax Fairness The Texas tax system is unfair because those who can afford to pay higher taxes often don’t do so, leaving lower-income households to make up for the difference. Without a fair and adequate tax system, the state’s ability to invest in schools, public safety, roads, and other public services will
- [Karen Farabee](https://everytexan.org/karen-farabee/) - Karen Farabee, Chair-Elect and Governance Committee Chair Karen Farabee retired from a 30-year career as a Human Resources and Corporate Communications executive at a variety of Austin companies, including her own HR consulting firm. In an earlier life, she graduated from the University of Texas at Austin’s College of Communication, receiving her undergraduate and masters
- [Anderson Bynam](https://everytexan.org/anderson-bynam/) - Anderson Bynam, Treasurer and Finance Committee Chair Anderson (“Andy”) Bynam is a Managing Director in the Public Finance Group at Mesirow Financial. Andy heads Mesirow’s Houston office and he focuses on servicing the firm’s clients in the State of Texas and other states across the South and the Mid-Atlantic. Andy earned a BA from Princeton
- [Rick Levy](https://everytexan.org/rick-levy/) - Rick Levy, Audit Committee Chair Rick Levy is the President of the Texas AFL-CIO, a position he was elected to in 2017. Previously, he held the position of secretary-treasurer from 2015-2017. Levy began working for the state federation in 1990, first as Legal Director and subsequently as General Counsel. In that capacity, Rick has represented
- [C. LeRoy Cavazos-Reyna](https://everytexan.org/c-leroy-cavazos-reyna/) - C. LeRoy Cavazos-Reyna, Racial Equity Committee Chair C. LeRoy Cavazos-Reyna is a native of Mission, Texas. He is strongly committed to service, community development, diplomacy, and political activism. He currently serves as a senior adviser for Public Private Strategies, developing innovative strategies to support minority-owned businesses and impact the conversation around equitable economic growth. In
- [Sarah Saldaña](https://everytexan.org/sarah-saldana/) - Sarah Saldaña Sarah Saldaña is the former director of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement during the Obama Administration. Previously Sarah was the U.S. Attorney for the Northern District of Texas, making her the first Latina chief prosecutor in the state. She is a former Deputy Criminal Chief for the Fraud and Public Corruption section of
- [Worker Power](https://everytexan.org/our-work/policy-areas/worker-power-thriving-families/worker-power/) - Worker Power & Thriving Families Worker Power Unions increase income equality and strengthen our democracy. Source: The Economic Policy Institute (EPI) There’s more that unites Texans than divides us. Regardless of where we’re from, all Texans deserve dignified wages and a fair shot to provide a quality life for their families. Equity in Focus Nationally,
- [Cash Assistance](https://everytexan.org/our-work/policy-areas/worker-power-thriving-families/cash-assistance/) - Jobs & Financial Security Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) Helping needy families with children is both in their interest and in ours as a society. One way we help is through cash assistance for the poorest families, though we require parents who can to move from welfare to work. Background Every year Texas receives
- [John-Michael Vincent Cortez](https://everytexan.org/john-michael-vincent-cortez/) - John-Michael Vincent Cortez | Chair John-Michael Cortez is a catalyst for equitable access to fast, reliable, fairly priced, and open internet service. As Google Fiber’s Government and Community Affairs Manager in Texas, he collaborates with communities to ensure everyone can harness digital resources to fully participate in our society, democracy, and economy. John-Michael also lectures
- [Ken Janda](https://everytexan.org/ken-janda/) - Ken Janda Ken Janda is principal of Wild Blue Health Solutions, a consultancy bringing people and collaborative solutions to the audacious challenges in our health care landscape. Previously, he served for 11 years as President and CEO of Community Health Choice, Inc., a Houston-based managed care organization that focuses on low-income families. Ken has over
- [2020 Census](https://everytexan.org/our-work/current-projects/2020-census/) - Current Projects 2020 Census A 1% undercount could cost Texas $300 million per year over the next decade in lost funding. The 2020 Census will shape Texas’ future for the next decade. Every 10 years, the United States Census Bureau carries out a constitutionally mandated count, or Census, of the nation’s residents.Learn More Background The
- [Events](https://everytexan.org/get-involved/events/) - Events
- [James Aldrete](https://everytexan.org/james-aldrete/) - James Aldrete James Aldrete is the owner of Message Audience Presentation, Inc., a political communication company in Austin. MAP’s creative and strategic work has been recognized in Campaigns & Elections Magazine, as well as the Wall Street Journal, the Washington Post, and Slate Magazine, among other media outlets. MAP served as part of the Obama Media Team in 2008
- [Molly Cox](https://everytexan.org/molly-cox/) - Molly Cox Molly Cox spent a decade with SA2020, the nonprofit that drives progress toward a shared community vision in San Antonio, Texas. She led the organization in researching more than 60 community indicators, sharing more complete stories of San Antonio’s successes and challenges, and coordinating the alignment of multi-sector organizations toward shared goals prioritized
- [Tobi Jackson](https://everytexan.org/tobi-jackson/) - Tobi Jackson Tobi Jackson is Board President of the Fort Worth Independent School District. A parent, educator, and administrator, she is a lifelong resident of Fort Worth. She has been an administrator and faculty member in public, private, and corporate settings. She has been a community leader for over three decades in Tarrant County, focusing
- [Jim Keffer](https://everytexan.org/jim-keffer/) - Jim Keffer Jim Keffer had a distinguished tenure as Texas State Representative from Eastland. Keffer is a conservative family man, small business owner and lifelong Texas Republican Party leader. As president of EBAA Iron Sales, Inc., Jim has been one of the largest employers in his community. He has served as Chairman of the Texas
- [Veletta Forsythe Lill](https://everytexan.org/veletta-forsythe-lill/) - Veletta Forsythe Lill Veletta Forsythe Lill has been an agent for change in Dallas over the past three decades. The former member of the Dallas City Council (1997-2005) and long-time community advocate has played a role in the development of the physical city and the policy that guides it. She holds a Master’s Degree in
- [Marcela Salazar](https://everytexan.org/marcela-salazar/) - Marcela Salazar Marcela Salazar is an international executive with a unique breadth of experience aligning public relations strategies with business objectives. With twenty years of experience working for corporations, progressive nonprofits, and as a journalist, she is a thought-leader who excels at successfully creating strategic relationships and brand narratives for executives, leaders, and organizations with
- [Get Involved Draft](https://everytexan.org/get-involved-draft/) - Get Involved Intro blurb here Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Ut elit tellus, luctus nec ullamcorper mattis, pulvinar dapibus leo. Building connections across the state since 1985. Since its founding in 1985, Every Texan (formerly the Center for Public Policy Priorities – CPPP) has expanded opportunity and equity for Texans of all
- [Atul Varadhachary](https://everytexan.org/atul-varadhachary/) - Atul Varadhachary, M.D., Ph.D. Atul Varadhachary, M.D., Ph.D. is Managing Partner at Fannin Innovation Studio in Houston. There, Varadhachary works with scientists to set commercial milestones alongside the research milestones. Atul has served as an adjunct professor at the Baylor College of Medicine, the Jones Graduate School of Management at Rice University, and at the
- [Angela Ross](https://everytexan.org/angela-ross/) - Angela Ross, Secretary Angela Ross is Vice President of External Affairs for AT&T Texas, where she is responsible for government, community and stakeholder affairs in the greater Dallas area including being the lead for City Hall in Dallas, AT&T’s global corporate headquarters. Angela is an alumna of Leadership Dallas, Leadership North Texas and Leadership San
- [Texans Together for Our Common Good](https://everytexan.org/our-work/policy-areas/worker-power-thriving-families/texans-together-for-our-common-good/) - Envelope Twitter Facebook Youtube Instagram Texans, regardless of where we were born or what we look like, believe in fairness and taking care of one another when the road gets rough. We’re committed to one another’s common good. Yet, our state’s most powerful elected officials aren’t working for us — or our common good. The
- [School Meals](https://everytexan.org/our-work/policy-areas/food-security/school-meals/) - Food Security School Meals School Meals programs include the School Breakfast Program, the National School Lunch Program, the Afterschool Nutrition Program, the Summer Meals Program, the Community Eligibility Program, and the Direct Certification program. These federal nutrition programs are targeted for children and operate through schools, afterschool programs, churches and other places that serve school-aged
- [Direct Certification](https://everytexan.org/our-work/policy-areas/food-security/school-meals/direct-certification/) - Food Security Direct Certification “...the percentage of meals that were claimed as free were a lot higher than when we were in Provision 2.” Rio Grande City CSD Direct certification is a federally mandated electronic data-matching process that determines the eligibility for free school meals based on student participation in other need-based programs. Background Schools
- [Community Eligibility](https://everytexan.org/our-work/policy-areas/food-security/school-meals/community-eligibility/) - Food Security Community Eligibility “It’s been very helpful in comparison to picking up applications.” Zapata ISD CEP is a federal option that allows high poverty schools to provide free meals — both breakfast and lunch — to all students without having to collect school meal applications. Background The Community Eligibility Provision (CEP) provides federal reimbursements
- [Summer Meals Program](https://everytexan.org/our-work/policy-areas/food-security/school-meals/summer-meals-program/) - Food Security Summer Meals Program Only an estimated 13% of the eligible population benefits from summer nutrition programs, due to low awareness. Texas summer nutrition programs offer free meals to children during summer vacations or summer school when many children lose access to meals eaten at school. The two summer nutrition programs are the Summer
- [Afterschool Nutrition Program](https://everytexan.org/our-work/policy-areas/food-security/school-meals/afterschool-nutrition-program/) - Food Security Afterschool Meals Program “Go for it... If you have any type of enrichment program that would qualify you for meals, there is no reason not to.” Atlanta ISD (Atlanta, TX) By feeding low-income children enrolled in afterschool programs, the Afterschool Meals Program helps to prevent hunger for children who may have eaten lunch
- [National School Lunch Program](https://everytexan.org/our-work/policy-areas/food-security/school-meals/national-school-lunch-program/) - Food Security National School Lunch Program NSLP lifts a major financial burden off millions of low-income families across the state. The National School Lunch Program (NSLP) guarantees children can eat a healthy meal while at school, giving them the focus they need to thrive. Background The NSLP serves all children attending public schools in Texas
- [School Breakfast Program](https://everytexan.org/our-work/policy-areas/food-security/school-meals/school-breakfast-program/) - Food Security School Breakfast Program Background The School Breakfast Program (SBP) ensures that children in Texas start their school day with the nutrition they need to learn. In addition to increasing school revenue, studies on school breakfast show that eating breakfast leads to higher attendance, math scores and graduation rates while decreasing tardiness and classroom
- [Child and Adult Care Food Program (CACFP)](https://everytexan.org/our-work/policy-areas/food-security/food-assistance/cacfp/) - Food Security Child and Adult Care Food Program (CACFP) CACFP served 230 millions meals in Texas in 2019. Source: Texas Department of Agriculture CACFP’s mission is to contribute to the health and wellness of vulnerable populations, including children in low-income neighborhoods, people with disabilities, and elderly Texans. By helping care centers stretch their dollars, CACFP
- [Texas Localities Paid Parental Leave](https://everytexan.org/texas-localities-paid-parental-leave/) - Texas City and County Governments That Offer Paid Leave Every Texan, a non-partisan, nonprofit state policy organization, can assist your government conduct a paid leave cost estimate. Fees may apply depending on the detail. Contact Amanda Posson for more information.
- [End of Year Giving](https://everytexan.org/2023-end-of-year/) - Make a gift today that will help elevate the voice of every Texan. Holiday traditions may change, but the needs of our community remain the same: equal and easy access to health care, a stronger education system, paid parental leave, just workplaces, and safe communities for immigrants.With your support, we will dream and build the
- [Texas Medicaid Unwinding: Information and Resources](https://everytexan.org/our-work/policy-areas/health-care/health-insurance-coverage/texas-medicaid-unwinding-information-and-resources/) - Texas Medicaid Unwinding: Information and Resources Intro Take Action to Stay Covered Did You Lose Coverage? Attention Texas Families! The state is re-checking eligibility for Medicaid for millions of Texans. You must take action to keep your Medicaid coverage. Eligibility checks are normally routine, and known as renewing your Medicaid. Since the pandemic began, most
- [Health Insurance Coverage](https://everytexan.org/our-work/policy-areas/health-care/health-insurance-coverage/) - Health Care Health Insurance Coverage In Texas and across the U.S., people enrolled in a health insurance program — private or public — have better access to health care than the uninsured: studies show that the uninsured are less likely to get prevention services or care they need for their major health conditions and chronic
- [Texas Special Session Voucher Analysis](https://everytexan.org/special-session-voucher-analysis/) - Vouchers are an unacceptable and costly alternative to improving our public education system. See how much your school district would lose under the proposed voucher program.
- [Quick Links](https://everytexan.org/quicklinks/) - Every Texan Quick Links Blog & Testimony Every Texan @ the Lege Podcast: Every Texan Talks Donate Texas School Voucher Analysis Texas Legacy Kids Count Data Book Subscribe to Our Newsletter Jobs & Internships Social Justice Requires Public Policy We envision a Texas where people of all backgrounds can fulfill their potential and contribute to our community.
- [88th Legislative Session Recap](https://everytexan.org/88th-legislative-session-recap/) - 88th Legislative Session Recap Missed Opportunities for Restorative Change Summary Health Care Food Justice Education Worker Power Immigration Fair Taxation Voting Rights Texans are worth a fair shot at reaching our full potential. When we provide Texans with equal access to well-funded public education, affordable health care, and dignified jobs, we create a state where
- [Current Projects](https://everytexan.org/our-work/current-projects/) - Current Projects 2020 Census The Census is supposed to count every person living in the United States to determine representation in Congress and guide the distribution of public and private resources for our communities. For a state as large and diverse as Texas, it can be a challenge to make sure everyone is counted. Get More Information
- [State Budget](https://everytexan.org/our-work/policy-areas/budget-taxes/where-money-goes/state-budget/) - Budget & Taxes State Budget State investments in high-quality pre K-12 and higher education, health care, and infrastructure help communities flourish as Texas continues to grow. Our state budget is a moral document that should reflect the needs of Texans from all backgrounds and help every Texan thrive. Background The state budget process in Texas
