Texas PN-3 Newsletter
Greetings PN-3 Collaborative,
As we approach the midway mark for the 89th Texas Legislature, the stakes are high for our youngest Texans and their families. With committee assignments in place and hearings underway, our focus is sharper than ever on ensuring that early childhood education takes center stage in policy discussions.
In this newsletter, you’ll find an update on recent rallies and events at the Capitol, showcasing the impactful role of our collective advocacy. We also provide a curated list of crucial bills to keep an eye on, complete with suggestions on how you can help advance these measures. Additionally, we warmly invite you to join PN-3 partners at upcoming events and delve into the latest blog posts, which are packed with insights to help you advocate for Texas child care.
Let’s keep pushing to #FundChildCare this session.
Policy Priorities Update
Engaging in the 89th Legislative Session
The 89th Texas Legislative Session has entered a critical phase—bill filing is nearly complete, and committee hearings are in full swing. This period of rigorous bill examination and amendment proposals is crucial for advocates ready to influence early childhood education policies in Texas. Engage now with your representatives to shape the legislation that will impact our youngest citizens and their families. Your advocacy is vital in swaying decisions on key bills during upcoming votes in both legislative chambers.
CLICK HERE TO VIEW THE TEXAS PN-3 COLLABORATIVE POLICY PRIORITIES
- Access advocacy resources from CHILDREN AT RISK
- Access advocacy resources from Texans Care for Children
- Access advocacy resources from TexProtects
PROGRESS ON BUDGET PRIORITIES FOR KIDS – BUT MORE WORK TO DO
Texas Advocacy Opportunity
We’re excited to see that the first drafts of the state budget bills at the Legislature include some of our top requests, such as technology funding to overhaul the state’s outdated Medicaid enrollment system and funding to cover the expected increase of toddlers in Early Childhood Intervention. However, there’s much more work to do to ensure the budget meets the needs of Texas kids and families. One of our top priorities is for state funding for the Texas Workforce Commission to provide additional child care scholarships and reduce the waitlist. That funding was missing from the first drafts of the budget bills. Let’s continue to deliver the message to the Legislature that they must improve access to high-quality child care!
MOBILIZE NOW TO STOP MEDICAID CUTS IN CONGRESS
Federal Advocacy Opportunity
The US House recently approved its budget resolution on a vote of 217-215, taking the first legislative step towards making deep Medicaid cuts that could jeopardize health care for children, people with disabilities, pregnant women, and seniors. In the coming weeks, the House and Senate still have to pass the same budget resolution, write a bill with specific cuts, vote it out of committee, and bring it to the full House and Senate for a vote.
In other words, there is still time for you and your networks to contact the Texas delegation in Congress and urge them to oppose Medicaid cuts. Two Texas GOP members