- [Local Services](https://everytexan.org/our-work/policy-areas/budget-taxes/where-money-goes/local-services/) - Budget & Taxes Local Services Texas’ local governments provide a wide range of services supported primarily by local property and sales taxes. Across the state, pre-K-12 education is usually the primary area of local spending because of our state’s relatively young, school-age population. Background When Texas leaders boast about how our state is growing, they
- [Economic Stabilization Fund](https://everytexan.org/our-work/policy-areas/budget-taxes/where-money-comes-from/economic-stabilization-fund/) - Budget & Taxes Economic Stabilization Fund Texas has one of the largest state savings accounts in the country. Often called the Rainy Day Fund, the Economic Stabilization Fund (ESF) functions like a savings account for the state of Texas, created to prevent or reduce sudden massive cuts to schools, health care and other state services.
- [Tax Breaks & Incentives](https://everytexan.org/our-work/policy-areas/budget-taxes/where-money-comes-from/tax-breaks-incentives/) - Budget & Taxes Tax Breaks & Incentives The type of tax system we need should provide enough revenue to maintain public services and also divide up the responsibility for funding services according to a household’s ability to pay. Unfortunately, our tax system gives the wealthiest Texans and corporations a pass in contributing fairly to state
- [Property Taxes](https://everytexan.org/our-work/policy-areas/budget-taxes/where-money-comes-from/property-taxes/) - Budget & Taxes Property Taxes Property taxes are a key source of funding for public schools, which are key to an educated population and skilled workforce. Property taxes also support services Texans need in our cities, counties, and special districts such as community colleges and hospital districts. Background Property taxes account for half of all
- [College Campus Food Access](https://everytexan.org/our-work/policy-areas/food-security/food-assistance/college-food-access-toolkit/) - Equitable Higher Education College Food Access Toolkit Whether you are a higher education administrator or a passionate student advocate, this toolkit recommends best practices to implement at your college or university to address the student population's needs. Food insecurity among college students is widely felt but rarely discussed as a barrier to attaining higher education.
- [Early Childhood & Pre-K](https://everytexan.org/our-work/policy-areas/quality-education/pre-k/) - Quality Education Early Childhood & Pre-K Helping kids start school ready to learn is one of the best ways to ensure all Texans have the chance to compete and succeed in life. Texas has long recognized the value of early education, and since 1985 has offered a state-supported Pre-K program. The goal of the program
- [Kids Living with Relatives](https://everytexan.org/our-work/policy-areas/worker-power-thriving-families/kids-living-with-relatives/) - Jobs & Financial Security Kids Living with Relatives (Kinship Care) Over 250,000 children in Texas are raised by a grandparent or other relative. Across Texas, family members and friends have stepped up to provide homes for children whose parents cannot care for them. These “kinship care” arrangements include all children who receive care from grandparents,
- [Paid Family, Medical, & Sick Leave​](https://everytexan.org/our-work/policy-areas/worker-power-thriving-families/paid-family-medical-sick-leave/) - Jobs & Financial Security Paid Family, Medical, & Sick Leave​ Over 4.3 million workers in Texas lack access to paid sick leave. Approximately 40 percent of the Texas workforce lacks access to paid sick days. Paid sick leave promotes healthier communities, support our economy’s lowest paid workers, and build a stronger more productive Texas workforce. Equity in
- [Education Fellowship](https://everytexan.org/our-work/policy-areas/quality-education/education-fellowship/) - Quality Education Policy Leaders of Texas Intro Featured Work About the Fellowship Key Tenets 2022-2023 Cohort Policy Leaders of Texas Fellowship Program Every Texan’s Policy Leaders of Texas Fellowship Program is a pilot initiative that provides students with resources, knowledge, and social justice framework to engage in and champion issues in higher education policy. In seeking
- [Living Wages](https://everytexan.org/our-work/policy-areas/worker-power-thriving-families/living-wages/) - Jobs & Financial Security Living Wages Median income is 39% less for Black households than White households in Texas. The availability of jobs that pay a middle wage in Texas has declined significantly since 1979, and the share of low-wage jobs in Texas has grown at twice the rate of high-wage jobs. Hard working Texas
- [Women & Gender Equality](https://everytexan.org/our-work/policy-areas/equity-inequality/women-gender-equality/) - Equity & Inequality Women & Gender Equality Women in Texas have median annual earnings of 79.6 cents on the dollar compared with men. Source: Texas Women's Foundation Background Even when women—especially women of color—work hard, have higher educational attainment, and get a good job, there are still vast differences in pay and the ability to
- [Immigrants](https://everytexan.org/our-work/policy-areas/equity-inequality/immigrants/) - Equity & Inequality Immigrants 1 in 3 Texas kids live with at least one parent who is an immigrant. Source: Kids Count Data Center In the current environment of hostility toward refugees and immigrants, the work of Every Texan is especially important. Background Texas has a strong tradition of embracing immigrant culture, and immigrants have
- [People of Color & Race Equity](https://everytexan.org/our-work/policy-areas/equity-inequality/race-equity/) - Equity & Inequality People of Color & Race Equity The median income is 39% less for Black households than White households in Texas. Every Texan deserves the chance to compete and succeed in life. But historical policies have created barriers for people based on their race or ethnicity. Background Current policies often perpetuate these barriers,
- [KIDS COUNT 2022: Grandparents Living with Grandchildren](https://everytexan.org/kids-count-2022/key-data-maps/grandparents-living-with-grandchildren/) - 2022 Texas KIDS COUNT Data Book Grandparents Living with Grandchildren Key Data Maps Data Book Home
- [KIDS COUNT 2022: Child Uninsured Rates](https://everytexan.org/kids-count-2022/key-data-maps/child-uninsured-rates/) - 2022 Texas KIDS COUNT Data Book Child Uninsured Rates Key Data Maps Data Book Home
- [KIDS COUNT 2022: Child Food Insecurity](https://everytexan.org/kids-count-2022/key-data-maps/child-food-insecurity/) - 2022 Texas KIDS COUNT Data Book Child Food Insecurity Key Data Maps Data Book Home
- [KIDS COUNT 2022: Child Care Deserts](https://everytexan.org/kids-count-2022/key-data-maps/child-care-deserts/) - 2022 Texas KIDS COUNT Data Book Child Care Deserts Key Data Maps Data Book Home
- [KIDS COUNT 2022: Children Living in Poverty](https://everytexan.org/kids-count-2022/key-data-maps/children-living-in-poverty/) - 2022 Texas KIDS COUNT Data Book Children Living in Poverty Key Data Maps Data Book Home
- [KIDS COUNT 2022: School Enrollment](https://everytexan.org/kids-count-2022/key-data-maps/school-enrollment/) - 2022 Texas KIDS COUNT Data Book School Enrollment Key Data Maps Data Book Home
- [KIDS COUNT 2022: Key Data Maps](https://everytexan.org/kids-count-2022/key-data-maps/) - 2022 Texas KIDS COUNT Data Book Key Data Maps Children Living in Poverty Grandparents Living with Grandchildren School Enrollment Child Uninsured Rates Child Care Deserts Child Food Insecurity Data Book Home
- [Healthy Adulting for Young Texans](https://everytexan.org/our-work/policy-areas/health-care/guide-to-healthy-adulting-for-young-texans/) - Health Insurance Coverage Healthy Adulting for Young Texans Intro Coverage Options Repro Health Medicaid/CHIP Food/Nutrition Find the Help You Need To help young adults, we have created this guide to accessing health and food resources in Texas. This tool gives you an overview of ways to get help here in Texas, and also how to
- [#SickOfItTX](https://everytexan.org/our-work/current-projects/sickofittx/) - We're sick of it, Texas! Texas continues to have the nation’s worst uninsured rate for adults, for kids, and for women of childbearing age—with often devastating consequences. #SickOfItTX is a non-partisan coalition of passionate advocates, including Every Texan, fighting for expanded healthcare access in Texas. This legislative session needs to be The Healthcare Session—but that
- [Our Testimony at the Texas Legislature](https://everytexan.org/our-work/current-projects/texas-legislature/testimony/) - Our Testimony at the Texas Legislature Social Justice Requires Public Policy. We envision a Texas where people of all backgrounds can fulfill their potential and contribute to our community. Unfortunately, too many Texans can’t access the conditions they need to thrive — good health care, education, and jobs. One of the most effective ways to make sure every
- [KIDS COUNT 2022 Data Book](https://everytexan.org/kids-count-2022/data-book/) - 2022 Texas KIDS COUNT Data Book Download the full report as a PDF
- [KIDS COUNT 2022](https://everytexan.org/kids-count-2022/) - 2022 Texas KIDS COUNT Data Book A Texas for All Children All children — regardless of race, class, gender, or national origin — deserve to fulfill their potential and have the opportunity to thrive. Over the last several years, Texas children and youth have faced serious challenges and disruptions to their lives due to the
- [En Español](https://everytexan.org/en-espanol/) - ¿Quiénes Somos? Center for Public Policy Priorities cambia de nombre a Every Texan reflejando su historia de 35 años en busca de la justicia social y la política públicaAustin, Texas (27 de mayo de 2020) – El Centro de Prioridades de Políticas Públicas (“CPPP” por sus siglas en inglés) establecido hace 35 años cambia de
- [2022 Highlights](https://everytexan.org/2022-highlights/) - 2022 Highlights This year, Every Texan continued our critical work in key policy areas to ensure all Texans are healthy, educated, and positioned to socially and economically thrive.As we look ahead to the 88th Legislative Session, we’re also reflecting on everything we’ve achieved this year — and where our policy areas currently stand. We are
- [Strategic Plan 2022-2027](https://everytexan.org/our-work/strategic-plan-2022-2027/) - Theory of Change Pillars Goals Outcomes Glossary 2022-2027 Strategic Plan Our Mission Every Texan strengthens public policy to expand opportunity and equity for Texans of all backgrounds. Theory of Change Every Texan is part of an ecosystem of advocacy organizations across Texas with a shared vision of a state where every Texan can thrive. We
- [Point of Order](https://everytexan.org/point-of-order/)
- [Get Updates](https://everytexan.org/get-involved/get-updates/) - Get Updates Get Updates from Every Texan!Stay up-to-date with our latest research and policy analysis by signing up for Every Texan email updates!If you are a member of the media and would like to receive Every Texan press releases, please click here.
- [ARP Toolkit for Policymakers](https://everytexan.org/arp-toolkit/) - Every Texan's ARP Toolkit for Policymakers American Rescue Plan The American Rescue Plan (ARP) provides $130 billion in federal funding directly to local governments. This level of aid will help communities across the US shape their recovery from the COVID-19 recession. The ARP is an unprecedented opportunity for local and state lawmakers in Texas to
- [Testimony](https://everytexan.org/testimony/) - Our Testimony at the Texas Legislature Social Justice Requires Public Policy. We envision a Texas where people of all backgrounds can fulfill their potential and contribute to our community.Unfortunately, too many Texans can’t access the conditions they need to thrive — good health care, education, and jobs.One of the most effective ways to make sure every Texan has access
- [Meet Marisa Bono](https://everytexan.org/meet-marisa-bono/) - Our New CEO Marisa Bono Lifelong social justice advocate and thought leader Marisa Bono joined Austin-based Every Texan as CEO in 2021. She is a licensed attorney and has specific policy expertise in social equity as it relates to education, immigration, voting rights, and political access. Marisa is the first woman of color to serve
- [Kids Count 2021](https://everytexan.org/kids-count-2021/) - Texas KIDS COUNT Health Equity for Every Child All children deserve the opportunity for a healthy life. In Texas, not all children have the health insurance, food security, and economic security needed for a healthy childhood, due to disparities rooted in systemic racism. Public policy can improve health equity for all Texas children. Policymakers should
- [test](https://everytexan.org/test-cp-slides/) - Drive Texas AdelanteDriver’s licenses help keep everyone safe, Texas' strict and burdensome requirements make it hard fort many immigrants, U.S. citizens and lawfully present residents to secure a license. Now more than ever, we need to make sure everyone can stay safe on the roads while they care for neighbors and their families during the
- [We Decide](https://everytexan.org/our-work/current-projects/wedecide/) - It’s our community—we should decide. Our local leaders know us best and now, more than ever, they need to be able to act to keep every Texan safe and healthy. We elected them because we trust them to act in our best interest, and it’s time to let them do that. Let our local leaders
- [We Decide - Thank You](https://everytexan.org/our-work/current-projects/wedecide/we-decide-thank-you/) - It’s our community—we should decide. Thank You for Taking Action and Making Your Voice Heard. Check out other ways to get involved and take action with Every Texan. Our local leaders know us best and now, more than ever, they need to be able to act to keep every Texan safe and healthy. We elected
- [Pandemic EBT Program](https://everytexan.org/our-work/policy-areas/food-security/food-assistance/pandemic-ebt-program/) - Deadline Extended to August 21 Pandemic EBT Program Deadline Extended! Apply for Food Assistance by August 21 On May 12, the U.S. Department of Agriculture approved for the Texas Health and Human Services Commission to access more than $1 billion in food benefits via the federal Pandemic Electronic Benefit Transfer program (P-EBT). P-EBT is designed
- [COVID-19](https://everytexan.org/our-work/current-projects/covid-19/) - COVID-19 As Texas faces the rapidly developing news around COVID-19, we at Every Texan are first and foremost focused on the health and safety of our fellow Texans. The Governor has declared a statewide disaster, and we are monitoring developments. We stand with those affected by this crisis.Our work has never been more critical. The
- [Food Assistance](https://everytexan.org/our-work/policy-areas/food-security/food-assistance/) - Food Security Food Assistance The Women, Infants & Children (WIC) and Child & Adult Care Food Program (CACFP) serve special populations. WIC serves pregnant women, infants and young children. CACFP serves young children, elderly adults and adults with disabilities who require care. CACFP operates through child care sites, adult day care centers and afterschool programs,
- [Affordability & Medical Debt](https://everytexan.org/our-work/policy-areas/health-care/affordability-medical-debt/) - Health Care Affordability & Medical Debt When you face a medical emergency, the last thing you want to think about is how to pay for it. Unfortunately, when people can’t pay their medical bills, costs turn into mounting medical debt that compromises patients’ health and financial security, harms their credit scores, and can even limit
- [Sitemap](https://everytexan.org/sitemap/) - Sitemap PagesKatie Martin Lightfoot88th Legislative Session RecapDanielle N. NolenJill FeldsteinPatty QuinziKaitlan WongCoda Rayo-GarzaCordelia TullousPledge Your Support for The People’s BudgetSarah SerpasChandra Kring VillaneuvaGet InvolvedDonateThe Collective with Every TexanGet UpdatesEventsWays to Get InvolvedJobs & InternshipsValerie DavidsonMeet Marisa BonoMonifa JordanTexas Special Session Voucher AnalysisQuick LinksKen JandaKerry KnerrJohn-Michael Vincent CortezFederal FightbackSarah SaldañaThe People’s BudgetAngela RossEnd of Year GivingKaren
- [Premiums & Out-of-Pocket Costs](https://everytexan.org/our-work/policy-areas/health-care/affordability-medical-debt/premiums-out-of-pocket-costs/)
- [Medicare](https://everytexan.org/our-work/policy-areas/health-care/health-insurance-coverage/medicare/)
- [Our Work](https://everytexan.org/our-work/)
- [Texas Health Care Guide](https://everytexan.org/research-data/texas-health-care-guide/)
- [Texas Family Budgets](https://everytexan.org/research-data/texas-family-budgets/)
- [Census Work](https://everytexan.org/research-data/census-work/)
- [In Your Community](https://everytexan.org/our-work/current-projects/in-your-community/)
- [Get Involved](https://everytexan.org/get-involved/)

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- [Page: Standard Policy Page](https://everytexan.org/?elementor_library=standard-policy-page) - Equity & Inequality Page: Standard Policy Page 275,000-355,000 Texas children are eligible for Medicaid or CHIP. Source information, Lorem ipsum dolore Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Ut elit tellus, luctus nec ullamcorper mattis, pulvinar dapibus leo. Equity in Focus 1.4 million out of Texas’ 5 million insured in 2018 were non-U.S. citizens—a
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## Archive Documents

- [Questions and Answers on HB 21 Special Education Vouchers](https://everytexan.org/archive_documents/questions-and-answers-hb-21-special-education-vouchers/) - 2017 Questions and Answers on HB21 Special Education Vouchers
- [Written Testimony: Senate Higher Education Committee SB 18 - Opposed](https://everytexan.org/archive_documents/written-testimony-senate-higher-education-committee-sb-18-opposed/)
- [Written Testimony: Senate Higher Education Committee SB 885 and SB 886: Opposed](https://everytexan.org/archive_documents/written-testimony-senate-higher-education-committee-sb-885-and-sb-886-opposed/)
- [Written Testimony in Opposition to Senate Bill 3](https://everytexan.org/archive_documents/written-testimony-in-opposition-to-senate-bill-3/)
- [School Vouchers Entitling private schools to tax dollars without accountability or better results](https://everytexan.org/archive_documents/school-vouchers-entitling-private-schools-to-tax-dollars-without-accountability-or-better-results/)
- [KC Profile 2018](https://everytexan.org/archive_documents/kc-profile-2018/)
- [Investing in Our Future: 2013 State of Texas Children Texas KIDS COUNT Annual Data Book](https://everytexan.org/archive_documents/investing-in-our-future-2013-state-of-texas-children-texas-kids-count-annual-data-book/)
- [2012 Kids Count data book](https://everytexan.org/archive_documents/2012-kids-count-data-book/)
- [Temporary assistance for needy families protects the poorest Texas children](https://everytexan.org/archive_documents/temporary-assistance-for-needy-families-protects-the-poorest-texas-children/)
- [Keeping Kids with Family: How Texas Can Financially Support Kinship Caregivers](https://everytexan.org/archive_documents/keeping-kids-with-family-how-texas-can-financially-support-kinship-caregivers/)
- [Half of Texas Households Are One Crisis Away from Slipping Into Poverty](https://everytexan.org/archive_documents/half-of-texas-households-are-one-crisis-away-from-slipping-into-poverty/)
- [New CPPP report shows payday and auto title loans are getting more expensive and continue to trap Texans in a cycle of debt](https://everytexan.org/archive_documents/new-cppp-report-shows-payday-and-auto-title-loans-are-getting-more-expensive-and-continue-to-trap-texans-in-a-cycle-of-debt/)
- [Family Budgets](https://everytexan.org/archive_documents/family-budgets/)
- [Rebuilding the Middle Class](https://everytexan.org/archive_documents/rebuilding-the-middle-class/)
- [Texas Child Poverty -- Historical and Current Policies Mean Wide Disparities across Race, Ethnicity, Gender and Location](https://everytexan.org/archive_documents/texas-child-poverty-historical-and-current-policies-mean-wide-disparities-across-race-ethnicity-gender-and-location/)
- [Investing in Our Future: 2013 Texas KIDS COUNT Annual Report](https://everytexan.org/wp/images/12-03-13_-_SOTC_Release_-_San_Antonio.pdf#new_tab)
- [Beyond the Campus: Connecting Community College Students to Meaningful Employment](https://everytexan.org/archive_documents/beyond-the-campus-connecting-community-college-students-to-meaningful-employment/)
- [Checking in on Pre-K and the 2017 TX Legislature](https://everytexan.org/archive_documents/checking-in-on-pre-k-and-the-2017-tx-legislature/)
- [Looking Ahead to the 2017 Legislative Session](https://everytexan.org/archive_documents/looking-ahead-to-the-2017-legislative-session/)
- [The Facts on School Vouchers: Entitling private schools to tax dollars without accountability or better results](https://everytexan.org/archive_documents/the-facts-on-school-vouchers-entitling-private-schools-to-tax-dollars-without-accountability-or-better-results/)
- [College affordability: the TEXAS Grant Program must do more for our students](https://everytexan.org/archive_documents/college-affordability-the-texas-grant-program-must-do-more-for-our-students/)
- [College affordability: the state is failing to sufficiently support Texas students](https://everytexan.org/archive_documents/college-affordability-the-state-is-failing-to-sufficiently-support-texas-students/)
- [Estimated Funding Lost in One Year to School Districts from SB3 Vouchers](https://everytexan.org/archive_documents/estimated-funding-lost-in-one-year-to-school-districts-from-sb3-vouchers/)
- [House Higher Education Committee: Written Testimony for HB 1502 -- Position: Support](https://everytexan.org/archive_documents/house-higher-education-committee-written-testimony-for-hb-1502-position-support/)
- [House Public Education Committee: Written Testimony for CSHB 1759 -- Position: Against](https://everytexan.org/archive_documents/house-public-education-committee-written-testimony-for-cshb-1759-position-against/)
- [Oral Testimony -- HB 4: Senate Education](https://everytexan.org/archive_documents/oral-testimony-hb-4-senate-education/)
- [Texas Commission on Public School Finance testimony](https://everytexan.org/archive_documents/texas-commission-on-public-school-finance-testimony/)
- [The Texas Dream Act: What You Need to Know](https://everytexan.org/archive_documents/the-texas-dream-act-what-you-need-to-know/)
- [Written Testimony: House Appropriations, Subcommittee on Article III -- Educational Programs Outside the Foundation School Program](https://everytexan.org/archive_documents/written-testimony-house-appropriations-subcommittee-on-article-iii-educational-programs-outside-the-foundation-school-program/)
- [Texas Has a GED Problem: Alternative Paths to High School Equivalency](https://everytexan.org/archive_documents/texas-has-a-ged-problem-alternative-paths-to-high-school-equivalency/)
- [Written Testimony - HB 4 Rulemaking](https://everytexan.org/archive_documents/written-testimony-hb-4-rulemaking/)
- [College Affordability](https://everytexan.org/archive_documents/college-affordability/)
- [House Public Education Committee takes on School Finance Reform with HB 21](https://everytexan.org/archive_documents/house-public-education-committee-takes-on-school-finance-reform-with-hb-21/)
- [HB 21 Again Heads to the House Floor](https://everytexan.org/archive_documents/hb-21-again-heads-to-the-house-floor/)
- [Testimony for Senate Finance Committee on SB 1](https://everytexan.org/archive_documents/testimony-for-senate-finance-committee-on-sb-1/)
- [To Improve Efficiency and Fairness in School Funding, Let ASATR Expire](https://everytexan.org/archive_documents/to-improve-efficiency-and-fairness-in-school-funding-let-asatr-expire-2/)
- [Keeping College Within Reach: How Texas Can Move More Low-Income and Adult Students through College](https://everytexan.org/archive_documents/keeping-college-within-reach-how-texas-can-move-more-low-income-and-adult-students-through-college-2/)
- [The Ups and Downs of School Finance: Protecting the Floor while Raising the Ceiling](https://everytexan.org/archive_documents/the-ups-and-downs-of-school-finance-protecting-the-floor-while-raising-the-ceiling/)
- [Promising School Finance Bills Advance in Texas House and Senate Overall, School Funding Continues to Slip against Inflation While Legislators Seek Options for Reform](https://everytexan.org/archive_documents/promising-school-finance-bills-advance-in-texas-house-and-senate-overall-school-funding-continues-to-slip-against-inflation-while-legislators-seek-options-for-reform/)
- [Testimony in Support of SB 16](https://everytexan.org/archive_documents/testimony-in-support-of-sb-16/)
- [Testimony in Support of HB 2519](https://everytexan.org/archive_documents/testimony-in-support-of-hb-2519/)
- [Texas Relies Too Much on Local Taxpayers to Fund Public Education](https://everytexan.org/archive_documents/texas-relies-too-much-on-local-taxpayers-to-fund-public-education/)
- [The Senate Version of HB 21 is a Voucher Bill, Not a School Finance Bill](https://everytexan.org/archive_documents/the-senate-version-of-hb-21-is-a-voucher-bill-not-a-school-finance-bill/)
- [Estimated Annual Loss in Funding to School Districts beginning in Second Year of Operation for HB21 Voucher Program1](https://everytexan.org/archive_documents/estimated-annual-loss-in-funding-to-school-districts-beginning-in-second-year-of-operation-for-hb21-voucher-program1/)
- [Written Testimony – House Appropriations Committee Article III Subcommittee (TEA)](https://everytexan.org/archive_documents/written-testimony-house-appropriations-committee-article-iii-subcommittee-tea/)
- [Testimony for Senate Finance Work Group on School Finance](https://everytexan.org/archive_documents/testimony-for-senate-finance-work-group-on-school-finance/)
- [Uniting our Divided City](https://everytexan.org/archive_documents/uniting-our-divided-city/)
- [This Old School House: The renovations needed to modernize our school finance system](https://everytexan.org/archive_documents/this-old-school-house-the-renovations-needed-to-modernize-our-school-finance-system/)
- [Where Are We Now: Special Session School Finance Update](https://everytexan.org/archive_documents/where-are-we-now-special-session-school-finance-update/)
- [Comments: Compliance with Title X Requirements by Project Recipients in Selecting Subrecipients](https://everytexan.org/archive_documents/comments-compliance-with-title-x-requirements-by-project-recipients-in-selecting-subrecipients/)
- [Texas Taxes: What you need to know](https://everytexan.org/archive_documents/texas-taxes-what-you-need-to-know-2/)
- [Community Eligibility: Feeding All Your Students for Free Feed more students while raising more revenue for schools](https://everytexan.org/archive_documents/community-eligibility-feeding-all-your-students-for-free-feed-more-students-while-raising-more-revenue-for-schools-2/)
- [Lone Star Card Changes are Costly, Unnecessary, and Potentially Discriminatory](https://everytexan.org/archive_documents/lone-star-card-changes-are-costly-unnecessary-and-potentially-discriminatory/)
- [Community Eligibility: Feeding All Your Students for Free -- Feed more students while raising more revenue for schools](https://everytexan.org/archive_documents/community-eligibility-feeding-all-your-students-for-free-feed-more-students-while-raising-more-revenue-for-schools-3/)
- [Afterschool Meals: Keep students fueled with free meals after classes](https://everytexan.org/archive_documents/afterschool-meals-keep-students-fueled-with-free-meals-after-classes/)
- [HB 2666 by Naishtat: directs HHSC to disregard the value of any cash assets and vehicles when determining eligibility for SNAP](https://everytexan.org/archive_documents/hb-2666-by-naishtat-directs-hhsc-to-disregard-the-value-of-any-cash-assets-and-vehicles-when-determining-eligibility-for-snap/)
- [Texas Students, Schools and Districts to Benefit from New Law on School Breakfast](https://everytexan.org/archive_documents/texas-students-schools-and-districts-to-benefit-from-new-law-on-school-breakfast/)
- [Testimony on the Farm Bill, cuts to SNAP](https://everytexan.org/archive_documents/testimony-on-the-farm-bill-cuts-to-snap/)
- [The Curious Case of No-Charge School Breakfast: How Serving More for Less Pays Off](https://everytexan.org/archive_documents/the-curious-case-of-no-charge-school-breakfast-how-serving-more-for-less-pays-off/)
- [SNAP Resource Limits Undermine Family Self-Sufficiency](https://everytexan.org/archive_documents/snap-resource-limits-undermine-family-self-sufficiency/)
- [HB 285 Would Increase Hunger in Texas](https://everytexan.org/archive_documents/hb-285-would-increase-hunger-in-texas/)
- [SB 15 Has Been Refiled as SB 2485-2488](https://everytexan.org/archive_documents/sb-15-has-been-refiled-as-sb-2485-2488/)
- [New Report: Too Many Working Mothers in Texas Trapped in Low-Wage Jobs](https://everytexan.org/archive_documents/new-report-too-many-working-mothers-in-texas-trapped-in-low-wage-jobs/)
- [It's Time to Raise the Minimum Wage](https://everytexan.org/archive_documents/its-time-to-raise-the-minimum-wage/)
- [Time to Raise the Minimum Wage Travis](https://everytexan.org/archive_documents/time-to-raise-the-minimum-wage-travis/)
- [School Finance and the Budget](https://everytexan.org/archive_documents/school-finance-and-the-budget/)
- [Enhanced Out-of-School Engagement for Students](https://everytexan.org/archive_documents/enhanced-out-of-school-engagement-for-students/)
- [Bridges to Better Jobs: How Texas Can Equip Texas Adults for Good Careers](https://everytexan.org/archive_documents/bridges-to-better-jobs-how-texas-can-equip-texas-adults-for-good-careers/)
- [Mental Health and Substance Use Disorder Parity in the 2017 Texas Legislative Session](https://everytexan.org/archive_documents/mental-health-and-substance-use-disorder-parity-in-the-2017-texas-legislative-session/)
- [Request for funding to implement HB 2702, the Sandra Bland Act](https://everytexan.org/archive_documents/request-for-funding-to-implement-hb-2702-the-sandra-bland-act/)
- [Final Navigator Rules Much Improved](https://everytexan.org/archive_documents/final-navigator-rules-much-improved/)
- [Special Enrollment Access Extended until December 31, 2017 For Areas Affected by Hurricane Harvey](https://everytexan.org/archive_documents/special-enrollment-access-extended-until-december-31-2017-for-areas-affected-by-hurricane-harvey/)
- [Medicaid Funding: Like Senate, House Committee Budget Raises Unanswered Questions](https://everytexan.org/archive_documents/medicaid-funding-like-senate-house-committee-budget-raises-unanswered-questions/)
- [Texas Public Policy and Health Care Post-Session Snapshot (Dunkelberg)](https://everytexan.org/archive_documents/texas-public-policy-and-health-care-post-session-snapshot-dunkelberg/)
- [2017 Testimony to House Apopropriations on HHSC budget](https://everytexan.org/archive_documents/2017-testimony-to-house-apopropriations-on-hhsc-budget/)
- [Senate Bill 1, Proposed funding for Texas Health and Human Services Commission Proposed Medicaid Funding Cuts](https://everytexan.org/archive_documents/senate-bill-1-proposed-funding-for-texas-health-and-human-services-commission-proposed-medicaid-funding-cuts/)
- [Six Key Points on Medicaid Funding in the Texas Budget](https://everytexan.org/archive_documents/six-key-points-on-medicaid-funding-in-the-texas-budget/)
- [Charge #2: Surprise medical billing and network adequacy](https://everytexan.org/archive_documents/charge-2-surprise-medical-billing-and-network-adequacy/)
- [Looking Ahead to 2018: Can Texas Avoid the Loss of $1.3 billion in Health Care Waiver Funds?](https://everytexan.org/archive_documents/looking-ahead-to-2018-can-texas-avoid-the-loss-of-1-3-billion-in-health-care-waiver-funds/)
- [Appendix to Line 43 report](https://everytexan.org/archive_documents/appendix-to-line-43-report/)
- [The Latest on Texas, the Affordable Care Act, and the Coverage Gap - the Good News and the Bad!](https://everytexan.org/archive_documents/the-latest-on-texas-the-affordable-care-act-and-the-coverage-gap-the-good-news-and-the-bad/)
- [Health Care, the 2013 Legislature, and the Affordable Care Act](https://everytexan.org/archive_documents/health-care-the-2013-legislature-and-the-affordable-care-act/)
- [The Texas Health Care Primer](https://everytexan.org/archive_documents/the-texas-health-care-primer/)
- [CPPP Letter to Budget Conferees](https://everytexan.org/archive_documents/cppp-letter-to-budget-conferees/)
- [Cheat Sheet for the Texas Revenue Estimate](https://everytexan.org/archive_documents/cheat-sheet-for-the-texas-revenue-estimate/)
- [Where Did All The Money Go? Tax Cuts, Abatements, and Subsidies](https://everytexan.org/archive_documents/where-did-all-the-money-go-tax-cuts-abatements-and-subsidies/)
- [Who pays taxes in Texas?](https://everytexan.org/archive_documents/who-pays-taxes-in-texas/)
- [Legislative Budget Snapshot, 2018-19](https://everytexan.org/archive_documents/legislative-budget-snapshot-2018-19/)
- [Budget Breakdown: A closer look at the House and Senate budget proposals](https://everytexan.org/archive_documents/budget-breakdown-a-closer-look-at-the-house-and-senate-budget-proposals/)
- [CPPP Opposes the Proposed Historical "Population Plus Inflation" Formula to Determine the Article VIII, Section 22 Growth Limit](https://everytexan.org/archive_documents/cppp-opposes-the-proposed-historical-population-plus-inflation-formula-to-determine-the-article-viii-section-22-growth-limit/)
- [Extending or expanding Chapter 313 without proper oversight would cost Texas billions](https://everytexan.org/archive_documents/extending-or-expanding-chapter-313-without-proper-oversight-would-cost-texas-billions/)
- [Know Before You Vote: November Ballot Props 1 and 7](https://everytexan.org/archive_documents/know-before-you-vote-november-ballot-props-1-and-7/)
- [Medicaid Funding in Texas’ State Budget: Putting House and Senate Budget Cuts in Perspective](https://everytexan.org/archive_documents/medicaid-funding-in-texas-state-budget-putting-house-and-senate-budget-cuts-in-perspective/)
- [Sizing Up the 2014-15 Texas Budget: Student Financial Aid](https://everytexan.org/archive_documents/sizing-up-the-2014-15-texas-budget-student-financial-aid/)
- [School Finance at the Texas Supreme Court: Adequacy, Meaningful Discretion, and Equity by the Numbers](https://everytexan.org/archive_documents/school-finance-at-the-texas-supreme-court-adequacy-meaningful-discretion-and-equity-by-the-numbers/)
- [The 2014-2015 Texas Children’s Budget Doesn’t Meet Our Needs](https://everytexan.org/archive_documents/the-2014-2015-texas-childrens-budget-doesnt-meet-our-needs/)
- [Texas Health and Human Services in 2016-17: A look at the budget request for the Department of Assistive and Rehabilitative Services](https://everytexan.org/archive_documents/texas-health-and-human-services-in-2016-17-a-look-at-the-budget-request-for-the-department-of-assistive-and-rehabilitative-services/)
- [A Little Goes a Long Way: Texas Community Tax Centers Expand Savings and Services in 2013](https://everytexan.org/archive_documents/a-little-goes-a-long-way-texas-community-tax-centers-expand-savings-and-services-in-2013/)
- [The State of Payday and Auto Title Lending in Texas](https://everytexan.org/archive_documents/the-state-of-payday-and-auto-title-lending-in-texas/)
- [Congressional Proposals Would Extend Tax Breaks for Small Group of Wealthy Texans While Ending Help for Thousands of Working Families](https://everytexan.org/archive_documents/congressional-proposals-would-extend-tax-breaks-for-small-group-of-wealthy-texans-while-ending-help-for-thousands-of-working-families/)
- [Understanding the Texas Budget Process](https://everytexan.org/archive_documents/understanding-the-texas-budget-process/)
- [A Better Way to Help Texas Homeowners: The Flat-dollar Homestead Exemption](https://everytexan.org/archive_documents/a-better-way-to-help-texas-homeowners-the-flat-dollar-homestead-exemption/)
- [Medicaid and CHIP in the Texas Budget: Comparing House and Senate Bills](https://everytexan.org/archive_documents/medicaid-and-chip-in-the-texas-budget-comparing-house-and-senate-bills/)
- [Medicaid in Other States: Arizona and Maine Setting the Record Straight on Expanding Medicaid for Adults](https://everytexan.org/archive_documents/medicaid-in-other-states-arizona-and-maine-setting-the-record-straight-on-expanding-medicaid-for-adults/)
- [Medicaid in Other States: Arkansas--To Cover Low-Income Adults, Texas Can Do What Arkansas Did](https://everytexan.org/archive_documents/medicaid-in-other-states-arkansas-to-cover-low-income-adults-texas-can-do-what-arkansas-did/)
- [Texas Medicaid Spending in Context](https://everytexan.org/archive_documents/texas-medicaid-spending-in-context/)
- [Texas Medicaid Data](https://everytexan.org/archive_documents/texas-medicaid-data/)
- [Testimony: Medicaid, the Affordable Care Act, and Connecting low-income Texans to health care services](https://everytexan.org/archive_documents/testimony-medicaid-the-affordable-care-act-and-connecting-low-income-texans-to-health-care-services/)
- [Medicaid Expansion Would Help Thousands of Texas Veterans](https://everytexan.org/archive_documents/medicaid-expansion-would-help-thousands-of-texas-veterans/)
- [Building Texas’ Primary Health Care Workforce](https://everytexan.org/archive_documents/building-texas-primary-health-care-workforce/)
- [More Than 40 Health and Community Organizations Launch Campaign to Collect Stories and Engage with Uninsured Texans Left in the Coverage Gap](https://everytexan.org/archive_documents/more-than-40-health-and-community-organizations-launch-campaign-to-collect-stories-and-engage-with-uninsured-texans-left-in-the-coverage-gap/)
- [Closing the Texas Coverage Gap: How Texas Leaders Can Still Help Over 1 Million Texans This Session](https://everytexan.org/archive_documents/closing-the-texas-coverage-gap-how-texas-leaders-can-still-help-over-1-million-texans-this-session/)
- [Made for Each Other: A Coverage Plan is Texas’ Best Bet to Maximize Medicaid 1115 Waiver Renewal](https://everytexan.org/archive_documents/made-for-each-other-a-coverage-plan-is-texas-best-bet-to-maximize-medicaid-1115-waiver-renewal/)
- [Fact Sheet: the TExas 1115 Waiver Renewal/Texas Coverage Gap Conversation](https://everytexan.org/archive_documents/fact-sheet-the-texas-1115-waiver-renewal-texas-coverage-gap-conversation/)
- [Integrating Peer Support into the Re-Entry Process](https://everytexan.org/archive_documents/integrating-peer-support-into-the-re-entry-process/)
- [Promoting Successful Rehabilitation and Reentry of Ex-Drug Offenders](https://everytexan.org/archive_documents/promoting-successful-rehabilitation-and-reentry-of-ex-drug-offenders/)
- [Mental Health in the Texas Budget: Comparing House and Senate Bills](https://everytexan.org/archive_documents/mental-health-in-the-texas-budget-comparing-house-and-senate-bills/)
- [New CPPP report recommends mental health peer support services to reduce cost, recidivism in Texas county jails](https://everytexan.org/archive_documents/new-cppp-report-recommends-mental-health-peer-support-services-to-reduce-cost-recidivism-in-texas-county-jails/)
- [From Recidivism to Recovery: The Case for Peer Support in Texas Correctional Facilities](https://everytexan.org/archive_documents/from-recidivism-to-recovery-the-case-for-peer-support-in-texas-correctional-facilities/)
- [HB 1873 CPPP Position: FOR](https://everytexan.org/archive_documents/hb-1873-cppp-position-for/)
- [HB 1541 CPPP Position: FOR](https://everytexan.org/archive_documents/hb-1541-cppp-position-for/)
- [HB 1908 by Rep. Naishtat](https://everytexan.org/archive_documents/hb-1908-by-rep-naishtat/)
- [Texas Public Policy and Health Care Post-Session Snapshot (Ligon)](https://everytexan.org/archive_documents/texas-public-policy-and-health-care-post-session-snapshot-ligon/)
- [Sizing Up the 2014-15 Texas Budget: Mental Health](https://everytexan.org/archive_documents/sizing-up-the-2014-15-texas-budget-mental-health/)
- [Addiction Treatment: Expanded Access or Dramatic Cuts?](https://everytexan.org/archive_documents/addiction-treatment-expanded-access-or-dramatic-cuts/)
- [Health Care Coverage Today v 2014: Not Fair to Compare](https://everytexan.org/archive_documents/health-care-coverage-today-v-2014-not-fair-to-compare/)
- [Navigator Proposed Rules Will Impede Insurance Enrollment: Modifications Needed to Ensure Consumer Protection and Robust Navigator Program](https://everytexan.org/archive_documents/navigator-proposed-rules-will-impede-insurance-enrollment-modifications-needed-to-ensure-consumer-protection-and-robust-navigator-program/)
- [Patient Profection and Affordable Care Act: Standards Related to Essential Health Benefits, Actuarial Value, and Accreditation](https://everytexan.org/archive_documents/patient-profection-and-affordable-care-act-standards-related-to-essential-health-benefits-actuarial-value-and-accreditation/)
- [A More Affordable Option for Texans with Pre-Existing Conditions in 2014](https://everytexan.org/archive_documents/a-more-affordable-option-for-texans-with-pre-existing-conditions-in-2014/)
- [Public comments on proposed Subchapter W, Regulation of Navigators for Health Benefit Exchanges](https://everytexan.org/archive_documents/public-comments-on-proposed-subchapter-w-regulation-of-navigators-for-health-benefit-exchanges/)
- [Informal comments on TDI's outline for navigator rules](https://everytexan.org/archive_documents/informal-comments-on-tdis-outline-for-navigator-rules/)
- [The Affordable Care Act and Texas Insurance Consumers](https://everytexan.org/archive_documents/the-affordable-care-act-and-texas-insurance-consumers/)
- [Protect Our Health Care: Real Threats to Health Insurance, Medicaid and CHIP from Washington (& Austin)](https://everytexan.org/archive_documents/protect-our-health-care-real-threats-to-health-insurance-medicaid-and-chip-from-washington-austin/)
- [Cover Texas Now!: opposition to Congressional repeal of ACA](https://everytexan.org/archive_documents/cover-texas-now-opposition-to-congressional-repeal-of-aca/)
- [RE: Comments on Short-Term, Limited-Duration Insurance Proposed Rule (CMS-9924-P)](https://everytexan.org/archive_documents/re-comments-on-short-term-limited-duration-insurance-proposed-rule-cms-9924-p/)
- [Testimony on Health Insurance Market Stability Interim Charge](https://everytexan.org/archive_documents/testimony-on-health-insurance-market-stability-interim-charge/)
- [Testimony on Market Stability/Waiver Interm Charge](https://everytexan.org/archive_documents/testimony-on-market-stability-waiver-interm-charge/)
- [Details on the U.S. Senate’s Medicaid Cut and ACA Repeal Bill and Texas: The “Better Care Reconciliation Act”](https://everytexan.org/archive_documents/details-on-the-u-s-senates-medicaid-cut-and-aca-repeal-bill-and-texas-the-better-care-reconciliation-act/)
- [The Affordable Care Act and Mental Health](https://everytexan.org/archive_documents/the-affordable-care-act-and-mental-health/)
- [What Happened and What Work Remains? Health Care and the 2011 Legislature](https://everytexan.org/archive_documents/what-happened-and-what-work-remains-health-care-and-the-2011-legislature/)
- [NPRM Notice of Benefit and Payment Parameters for 2019 (submitted 2017)](https://everytexan.org/archive_documents/nprm-notice-of-benefit-and-payment-parameters-for-2019-submitted-2017/)
- [Testimony: CSHB 2304, House Human Services Committee HHSC Sunset and Reorganization Bill](https://everytexan.org/archive_documents/testimony-cshb-2304-house-human-services-committee-hhsc-sunset-and-reorganization-bill/)
- [Waiting Periods for the Children's Health Insurance Program (CHIP)](https://everytexan.org/archive_documents/waiting-periods-for-the-childrens-health-insurance-program-chip/)
- [Appendix to Line 99 RFact Sheet: County data](https://everytexan.org/archive_documents/appendix-to-line-99-rfact-sheet-county-data/)
- [Childrens Health Coverage Coalition Letter on CHIP funding Senator John Cornyn Senator Ted Cruz Texas Congressional Delegation: Governor Greg Abbott](https://everytexan.org/archive_documents/childrens-health-coverage-coalition-letter-on-chip-funding-senator-john-cornyn-senator-ted-cruz-texas-congressional-delegation-governor-greg-abbott/)
- [CMS–9955–P Comments on CMS’ Proposed Rule on the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act; Exchange Functions: Standards for Navigators and Non-Navigator Assistance Personnel](https://everytexan.org/archive_documents/cms-9955-p-comments-on-cms-proposed-rule-on-the-patient-protection-and-affordable-care-act-exchange-functions-standards-for-navigators-and-non-navigator-assistance-personnel/)
- [House Bill 4213 House Committee on Insurance](https://everytexan.org/archive_documents/house-bill-4213-house-committee-on-insurance/)
- [Sizing Up the 2014-15 Texas Budget: Family Planning](https://everytexan.org/archive_documents/sizing-up-the-2014-15-texas-budget-family-planning/)
- [Women and Family Policy Resources](https://everytexan.org/archive_documents/women-and-family-policy-resources/)
- [“Public Charge” rule and fear of using public benefits: Talking to Consumers in Mixed-Immigration Families during ACA Open Enrollment for 2019 coverage](https://everytexan.org/archive_documents/public-charge-rule-and-fear-of-using-public-benefits-talking-to-consumers-in-mixed-immigration-families-during-aca-open-enrollment-for-2019-coverage/)
- [HB 2835 Testimony (Opposed)](https://everytexan.org/archive_documents/hb-2835-testimony-opposed/)
- [To Improve Efficiency and Fairness in School Funding, Let ASATR Expire](https://everytexan.org/archive_documents/to-improve-efficiency-and-fairness-in-school-funding-let-asatr-expire/)
- [Keeping College Within Reach: How Texas Can Move More Low-Income and Adult Students Through College](https://everytexan.org/archive_documents/keeping-college-within-reach-how-texas-can-move-more-low-income-and-adult-students-through-college/)
- [Community Eligibility: Feeding All Your Students for Free Feed more students while raising more revenue for schools](https://everytexan.org/archive_documents/community-eligibility-feeding-all-your-students-for-free-feed-more-students-while-raising-more-revenue-for-schools/)
- [Texas Taxes: What You Need to Know](https://everytexan.org/archive_documents/texas-taxes-what-you-need-to-know/)

## Events

- [2024 Legacy Award](https://everytexan.org/mec-events/2024-legacy-award/)
- [Immigration Solutions and the Importance of Texas Immigrants](https://everytexan.org/mec-events/immigration-solutions-and-the-importance-of-texas-immigrants/)
- [National Anti-Hunger Policy Conference](https://everytexan.org/mec-events/national-anti-hunger-policy-conference/)
- [Burning Issues: Progress Texas Climate Justice Town Hall](https://everytexan.org/mec-events/burning-issues-progress-texas-climate-justice-town-hall/)
- [Debate on School Choice: Yea or Nay](https://everytexan.org/mec-events/debate-on-school-choice-yea-or-nay/)
- [Texas LBJ School PPIA Weekend](https://everytexan.org/mec-events/texas-lbj-school-ppia-weekend/)
- [What the rest of Texas can learn from El Paso: Immigration and the Border Panel featuring Luis Figueroa](https://everytexan.org/mec-events/what-the-rest-of-texas-can-learn-from-el-paso-immigration-panel-featuring-every-texans-luis-figueroa/)
- [A Rally Against Hate in Solidarity with Texan Communities](https://everytexan.org/mec-events/a-rally-against-hate-in-solidarity-with-texan-communities/)
- [2024 Texas State of Reform Health Policy Conference](https://everytexan.org/mec-events/2024-texas-state-of-reform-health-policy-conference/)
- [Jaime Puente at SXSW EDU Conversando: Building an Ecosystem for Latina Prosperity](https://everytexan.org/mec-events/jaime-puente-at-sxsw-edu-building-an-ecosystem-for-latina-prosperity/)
- [Coda Rayo Garza presents at the 5th Annual Equity Indicators Symposium](https://everytexan.org/mec-events/coda-rayo-garza-presents-at-the-5th-annual-equity-indicators-symposium/)
- [2024 NACCS Tejas Foco Conference](https://everytexan.org/mec-events/2024-naccs-tejas-foco-conference/)
- [SB4 Know Your Rights Training](https://everytexan.org/mec-events/sb4-know-your-rights-training/)
- [Opening Ceremony: Traces by Pepe Coronado](https://everytexan.org/mec-events/opening-ceremony-traces-by-pepe-coronado/)
- [Chandra Villanueva presents on school finance to Leadership SAISD fellows](https://everytexan.org/mec-events/chandra-villanueva-of-every-texan-speaks-to-leadership-saisd-fellows/)
- [TAMACC Hispanic Leadership and Business Summit](https://everytexan.org/mec-events/tamacc-hispanic-leadership-business-summit/)
- [Latinitas Giving Tuesday Open House](https://everytexan.org/mec-events/latinitas-giving-tuesday-open-house/)
- [Rachel Cooper Speaks at Together at the Table: Hunger and Poverty Summit](https://everytexan.org/mec-events/rachel-cooper-at-together-at-the-table-hunger-and-poverty-summit/)
- [Education Policy Updated Presented by Every Texan Policy Institute](https://everytexan.org/mec-events/education-policy-updated-presented-by-every-texan-policy-institute/) - Stay abreast of the most pressing education issues impacting our community in this Special Session.
- [UCP 2023 Conference on Latinos with Disabilities](https://everytexan.org/mec-events/ucp-2023-conference-on-latinos-with-disabilities/) - The conference highlights the distinct ways (culturally, socially, economically and historically) that Latinos with disabilities, their families and service providers shape our society and communities at large. Among the key outcomes of the conference will be the release of the “The 2023 State of Latinos with Disabilities” report.
- [Legislative Session Live: 88th Regular Session Recap](https://everytexan.org/mec-events/legislative-session-live-88th-regular-session-recap/) - Join the Every Texan policy team LIVE to recap the 88th Regular Session and chart our path ahead through the current Special Session and beyond.
- [Texas State of Enrollment Conference 2023](https://everytexan.org/mec-events/texas-state-of-enrollment-conference-2023/)
- [2023 Texas Legacy Award](https://everytexan.org/mec-events/2023-texas-legacy-award/)
- [Press Conference: Texas Medicaid Unwinding Process Causing Catastrophic Coverage Losses](https://everytexan.org/mec-events/unwinding-press-conference/) - Texas is ground zero for cutting kids off their health care coverage during the Medicaid unwinding process. The scale of coverage loss in Texas is unprecedented and unnecessary. No state has kicked more people or kids off Medicaid or had a higher share of renewals end in loss of coverage. Frontline state employees are imploring leadership
- [Protect Texas Workers: Governors Mansion March](https://everytexan.org/mec-events/protect-texas-workers-governors-mansion-march/) - Join us in the fight to protect Texas Workers. Demand that Gov. Abbott adds statewide heat protections for Texas workers to the upcoming special session!
- [Save Texas Schools! Boot Vouchers Rally](https://everytexan.org/mec-events/save-texas-schools-boot-vouchers-rally/)
- [Medicaid Townhall: Keep Your Health Care!](https://everytexan.org/mec-events/medicaid-townhall-keep-your-health-care/)
- [Legacy Award Ceremony](https://everytexan.org/mec-events/legacy-award-ceremony/)
- [SXSW EDU Panel on School Funding](https://everytexan.org/mec-events/sxsw-edu-panel-on-school-funding/) - Every Texan joins a panel discussion for SXSW EDU focused on whether school funding has an impact on educational outcomes.
- [SA2020 Presents The Collective: On Being Vaccinated and Visionary in Texas](https://everytexan.org/mec-events/sa2020-presents-the-collective-on-being-vaccinated-and-visionary-in-texas/) - Every Texan CEO Marisa Bono is a featured panelist for SA2020's final session: "Being Vaccinated and Visionary in Texas"
- [The State of SNAP: A Conversation with Deputy Under Secretary Stacy Dean](https://everytexan.org/mec-events/the-state-of-snap-a-conversation-with-deputy-under-secretary-stacy-dean/) - The Biden Administration already has taken huge steps to improve SNAP and other food assistance through implementation of COVID-related provisions, reassessing the value of the Thrifty Food Plan, and numerous changes to unwind the problematic changes from the last Administration. In this session, Deputy Under Secretary for USDA's Food, Nutrition, and Consumer Services, Stacy Dean, and Every Texan's Rachel Cooper will engage in a conversation about our collective vision for the future of SNAP and opportunities to make progress in the near and longer term. Stacy will answer questions from the SNAP advocacy community and explore how we can work collaboratively to improve the program and better serve those in need.
- [Texas Latino Policy Symposium](https://everytexan.org/mec-events/texas-latino-policy-symposium/) - Senior Fiscal Analyst Dick Lavine and K-12 Education and Immigration Policy Analyst Jaime Puente will speak on policy issues important to Texas Latinos at the 2021 Texas Latino Policy Symposium. Register to hear from Dick why the Texas tax system needs to be changed, and from Jaime on what impact COVID-19 stimulus had on public school funding.
- [Nov 16 In-Person Cocktail Reception](https://everytexan.org/mec-events/nov-16-in-person-cocktail-reception/) - Join Every Texan and our Legacy 2021 event sponsors for a people-centered policy discussion and cocktail reception with our CEO, Marisa Bono, and two special guest Texas legislators on November 16th at 5:00 PM CT at the South Congress Hotel in Austin, Texas.
- [5th Annual All-in National Meeting](https://everytexan.org/mec-events/5th-annual-all-in-national-meeting/) - Every Texan CEO Marisa Bono is proud to be part of the 5th Annual All In | Data for Community Health. This year’s theme is Developing Data-driven Narratives to Share Power, Transform Systems, and Advance Health Equity with People and Communities. Join us!
- [The Future of Health Policy](https://everytexan.org/mec-events/the-future-of-health-policy/) - The outcomes of each Texas legislative session has major consequences for the health of Texans. A better understanding of the legislative process can help public health advocates play a bigger role in shaping those outcomes. To this end, this year’s legislative symposium will highlight two case studies: HB133, which extended Medicaid to six months postpartum and SB224, which simplified SNAP benefits enrollment for seniors and people with disabilities. Every Texan Senior Policy Analyst Rachel Cooper will join this panel discussion along with Adriana Kohler from Texans Care for Children and Aurora Harris from Young Invincibles.
- [St. Edward's Kickoff Session for Policy Advocacy Series](https://everytexan.org/mec-events/st-edwards-kickoff-session-for-policy-advocacy-series/) - Every Texan is proud to kick off this conference and inspire students to engage in policy advocacy!

## Events

- [Legacy 2025: Policy Summit and Community Celebration](https://everytexan.org/events/legacy-2025-policy-summit-and-community-celebration/)
- [SXSW The Disagreement Podcast: Are ESAs the Answer for Students, Parents, & K-12 Ed?](https://everytexan.org/events/sxsw-the-disagreement-podcast-are-esas-the-answer-for-students-parents-k-12-ed/)
- [Legislative Briefing: Introduction to  the Texas Budget](https://everytexan.org/events/legislative-briefing-introduction-to-the-texas-budget/)
- [Legislative Briefing: The State of Working Texans](https://everytexan.org/events/legislative-briefing-the-state-of-working-texans/)
- [Save Texas Schools Rally](https://everytexan.org/events/save-texas-schools-rally/)
- [Legislative Briefing: Public Ed. and Higher Ed. in the 89th Session](https://everytexan.org/events/legislative-briefing-public-ed-and-higher-ed-in-the-89th-session/)
- [Legislative Briefing: Access to Food and  Health Care in Texas](https://everytexan.org/events/legislative-briefing-access-to-food-and-health-care-in-texas/)
- [Legislative Briefing: Alternatives to Property Tax Cuts](https://everytexan.org/events/legislative-briefing-alternatives-to-property-tax-cuts/)
- [6th Annual Equity Indicators Symposium](https://everytexan.org/events/6th-annual-equity-indicators-symposium/)
- [Latino Perspectives: Immigration and Economic Trends](https://everytexan.org/events/latino-perspectives-immigration-and-economic-trends/)
- [Chandra Villaneuva presents on VARTE proposition: Sunset Valley PTA](https://everytexan.org/events/etxs-chandra-villanueva-presents-on-varte-proposition-sunset-valley-pta/)
- [TX AFT School Finance Training](https://everytexan.org/events/tx-aft-school-finance-training/)
- [TX Grandparents Raising Grandchildren Leadership Training Program](https://everytexan.org/events/tx-grandparents-raising-grandchildren-leadership-training-program/)
- [Fall Kickoff: All About Ballot Propositions](https://everytexan.org/events/fall-kickoff-all-about-ballot-propositions/)
- [Texas State of Enrollment Conference 2024](https://everytexan.org/events/texas-state-of-enrollment-conference-2024/)
- [What's on Your Ballot: Proposition Explainer Panel](https://everytexan.org/events/whats-on-your-ballot-proposition-explainer-panel/)
- [A Conversation with Fort Worth Lawmakers](https://everytexan.org/events/a-conversation-with-fort-worth-lawmakers/)
- [Texas Legislative Study Group Policy Summit](https://everytexan.org/events/texas-legislative-study-group-policy-summit/)
- [Listening Session: The People's Budget in Waco](https://everytexan.org/events/listening-session-the-peoples-budget-in-waco/)
- [Virtual Briefing: The People's Budget](https://everytexan.org/events/peoples-budget-virtual-briefing/)
- [Listening Session: The People's Budget in El Paso](https://everytexan.org/events/listening-session-the-peoples-budget-in-el-paso/)
- [Mexican American School Boards Association National Conference](https://everytexan.org/events/mexican-american-school-boards-association-national-conference/)
- [2024 Legacy Award](https://everytexan.org/events/2024-legacy-award/)
- [Panel Discussion: 70th Anniversary of Brown v. Board of Education](https://everytexan.org/events/panel-discussion-70th-anniversary-of-brown-v-board-of-education/)

## Categories

- [Uncategorized](https://everytexan.org/category/uncategorized/)
- [Report](https://everytexan.org/category/report/)
- [Comments](https://everytexan.org/category/comments/)
- [Testimony](https://everytexan.org/category/testimony/)
- [Factsheet](https://everytexan.org/category/factsheet/)
- [Presentation](https://everytexan.org/category/presentation/)
- [Policy Brief](https://everytexan.org/category/policy-brief/)
- [Infographic](https://everytexan.org/category/infographic/)
- [Press Release](https://everytexan.org/category/press-release/)
- [Methodology](https://everytexan.org/category/methodology/)
- [Endnotes](https://everytexan.org/category/endnotes/)
- [Excel File](https://everytexan.org/category/excel-file/)
- [Executive Summary](https://everytexan.org/category/executive-summary/)
- [Blog](https://everytexan.org/category/blog/)
- [Doc](https://everytexan.org/category/doc/)
- [Op-Ed](https://everytexan.org/category/op-ed/) - Op-eds written by Every Texan staff members.
- [Press Mentions](https://everytexan.org/category/press-mentions/)

## Tags

- [ACA](https://everytexan.org/tag/aca/)
- [Consumer Protection](https://everytexan.org/tag/consumer-protection/)
- [Uninsured In Texas](https://everytexan.org/tag/uninsured-in-texas/)
- [Premiums](https://everytexan.org/tag/premiums/)
- [Out-Of-Pocket Costs](https://everytexan.org/tag/out-of-pocket-costs/)
- [Consumer Protections](https://everytexan.org/tag/consumer-protections/)
- [Medicaid](https://everytexan.org/tag/medicaid/)
- [Medicaid Expansion](https://everytexan.org/tag/medicaid-expansion/)
- [Chip](https://everytexan.org/tag/chip/)
- [Children'S Health](https://everytexan.org/tag/childrens-health/)
- [Child Protection And Trauma](https://everytexan.org/tag/child-protection-and-trauma/)
- [Kids Count](https://everytexan.org/tag/kids-count/)
- [Children’S Medicaid](https://everytexan.org/tag/childrens-medicaid/)
- [State & Federal Budget](https://everytexan.org/tag/state-federal-budget/)
- [Health Care](https://everytexan.org/tag/health-care/)
- [Family Planning](https://everytexan.org/tag/family-planning/)
- [Women's Health](https://everytexan.org/tag/womens-health/)
- [Immigrant Access To Health Care](https://everytexan.org/tag/immigrant-access-to-health-care/)
- [Medicaid Managed Care](https://everytexan.org/tag/medicaid-managed-care/)
- [Texas Mcaid 1115](https://everytexan.org/tag/texas-mcaid-1115/)
- [Mental Health](https://everytexan.org/tag/mental-health/)
- [Substance Use](https://everytexan.org/tag/substance-use/)
- [State & Federal Budget And Health Care](https://everytexan.org/tag/state-federal-budget-and-health-care/)
- [Outreach](https://everytexan.org/tag/outreach/)
- [Eligibility](https://everytexan.org/tag/eligibility/)
- [Enrollment](https://everytexan.org/tag/enrollment/)
- [Surprise Billing](https://everytexan.org/tag/surprise-billing/)
- [Affordable Health Care](https://everytexan.org/tag/affordable-health-care/)
- [Revenue Sources](https://everytexan.org/tag/revenue-sources/)
- [Property Taxes](https://everytexan.org/tag/property-taxes/)
- [State Taxes](https://everytexan.org/tag/state-taxes/)
- [Tax Fairness](https://everytexan.org/tag/tax-fairness/)
- [State And Local Taxes](https://everytexan.org/tag/state-and-local-taxes/)
- [State Budget](https://everytexan.org/tag/state-budget/)
- [Revenue In Texas](https://everytexan.org/tag/revenue-in-texas/)
- [Tax Breaks & Incentives](https://everytexan.org/tag/tax-breaks-incentives/)
- [School Finance](https://everytexan.org/tag/school-finance/)
- [Quality Education](https://everytexan.org/tag/quality-education/)
- [Economic Stabilization Fund](https://everytexan.org/tag/economic-stabilization-fund/)
- [Local Services](https://everytexan.org/tag/local-services/)
- [Revenue Sources In Texas](https://everytexan.org/tag/revenue-sources-in-texas/)
- [K-12 Public Education](https://everytexan.org/tag/k-12-public-education/)
- [School Meals](https://everytexan.org/tag/school-meals/)
- [Community Eligibility](https://everytexan.org/tag/community-eligibility/)
- [Direct Certification](https://everytexan.org/tag/direct-certification/)
- [Food Assistance](https://everytexan.org/tag/food-assistance/)
- [Snap](https://everytexan.org/tag/snap/)
- [Afterschool](https://everytexan.org/tag/afterschool/)
- [School Meals-- Community Eligibility](https://everytexan.org/tag/school-meals-community-eligibility/)
- [All-Encompassing](https://everytexan.org/tag/all-encompassing/)
- [School Breakfast Program](https://everytexan.org/tag/school-breakfast-program/)
- [Paid Sick Days](https://everytexan.org/tag/paid-sick-days/)
- [Fair Wages](https://everytexan.org/tag/fair-wages/)
- [Pre-K](https://everytexan.org/tag/pre-k/)
- [Higher Education](https://everytexan.org/tag/higher-education/)
- [Affordability](https://everytexan.org/tag/affordability/)
- [Census](https://everytexan.org/tag/census/)
- [Tanf](https://everytexan.org/tag/tanf/)
- [Kinship Care](https://everytexan.org/tag/kinship-care/)
- [Low-Income Texans](https://everytexan.org/tag/low-income-texans/)
- [Poverty And Inequality](https://everytexan.org/tag/poverty-and-inequality/)
- [Working Poor Families](https://everytexan.org/tag/working-poor-families/)
- [Supreme Court](https://everytexan.org/tag/supreme-court/)
- [Health insurance](https://everytexan.org/tag/health-insurance/)
- [Food & Nutrition](https://everytexan.org/tag/food-nutrition/)
- [Women's Health Program](https://everytexan.org/tag/womens-health-program/)
- [HHSC](https://everytexan.org/tag/hhsc/)
- [income inequality](https://everytexan.org/tag/income-inequality/)
- [Texas Legislature](https://everytexan.org/tag/texas-legislature/)
- [FARM bill](https://everytexan.org/tag/farm-bill/)
- [Austin](https://everytexan.org/tag/austin/)
- [fighting chance](https://everytexan.org/tag/fighting-chance/)
- [Poverty](https://everytexan.org/tag/poverty/)
- [Texas Constitution](https://everytexan.org/tag/texas-constitution/)
- [Big Ideas](https://everytexan.org/tag/big-ideas/)
- [Children of the Southwest](https://everytexan.org/tag/children-of-the-southwest/)
- [First Focus](https://everytexan.org/tag/first-focus/)
- [Child poverty](https://everytexan.org/tag/child-poverty/)
- [Food stamps](https://everytexan.org/tag/food-stamps/)
- [Universal School Breakfast](https://everytexan.org/tag/universal-school-breakfast/)
- [Texas Department of Insurance](https://everytexan.org/tag/texas-department-of-insurance/)
- [Comptroller](https://everytexan.org/tag/comptroller/)
- [Rainy Day Fund](https://everytexan.org/tag/rainy-day-fund/)
- [Senate Bill 1](https://everytexan.org/tag/senate-bill-1/)
- [FRAC](https://everytexan.org/tag/frac/)
- [preventive care](https://everytexan.org/tag/preventive-care/)
- [Senate Finance Committee](https://everytexan.org/tag/senate-finance-committee/)
- [Child Tax Credit](https://everytexan.org/tag/child-tax-credit/)
- [Texas Well and Healthy](https://everytexan.org/tag/texas-well-and-healthy/)
- [CFED](https://everytexan.org/tag/cfed/)
- [Raise Your Hand Texas](https://everytexan.org/tag/raise-your-hand-texas/)
- [Vouchers](https://everytexan.org/tag/vouchers/)
- [Tax cuts](https://everytexan.org/tag/tax-cuts/)
- [College access](https://everytexan.org/tag/college-access/)
- [Texas Women's Healthcare Coalition](https://everytexan.org/tag/texas-womens-healthcare-coalition/)
- [TEA](https://everytexan.org/tag/tea/)
- [TRS](https://everytexan.org/tag/trs/)
- [Budget](https://everytexan.org/tag/budget/)
- [Texas House](https://everytexan.org/tag/texas-house/)
- [Charter schools](https://everytexan.org/tag/charter-schools/)
- [Public Education Grant program](https://everytexan.org/tag/public-education-grant-program/)
- [Senate](https://everytexan.org/tag/senate/)
- [Senate Bill 2](https://everytexan.org/tag/senate-bill-2/)
- [Recidivism](https://everytexan.org/tag/recidivism/)
- [Austin American-Statesman](https://everytexan.org/tag/austin-american-statesman/)
- [oped](https://everytexan.org/tag/oped/)
- [opinion](https://everytexan.org/tag/opinion/)
- [ex-drug offenders](https://everytexan.org/tag/ex-drug-offenders/)
- [Food desert](https://everytexan.org/tag/food-desert/)
- [Wealth Inequality](https://everytexan.org/tag/wealth-inequality/)
- [Financial aid](https://everytexan.org/tag/financial-aid/)
- [Senate budget](https://everytexan.org/tag/senate-budget/)
- [Navigators](https://everytexan.org/tag/navigators/)
- [public education spending](https://everytexan.org/tag/public-education-spending/)
- [Rep. Gene Wu](https://everytexan.org/tag/rep-gene-wu/)
- [Health insurance marketplace](https://everytexan.org/tag/health-insurance-marketplace/)
- [Community colleges](https://everytexan.org/tag/community-colleges/)
- [tuition](https://everytexan.org/tag/tuition/)
- [Arizona](https://everytexan.org/tag/arizona/)
- [Arkansas](https://everytexan.org/tag/arkansas/)
- [Maine](https://everytexan.org/tag/maine/)
- [House budget](https://everytexan.org/tag/house-budget/)
- [Texas Education Agency](https://everytexan.org/tag/texas-education-agency/)
- [Data](https://everytexan.org/tag/data/)
- [Economic Opportunity](https://everytexan.org/tag/economic-opportunity/)
- [Asset poverty](https://everytexan.org/tag/asset-poverty/)
- [Health care navigators](https://everytexan.org/tag/health-care-navigators/)
- [Tax time](https://everytexan.org/tag/tax-time/)
- [public schools](https://everytexan.org/tag/public-schools/)
- [equity](https://everytexan.org/tag/equity/)
- [Asset test](https://everytexan.org/tag/asset-test/)
- [HB 3845](https://everytexan.org/tag/hb-3845/)
- [Angelina Jolie](https://everytexan.org/tag/angelina-jolie/)
- [BRCA](https://everytexan.org/tag/brca/)
- [Breast cancer](https://everytexan.org/tag/breast-cancer/)
- [Texas Solution](https://everytexan.org/tag/texas-solution/)
- [U.S. House](https://everytexan.org/tag/u-s-house/)
- [U.S. Senate](https://everytexan.org/tag/u-s-senate/)
- [Health and Human Services Commission](https://everytexan.org/tag/health-and-human-services-commission/)
- [pre-k grants](https://everytexan.org/tag/pre-k-grants/)
- [Public education](https://everytexan.org/tag/public-education/)
- [College tuition](https://everytexan.org/tag/college-tuition/)
- [Open enrollment](https://everytexan.org/tag/open-enrollment/)
- [Child hunger](https://everytexan.org/tag/child-hunger/)
- [Ann Beeson](https://everytexan.org/tag/ann-beeson/)
- [CPPP](https://everytexan.org/tag/cppp/)
- [College](https://everytexan.org/tag/college/)
- [Education](https://everytexan.org/tag/education/)
- [Public & Higher Education](https://everytexan.org/tag/public-higher-education/)
- [University of Texas](https://everytexan.org/tag/university-of-texas/)
- [Countdown to Coverage](https://everytexan.org/tag/countdown-to-coverage/)
- [Healthcare](https://everytexan.org/tag/healthcare/)
- [healthcare.gov](https://everytexan.org/tag/healthcare-gov/)
- [pre-existing condition](https://everytexan.org/tag/pre-existing-condition/)
- [Health care reform](https://everytexan.org/tag/health-care-reform/)
- [Health coverage](https://everytexan.org/tag/health-coverage/)
- [Children's Health Insurance Program](https://everytexan.org/tag/childrens-health-insurance-program/)
- [federal poverty level](https://everytexan.org/tag/federal-poverty-level/)
- [Health Insurance Market](https://everytexan.org/tag/health-insurance-market/)
- [CPS](https://everytexan.org/tag/cps/)
- [Current Population Survey](https://everytexan.org/tag/current-population-survey/)
- [American Community Survey](https://everytexan.org/tag/american-community-survey/)
- [Census Bureau](https://everytexan.org/tag/census-bureau/)
- [Affordable health coverage](https://everytexan.org/tag/affordable-health-coverage/)
- [Consumer credit](https://everytexan.org/tag/consumer-credit/)
- [Certified Application Counselors](https://everytexan.org/tag/certified-application-counselors/)
- [HHS](https://everytexan.org/tag/hhs/)
- [Texas Medicaid Coverage Gap](https://everytexan.org/tag/texas-medicaid-coverage-gap/)
- [Obamacare](https://everytexan.org/tag/obamacare/)
- [CFED Assets and Opportunity Scorecard](https://everytexan.org/tag/cfed-assets-and-opportunity-scorecard/)
- [credit scores](https://everytexan.org/tag/credit-scores/)
- [Savings & Asset Building](https://everytexan.org/tag/savings-asset-building/)
- [Unemployment Insurance](https://everytexan.org/tag/unemployment-insurance/)
- [War on Poverty](https://everytexan.org/tag/war-on-poverty/)
- [Marketplace](https://everytexan.org/tag/marketplace/)
- [Public education funding](https://everytexan.org/tag/public-education-funding/)
- [Assets and Opportunity](https://everytexan.org/tag/assets-and-opportunity/)
- [CFED Scorecard](https://everytexan.org/tag/cfed-scorecard/)
- [economic security](https://everytexan.org/tag/economic-security/)
- [Family budgets](https://everytexan.org/tag/family-budgets/)
- [financial security](https://everytexan.org/tag/financial-security/)
- [federal minimum wage increase](https://everytexan.org/tag/federal-minimum-wage-increase/)
- [Minimum wage](https://everytexan.org/tag/minimum-wage/)
- [State of the Union](https://everytexan.org/tag/state-of-the-union/)
- [FAFSA](https://everytexan.org/tag/fafsa/)
- [Texas](https://everytexan.org/tag/texas/)
- [CPPP and RAISE Texas’ Joint Savings Work](https://everytexan.org/tag/cppp-and-raise-texas-joint-savings-work/)
- [coverage gap](https://everytexan.org/tag/coverage-gap/)
- [birth control](https://everytexan.org/tag/birth-control/)
- [contraception](https://everytexan.org/tag/contraception/)
- [SCOTUS](https://everytexan.org/tag/scotus/)
- [NAEP](https://everytexan.org/tag/naep/)
- [criminal justice system](https://everytexan.org/tag/criminal-justice-system/)
- [Mental health system](https://everytexan.org/tag/mental-health-system/)
- [Peer support](https://everytexan.org/tag/peer-support/)
- [Tax season](https://everytexan.org/tag/tax-season/)
- [National Institute for Early Education Research](https://everytexan.org/tag/national-institute-for-early-education-research/)
- [Budget and Taxes](https://everytexan.org/tag/budget-and-taxes/)
- [Child Well-Being](https://everytexan.org/tag/child-well-being/)
- [Early Childhood](https://everytexan.org/tag/early-childhood/)
- [Immigration](https://everytexan.org/tag/immigration/)
- [Children](https://everytexan.org/tag/children/)
- [Frances Deviney](https://everytexan.org/tag/frances-deviney/)
- [Kids](https://everytexan.org/tag/kids/)
- [county jail](https://everytexan.org/tag/county-jail/)
- [Megan Randall](https://everytexan.org/tag/megan-randall/)
- [mental illness](https://everytexan.org/tag/mental-illness/)
- [Peerstar](https://everytexan.org/tag/peerstar/)
- [Recovery](https://everytexan.org/tag/recovery/)
- [Rachel Cooper](https://everytexan.org/tag/rachel-cooper/)
- [Chandra Villanueva](https://everytexan.org/tag/chandra-villanueva/)
- [democrats](https://everytexan.org/tag/democrats/)
- [gallup](https://everytexan.org/tag/gallup/)
- [independents](https://everytexan.org/tag/independents/)
- [legislature](https://everytexan.org/tag/legislature/)
- [pdk](https://everytexan.org/tag/pdk/)
- [poll](https://everytexan.org/tag/poll/)
- [republicans](https://everytexan.org/tag/republicans/)
- [results](https://everytexan.org/tag/results/)
- [school](https://everytexan.org/tag/school/)
- [schools](https://everytexan.org/tag/schools/)
- [staar](https://everytexan.org/tag/staar/)
- [testing](https://everytexan.org/tag/testing/)
- [Anne Dunkelberg](https://everytexan.org/tag/anne-dunkelberg/)
- [Health and human services](https://everytexan.org/tag/health-and-human-services/)
- [ACT](https://everytexan.org/tag/act/)
- [SAT](https://everytexan.org/tag/sat/)
- [Stacey Pogue](https://everytexan.org/tag/stacey-pogue/)
- [Texas families](https://everytexan.org/tag/texas-families/)
- [acs](https://everytexan.org/tag/acs/)
- [Border](https://everytexan.org/tag/border/)
- [diversity](https://everytexan.org/tag/diversity/)
- [immigrants](https://everytexan.org/tag/immigrants/)
- [Jobs](https://everytexan.org/tag/jobs/)
- [Sales tax](https://everytexan.org/tag/sales-tax/)
- [Texas border](https://everytexan.org/tag/texas-border/)
- [Jennifer Lee](https://everytexan.org/tag/jennifer-lee/)
- [Brakeyshia Samms](https://everytexan.org/tag/brakeyshia-samms/)
- [Garrett Groves](https://everytexan.org/tag/garrett-groves/)
- [Staff](https://everytexan.org/tag/staff/)
- [2016-2017 State Budget](https://everytexan.org/tag/2016-2017-state-budget/)
- [84th Texas Legislature](https://everytexan.org/tag/84th-texas-legislature/)
- [Eva DeLuna Castro](https://everytexan.org/tag/eva-deluna-castro/)
- [2015 Texas Legislature](https://everytexan.org/tag/2015-texas-legislature/)
- [Countdown to Coverage 2015](https://everytexan.org/tag/countdown-to-coverage-2015/)
- [enrollment assistance](https://everytexan.org/tag/enrollment-assistance/)
- [Health Insurance and Reform](https://everytexan.org/tag/health-insurance-and-reform/)
- [Dick Lavine](https://everytexan.org/tag/dick-lavine/)
- [Property tax](https://everytexan.org/tag/property-tax/)
- [property values](https://everytexan.org/tag/property-values/)
- [Health](https://everytexan.org/tag/health/)
- [hunger](https://everytexan.org/tag/hunger/)
- [debt](https://everytexan.org/tag/debt/)
- [Public education investments](https://everytexan.org/tag/public-education-investments/)
- [Diesel tax](https://everytexan.org/tag/diesel-tax/)
- [diversions](https://everytexan.org/tag/diversions/)
- [Gas tax](https://everytexan.org/tag/gas-tax/)
- [Motor fuels tax](https://everytexan.org/tag/motor-fuels-tax/)
- [State Highway Fund](https://everytexan.org/tag/state-highway-fund/)
- [abbott](https://everytexan.org/tag/abbott/)
- [Medicaid & CHIP](https://everytexan.org/tag/medicaid-chip/)
- [Melissa McChesney](https://everytexan.org/tag/melissa-mcchesney/)
- [Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program](https://everytexan.org/tag/supplemental-nutrition-assistance-program/)
- [Laura Rosen](https://everytexan.org/tag/laura-rosen/)
- [Democracy](https://everytexan.org/tag/democracy/)
- [dreamers](https://everytexan.org/tag/dreamers/)
- [Texas Dream Act](https://everytexan.org/tag/texas-dream-act/)
- [Continuing ACA Coverage](https://everytexan.org/tag/continuing-aca-coverage/)
- [DFPS](https://everytexan.org/tag/dfps/)
- [Tax Policy Proposals 2015](https://everytexan.org/tag/tax-policy-proposals-2015/)
- [Motor vehicle sales tax](https://everytexan.org/tag/motor-vehicle-sales-tax/)
- [SB 1](https://everytexan.org/tag/sb-1/)
- [Health insurance marketplace subsidies](https://everytexan.org/tag/health-insurance-marketplace-subsidies/)
- [King v. Burwell](https://everytexan.org/tag/king-v-burwell/)
- [kidscount](https://everytexan.org/tag/kidscount/)
- [taxes](https://everytexan.org/tag/taxes/)
- [Arkansas Private Option](https://everytexan.org/tag/arkansas-private-option/)
- [1115 waiver](https://everytexan.org/tag/1115-waiver/)
- [Child Protection](https://everytexan.org/tag/child-protection/)
- [Katharine Ligon](https://everytexan.org/tag/katharine-ligon/)
- [Lauren Rosales](https://everytexan.org/tag/lauren-rosales/)
- [Mental health reintegration services](https://everytexan.org/tag/mental-health-reintegration-services/)
- [Texas Department of Criminal Justice](https://everytexan.org/tag/texas-department-of-criminal-justice/)
- [Same-sex marriage](https://everytexan.org/tag/same-sex-marriage/)
- [GED](https://everytexan.org/tag/ged/)
- [back to school](https://everytexan.org/tag/back-to-school/)
- [Family glitch](https://everytexan.org/tag/family-glitch/)
- [congress](https://everytexan.org/tag/congress/)
- [CTC](https://everytexan.org/tag/ctc/)
- [Countdown to Coverage 2016](https://everytexan.org/tag/countdown-to-coverage-2016/)
- [College savings accounts](https://everytexan.org/tag/college-savings-accounts/)
- [Julia Von Alexander](https://everytexan.org/tag/julia-von-alexander/)
- [Racial equity](https://everytexan.org/tag/racial-equity/)
- [State Board of Education](https://everytexan.org/tag/state-board-of-education/)
- [Imelda McClendon](https://everytexan.org/tag/imelda-mcclendon/)
- [Personal income](https://everytexan.org/tag/personal-income/)
- [Tax policy proposals](https://everytexan.org/tag/tax-policy-proposals/)
- [1332 waiver](https://everytexan.org/tag/1332-waiver/)
- [State of Texas Children 2016](https://everytexan.org/tag/state-of-texas-children-2016/)
- [Benedictine Sisters of Boerne](https://everytexan.org/tag/benedictine-sisters-of-boerne/)
- [CPPP history](https://everytexan.org/tag/cppp-history/)
- [txlege](https://everytexan.org/tag/txlege/)
- [health and wellness](https://everytexan.org/tag/health-and-wellness/)
- [mosquitos](https://everytexan.org/tag/mosquitos/)
- [tachc](https://everytexan.org/tag/tachc/)
- [Texas Association of Community Health Centers](https://everytexan.org/tag/texas-association-of-community-health-centers/)
- [zika](https://everytexan.org/tag/zika/)
- [txbudget](https://everytexan.org/tag/txbudget/)
- [race equity](https://everytexan.org/tag/race-equity/)
- [kindergarten](https://everytexan.org/tag/kindergarten/)
- [Future of Texas Award](https://everytexan.org/tag/future-of-texas-award/)
- [Monica Villarreal](https://everytexan.org/tag/monica-villarreal/)
- [census 2016](https://everytexan.org/tag/census-2016/)
- [andrade](https://everytexan.org/tag/andrade/)
- [board](https://everytexan.org/tag/board/)
- [board of directors](https://everytexan.org/tag/board-of-directors/)
- [Eastland](https://everytexan.org/tag/eastland/)
- [janda](https://everytexan.org/tag/janda/)
- [keffer](https://everytexan.org/tag/keffer/)
- [secretary of state](https://everytexan.org/tag/secretary-of-state/)
- [transportation](https://everytexan.org/tag/transportation/)
- [ways and means](https://everytexan.org/tag/ways-and-means/)
- [workforce](https://everytexan.org/tag/workforce/)
- [legacy](https://everytexan.org/tag/legacy/)
- [Kamia Rathore](https://everytexan.org/tag/kamia-rathore/)
- [cover texas now](https://everytexan.org/tag/cover-texas-now/)
- [jane nelson](https://everytexan.org/tag/jane-nelson/)
- [middle class](https://everytexan.org/tag/middle-class/)
- [medicaid block grant](https://everytexan.org/tag/medicaid-block-grant/)
- [HB 21](https://everytexan.org/tag/hb-21/)
- [AHCA](https://everytexan.org/tag/ahca/)
- [American Health Care Act](https://everytexan.org/tag/american-health-care-act/)
- [school vouchers](https://everytexan.org/tag/school-vouchers/)
- [senator nelson](https://everytexan.org/tag/senator-nelson/)
- [texas budget](https://everytexan.org/tag/texas-budget/)
- [house bill 21](https://everytexan.org/tag/house-bill-21/)
- [higher ed](https://everytexan.org/tag/higher-ed/)
- [SB18](https://everytexan.org/tag/sb18/)
- [SB19](https://everytexan.org/tag/sb19/)
- [Senate Bill 18](https://everytexan.org/tag/senate-bill-18/)
- [Senate Bill 19](https://everytexan.org/tag/senate-bill-19/)
- [food and nutrition](https://everytexan.org/tag/food-and-nutrition/)
- [ACA Marketplace](https://everytexan.org/tag/aca-marketplace/)
- [President Trump](https://everytexan.org/tag/president-trump/)
- [Trump](https://everytexan.org/tag/trump/)
- [donald trump](https://everytexan.org/tag/donald-trump/)
- [president donald trump](https://everytexan.org/tag/president-donald-trump/)
- [substance use disorder](https://everytexan.org/tag/substance-use-disorder/)
- [public school funding](https://everytexan.org/tag/public-school-funding/)
- [recapture](https://everytexan.org/tag/recapture/)
- [Robin Hood](https://everytexan.org/tag/robin-hood/)
- [teacher pay](https://everytexan.org/tag/teacher-pay/)
- [featured](https://everytexan.org/tag/featured/)
- [spending caps](https://everytexan.org/tag/spending-caps/)
- [local government](https://everytexan.org/tag/local-government/)
- [public services](https://everytexan.org/tag/public-services/)
- [SB1](https://everytexan.org/tag/sb1/)
- [school finance reform](https://everytexan.org/tag/school-finance-reform/)
- [invest in texas](https://everytexan.org/tag/invest-in-texas/)
- [local control](https://everytexan.org/tag/local-control/)
- [roll back elections](https://everytexan.org/tag/roll-back-elections/)
- [Senator Paul Bettencourt](https://everytexan.org/tag/senator-paul-bettencourt/)
- [ASATR](https://everytexan.org/tag/asatr/)
- [education assistance organizations](https://everytexan.org/tag/education-assistance-organizations/)
- [HB 253](https://everytexan.org/tag/hb-253/)
- [House Bill 253](https://everytexan.org/tag/house-bill-253/)
- [sb2](https://everytexan.org/tag/sb2/)
- [school choice](https://everytexan.org/tag/school-choice/)
- [special education](https://everytexan.org/tag/special-education/)
- [tax credit scholarships](https://everytexan.org/tag/tax-credit-scholarships/)
- [K-12](https://everytexan.org/tag/k-12/)
- [TRS-Care](https://everytexan.org/tag/trs-care/)
- [DACA](https://everytexan.org/tag/daca/)
- [Trump Administration](https://everytexan.org/tag/trump-administration/)
- [austin city council](https://everytexan.org/tag/austin-city-council/)
- [UT](https://everytexan.org/tag/ut/)
- [prize-linked savings](https://everytexan.org/tag/prize-linked-savings/)
- [prop 7](https://everytexan.org/tag/prop-7/)
- [proposition 7](https://everytexan.org/tag/proposition-7/)
- [savings](https://everytexan.org/tag/savings/)
- [borders](https://everytexan.org/tag/borders/)
- [CBP](https://everytexan.org/tag/cbp/)
- [children's hospitals](https://everytexan.org/tag/childrens-hospitals/)
- [customs](https://everytexan.org/tag/customs/)
- [Dunkelberg](https://everytexan.org/tag/dunkelberg/)
- [ICE](https://everytexan.org/tag/ice/)
- [Mexico](https://everytexan.org/tag/mexico/)
- [Rosa Maria Hernandez](https://everytexan.org/tag/rosa-maria-hernandez/)
- [sensitive locations](https://everytexan.org/tag/sensitive-locations/)
- [us senate](https://everytexan.org/tag/us-senate/)
- [exchange](https://everytexan.org/tag/exchange/)
- [OE](https://everytexan.org/tag/oe/)
- [uninsured rate](https://everytexan.org/tag/uninsured-rate/)
- [Anette Carlisle](https://everytexan.org/tag/anette-carlisle/)
- [Angela Ross](https://everytexan.org/tag/angela-ross/)
- [Sarah Saldaña](https://everytexan.org/tag/sarah-saldana/)
- [get covered](https://everytexan.org/tag/get-covered/)
- [national dream act](https://everytexan.org/tag/national-dream-act/)
- [sboe](https://everytexan.org/tag/sboe/)
- [school finance system](https://everytexan.org/tag/school-finance-system/)
- [texas commission on public school finance](https://everytexan.org/tag/texas-commission-on-public-school-finance/)
- [work strong austin](https://everytexan.org/tag/work-strong-austin/)
- [Institute for Women's Policy Research](https://everytexan.org/tag/institute-for-womens-policy-research/)
- [IWPR](https://everytexan.org/tag/iwpr/)
- [lgbtq](https://everytexan.org/tag/lgbtq/)
- [bianca lopez](https://everytexan.org/tag/bianca-lopez/)
- [michael marder](https://everytexan.org/tag/michael-marder/)
- [national assessment of educational progress](https://everytexan.org/tag/national-assessment-of-educational-progress/)
- [STEM](https://everytexan.org/tag/stem/)
- [texas STEM education](https://everytexan.org/tag/texas-stem-education/)
- [addiction and substance use](https://everytexan.org/tag/addiction-and-substance-use/)
- [candidates](https://everytexan.org/tag/candidates/)
- [elections](https://everytexan.org/tag/elections/)
- [policy questions](https://everytexan.org/tag/policy-questions/)
- [centers for medicare and medicaid services](https://everytexan.org/tag/centers-for-medicare-and-medicaid-services/)
- [alabama](https://everytexan.org/tag/alabama/)
- [center for medicaid and medicaid services](https://everytexan.org/tag/center-for-medicaid-and-medicaid-services/)
- [cms](https://everytexan.org/tag/cms/)
- [kansas](https://everytexan.org/tag/kansas/)
- [mississippi](https://everytexan.org/tag/mississippi/)
- [work documentation](https://everytexan.org/tag/work-documentation/)
- [Limited English Proficiency Student Success Initiative](https://everytexan.org/tag/limited-english-proficiency-student-success-initiative/)
- [university of texas at Austin](https://everytexan.org/tag/university-of-texas-at-austin/)
- [center on budget](https://everytexan.org/tag/center-on-budget/)
- [US House of Representatives](https://everytexan.org/tag/us-house-of-representatives/)
- [public charge](https://everytexan.org/tag/public-charge/)
- [2019 Texas Legislature](https://everytexan.org/tag/2019-texas-legislature/)
- [LBB](https://everytexan.org/tag/lbb/)
- [voting](https://everytexan.org/tag/voting/)
- [2017 Census](https://everytexan.org/tag/2017-census/)
- [2018 Census](https://everytexan.org/tag/2018-census/)
- [CCC](https://everytexan.org/tag/ccc/)
- [Complete Count Committee](https://everytexan.org/tag/complete-count-committee/)
- [txed](https://everytexan.org/tag/txed/)
- [60x30TX](https://everytexan.org/tag/60x30tx/)
- [high school](https://everytexan.org/tag/high-school/)
- [Texas Education](https://everytexan.org/tag/texas-education/)
- [TSIA](https://everytexan.org/tag/tsia/)
- [529 plans](https://everytexan.org/tag/529-plans/)
- [saving account](https://everytexan.org/tag/saving-account/)
- [short term health insurance](https://everytexan.org/tag/short-term-health-insurance/)
- [86th Texas Legislative Session](https://everytexan.org/tag/86th-texas-legislative-session/)
- [degrees of debt](https://everytexan.org/tag/degrees-of-debt/)
- [college debt](https://everytexan.org/tag/college-debt/)
- [licensure revocation](https://everytexan.org/tag/licensure-revocation/)
- [PointOfOrder](https://everytexan.org/tag/pointoforder/)
- [preemption](https://everytexan.org/tag/preemption/)
- [2020census](https://everytexan.org/tag/2020census/)
- [Surprise Medical Billing](https://everytexan.org/tag/surprise-medical-billing/)
- [ballot proposal](https://everytexan.org/tag/ballot-proposal/)
- [Bullock Amendment](https://everytexan.org/tag/bullock-amendment/)
- [HJR 38](https://everytexan.org/tag/hjr-38/)
- [income tax](https://everytexan.org/tag/income-tax/)
- [State income tax](https://everytexan.org/tag/state-income-tax/)
- [state services](https://everytexan.org/tag/state-services/)
- [food security](https://everytexan.org/tag/food-security/)
- [Black History Month](https://everytexan.org/tag/black-history-month/)
- [HBCU](https://everytexan.org/tag/hbcu/)
- [Coronavirus](https://everytexan.org/tag/coronavirus/)
- [jobs & financial security](https://everytexan.org/tag/jobs-financial-security/)
- [immigrant access](https://everytexan.org/tag/immigrant-access/)
- [Medical Debt](https://everytexan.org/tag/medical-debt/)
- [COVID-19](https://everytexan.org/tag/covid-19/)
- [Tags](https://everytexan.org/tag/tags/)
- [Affordable Care Act](https://everytexan.org/tag/affordable-care-act/)
- [sales price disclosure](https://everytexan.org/tag/sales-price-disclosure/)
- [property appraisals](https://everytexan.org/tag/property-appraisals/)
- [Kids Count report](https://everytexan.org/tag/kids-count-report/)
- [ACA & Healthcare Reform](https://everytexan.org/tag/aca-healthcare-reform/)
- [Affordability & Medical Debt](https://everytexan.org/tag/affordability-medical-debt/)
- [Health Insurance Coverage](https://everytexan.org/tag/health-insurance-coverage/)
- [88th Texas Legislature](https://everytexan.org/tag/88th-texas-legislature/)
- [2023 Texas Legislature](https://everytexan.org/tag/2023-texas-legislature/)
- [inclusion](https://everytexan.org/tag/inclusion/)
- [DEI](https://everytexan.org/tag/dei/)
- [op-ed](https://everytexan.org/tag/op-ed/)
- [AANHPI](https://everytexan.org/tag/aanhpi/)
- [data brief](https://everytexan.org/tag/data-brief/)
- [asian american](https://everytexan.org/tag/asian-american/)
- [heritage month](https://everytexan.org/tag/heritage-month/)
- [financial assistance](https://everytexan.org/tag/financial-assistance/)
- [income support](https://everytexan.org/tag/income-support/)
- [unwinding](https://everytexan.org/tag/unwinding/)
- [medicaid unwinding](https://everytexan.org/tag/medicaid-unwinding/)
- [paid leave](https://everytexan.org/tag/paid-leave/)
- [parental leave](https://everytexan.org/tag/parental-leave/)
- [fiscal policy](https://everytexan.org/tag/fiscal-policy/)
- [LGBT](https://everytexan.org/tag/lgbt/)
- [Legacy Award](https://everytexan.org/tag/legacy-award/)
- [2023 Texas Legacy](https://everytexan.org/tag/2023-texas-legacy/)
- [Flora Brewer](https://everytexan.org/tag/flora-brewer/)
- [Maria Elena Bottazzi](https://everytexan.org/tag/maria-elena-bottazzi/)
- [Tiara Cooper](https://everytexan.org/tag/tiara-cooper/)
- [worker rights](https://everytexan.org/tag/worker-rights/)
- [paid benefits](https://everytexan.org/tag/paid-benefits/)
- [State of Working Texans](https://everytexan.org/tag/state-of-working-texans/)
- [Marisa Bono](https://everytexan.org/tag/marisa-bono/)
- [erin omalley](https://everytexan.org/tag/erin-omalley/)
- [Federal Fightback](https://everytexan.org/tag/federal-fightback/)
- [Worker Power](https://everytexan.org/tag/worker-power/)

## Policy Areas

- [Health Care](https://everytexan.org/policy_area/health-care/)
- [Budget and Taxes](https://everytexan.org/policy_area/budget-and-taxes/)
- [Food Security](https://everytexan.org/policy_area/food-security/)
- [Worker Power & Thriving Families](https://everytexan.org/policy_area/worker-power-thriving-families/)
- [Education](https://everytexan.org/policy_area/education/)
- [Texas Legislature](https://everytexan.org/policy_area/texas-legislature/)
- [Data Center](https://everytexan.org/policy_area/data-center/)
- [Equity and Inequality](https://everytexan.org/policy_area/equity-and-inequality/)
- [Stories](https://everytexan.org/policy_area/stories/)
- [Health Insurance Coverage](https://everytexan.org/policy_area/health-insurance-coverage/)
- [Economic Opportunity](https://everytexan.org/policy_area/economic-opportunity/)
- [K-12 Public Education](https://everytexan.org/policy_area/k-12-public-education/)
- [Food Assistance Programs](https://everytexan.org/policy_area/food-assistance-programs/)
- [Where the Money Goes](https://everytexan.org/policy_area/where-money-goes/)
- [SNAP](https://everytexan.org/policy_area/snap/)
- [Kids Count](https://everytexan.org/policy_area/kids-count/)
- [Guest Blog](https://everytexan.org/policy_area/guest-blog/)
- [Higher Education](https://everytexan.org/policy_area/higher-education/)
- [Immigrant Access](https://everytexan.org/policy_area/immigrant-access/)
- [Census](https://everytexan.org/policy_area/census/)
- [Affordability and Medical Debt](https://everytexan.org/policy_area/affordability-and-medical-debt/)
- [Coronavirus](https://everytexan.org/policy_area/coronavirus/)
- [School Meals](https://everytexan.org/policy_area/school-meals/)
- [State and Federal Budget](https://everytexan.org/policy_area/state-and-federal-budget/)
- [Savings and Asset Building](https://everytexan.org/policy_area/savings-and-asset-building/)
- [Federal Budget and Taxes](https://everytexan.org/policy_area/federal-budget-and-taxes/)
- [Early Childhood and Pre-K](https://everytexan.org/policy_area/early-childhood-and-pre-k/)
- [Family Planning and Women's Health](https://everytexan.org/policy_area/family-planning-and-women/)
- [Paid Sick Days](https://everytexan.org/policy_area/paid-sick-days/)
- [Cash Assistance](https://everytexan.org/policy_area/cash-assistance/)
- [Every Texan News](https://everytexan.org/policy_area/every-texan-news/)
- [Events](https://everytexan.org/policy_area/events/)
- [Medicaid](https://everytexan.org/policy_area/medicaid/)
- [Uninsured in Texas](https://everytexan.org/policy_area/uninsured-in-texas/)
- [ACA & Health Care Reform](https://everytexan.org/policy_area/aca-health-care-reform/)
- [Consumer Protections](https://everytexan.org/policy_area/consumer-protections/)
- [Eligibility & Enrollment](https://everytexan.org/policy_area/eligibility-enrollment/)
- [Children's Medicaid & CHIP](https://everytexan.org/policy_area/childrens-medicaid-chip/)
- [Medical Debt](https://everytexan.org/policy_area/medical-debt/)
- [Surprise Medical Billing](https://everytexan.org/policy_area/surprise-medical-billing/)
- [WIC](https://everytexan.org/policy_area/wic/)
- [School Breakfast Program](https://everytexan.org/policy_area/school-breakfast-program/)
- [National School Lunch Program](https://everytexan.org/policy_area/national-school-lunch-program/)
- [Afterschool Nutrition Program](https://everytexan.org/policy_area/afterschool-nutrition-program/)
- [Summer Meals Program](https://everytexan.org/policy_area/summer-meals-program/)
- [Community Eligibility](https://everytexan.org/policy_area/community-eligibility/)
- [Direct Certification](https://everytexan.org/policy_area/direct-certification/)
- [College Affordability](https://everytexan.org/policy_area/college-affordability/)
- [Access](https://everytexan.org/policy_area/access/)
- [Nontraditional Students](https://everytexan.org/policy_area/nontraditional-students/)
- [Fair Wages](https://everytexan.org/policy_area/fair-wages/)
- [Kids Living with Relatives](https://everytexan.org/policy_area/kids-living-with-relatives/)
- [Where the Money Comes From](https://everytexan.org/policy_area/where-the-money-comes-from/)
- [State Taxes](https://everytexan.org/policy_area/state-taxes/)
- [Property Taxes](https://everytexan.org/policy_area/property-taxes/)
- [Tax Fairness](https://everytexan.org/policy_area/tax-fairness/)
- [Tax Breaks & Incentives](https://everytexan.org/policy_area/tax-breaks-incentives/)
- [Economic Stabilization Fund](https://everytexan.org/policy_area/economic-stabilization-fund/)
- [State Budget](https://everytexan.org/policy_area/state-budget/)
- [Local Services](https://everytexan.org/policy_area/local-services/)
- [Consumer Protection](https://everytexan.org/policy_area/consumer-protection/)
- [Race Equity](https://everytexan.org/policy_area/race-equity/)
- [Immigrants](https://everytexan.org/policy_area/immigrants/)
- [Women & Gender Equity](https://everytexan.org/policy_area/women-gender-equity/)
- [Children](https://everytexan.org/policy_area/children/)
- [Low-Income Texans](https://everytexan.org/policy_area/low-income-texans/)
- [Worker Power](https://everytexan.org/policy_area/worker-power/)
- [Democracy](https://everytexan.org/policy_area/democracy/)
- [Preemption](https://everytexan.org/policy_area/preemption/)
- [Voting Rights](https://everytexan.org/policy_area/voting-rights/)

## Tags

- [ACA](https://everytexan.org/archive_tag/aca/)
- [Outreach](https://everytexan.org/archive_tag/outreach/)
- [Eligibility](https://everytexan.org/archive_tag/eligibility/)
- [Enrollment](https://everytexan.org/archive_tag/enrollment/)
- [Consumer Protections](https://everytexan.org/archive_tag/consumer-protections/)
- [Medicaid](https://everytexan.org/archive_tag/medicaid/)
- [Premiums](https://everytexan.org/archive_tag/premiums/)
- [Out-Of-Pocket Costs](https://everytexan.org/archive_tag/out-of-pocket-costs/)
- [Mental Health](https://everytexan.org/archive_tag/mental-health/)
- [SUD](https://everytexan.org/archive_tag/sud/)
- [CHIP](https://everytexan.org/archive_tag/chip/)
- [State & Federal Budget](https://everytexan.org/archive_tag/state-federal-budget/)
- [Children's Health](https://everytexan.org/archive_tag/childrens-health/)
- [Affordable Health Care](https://everytexan.org/archive_tag/affordable-health-care/)
- [CHIP And Children's Medicaid](https://everytexan.org/archive_tag/chip-and-childrens-medicaid/)
- [Children’s Medicaid](https://everytexan.org/archive_tag/childrens-medicaid/)
- [Consumer Protection](https://everytexan.org/archive_tag/consumer-protection/)
- [Family Planning](https://everytexan.org/archive_tag/family-planning/)
- [Women's Health](https://everytexan.org/archive_tag/womens-health/)
- [Health Care](https://everytexan.org/archive_tag/health-care/)
- [Immigrant Access To Health Care](https://everytexan.org/archive_tag/immigrant-access-to-health-care/)
- [Uninsured In Texas](https://everytexan.org/archive_tag/uninsured-in-texas/)
- [Budget And Texas](https://everytexan.org/archive_tag/budget-and-texas/)
- [Where The Money Goes](https://everytexan.org/archive_tag/where-the-money-goes/)
- [Medicaid Expansion](https://everytexan.org/archive_tag/medicaid-expansion/)
- [Texas 1115 Waiver](https://everytexan.org/archive_tag/texas-1115-waiver/)
- [Texas Medicaid 1115 Waiver](https://everytexan.org/archive_tag/texas-medicaid-1115-waiver/)
- [Mental Health And Substance Abuse](https://everytexan.org/archive_tag/mental-health-and-substance-abuse/)
- [Mental Health And Substance Use](https://everytexan.org/archive_tag/mental-health-and-substance-use/)
- [Substance Use](https://everytexan.org/archive_tag/substance-use/)
- [1115 Waiver](https://everytexan.org/archive_tag/1115-waiver/)
- [Texas Mediciad 1115 Waiver](https://everytexan.org/archive_tag/texas-mediciad-1115-waiver/)
- [State Budget](https://everytexan.org/archive_tag/state-budget/)
- [Revenue Sources](https://everytexan.org/archive_tag/revenue-sources/)
- [State Taxes](https://everytexan.org/archive_tag/state-taxes/)
- [Quality Education](https://everytexan.org/archive_tag/quality-education/)
- [Tax Breaks](https://everytexan.org/archive_tag/tax-breaks/)
- [Incentives](https://everytexan.org/archive_tag/incentives/)
- [Tax Fairness](https://everytexan.org/archive_tag/tax-fairness/)
- [Property Taxes](https://everytexan.org/archive_tag/property-taxes/)
- [School Finance](https://everytexan.org/archive_tag/school-finance/)
- [State Budget And Higher Education](https://everytexan.org/archive_tag/state-budget-and-higher-education/)
- [K-12 Public Education](https://everytexan.org/archive_tag/k-12-public-education/)
- [Federal Budget](https://everytexan.org/archive_tag/federal-budget/)
- [Tax Policy](https://everytexan.org/archive_tag/tax-policy/)
- [Revenue In Texas](https://everytexan.org/archive_tag/revenue-in-texas/)
- [School Meals](https://everytexan.org/archive_tag/school-meals/)
- [Community Eligibility](https://everytexan.org/archive_tag/community-eligibility/)
- [Food Assistance](https://everytexan.org/archive_tag/food-assistance/)
- [SNAP](https://everytexan.org/archive_tag/snap/)
- [School Breakfast Program](https://everytexan.org/archive_tag/school-breakfast-program/)
- [Paid Sick Days](https://everytexan.org/archive_tag/paid-sick-days/)
- [Low-Income Texans](https://everytexan.org/archive_tag/low-income-texans/)
- [Fair Wages](https://everytexan.org/archive_tag/fair-wages/)
- [Adult Ed](https://everytexan.org/archive_tag/adult-ed/)
- [Higher Education](https://everytexan.org/archive_tag/higher-education/)
- [Pre-K](https://everytexan.org/archive_tag/pre-k/)
- [Adult Education](https://everytexan.org/archive_tag/adult-education/)
- [Affordability](https://everytexan.org/archive_tag/affordability/)
- [Access](https://everytexan.org/archive_tag/access/)
- [Kids Count](https://everytexan.org/archive_tag/kids-count/)
- [Tanf](https://everytexan.org/archive_tag/tanf/)
- [Kinship Care](https://everytexan.org/archive_tag/kinship-care/)
- [Debt](https://everytexan.org/archive_tag/debt/)
- [Pay Day](https://everytexan.org/archive_tag/pay-day/)
- [Poverty And Inequality](https://everytexan.org/archive_tag/poverty-and-inequality/)
- [Working Poor Families](https://everytexan.org/archive_tag/working-poor-families/)

## Categories

- [Report](https://everytexan.org/archive_category/report/)
- [Comments](https://everytexan.org/archive_category/comments/)
- [Presentation](https://everytexan.org/archive_category/presentation/)
- [Testimony](https://everytexan.org/archive_category/testimony/)
- [Sign-On Letter](https://everytexan.org/archive_category/sign-on-letter/)
- [Policy Brief](https://everytexan.org/archive_category/policy-brief/)
- [Appendix To Factsheet](https://everytexan.org/archive_category/appendix-to-factsheet/)
- [Factsheet](https://everytexan.org/archive_category/factsheet/)
- [Press Release](https://everytexan.org/archive_category/press-release/)
- [Executive Summary](https://everytexan.org/archive_category/executive-summary/)
- [Cppp Letter To State Leadership](https://everytexan.org/archive_category/cppp-letter-to-state-leadership/)
- [Data Document](https://everytexan.org/archive_category/data-document/)
- [Chart](https://everytexan.org/archive_category/chart/)
- [One-Pager](https://everytexan.org/archive_category/one-pager/)

## Policy Areas

- [Health Care](https://everytexan.org/archive_policy_area/health-care/)
- [Budget and Taxes](https://everytexan.org/archive_policy_area/budget-and-taxes/)
- [Food Security](https://everytexan.org/archive_policy_area/food-security/)
- [Jobs and Financial Security](https://everytexan.org/archive_policy_area/jobs-and-financial-security/)
- [Education](https://everytexan.org/archive_policy_area/education/)
- [Texas Legislature](https://everytexan.org/archive_policy_area/texas-legislature/)
- [Data Center](https://everytexan.org/archive_policy_area/data-center/)
- [Equity and Inequality](https://everytexan.org/archive_policy_area/equity-and-inequality/)

## Categories

- [Health Care](https://everytexan.org/mec-category/health-care/)
- [Education](https://everytexan.org/mec-category/education/)
- [Food Security](https://everytexan.org/mec-category/food-security/)
- [Budget & Taxes](https://everytexan.org/mec-category/budget-taxes/)
- [Worker Power](https://everytexan.org/mec-category/worker-power/)
- [Equity](https://everytexan.org/mec-category/equity/)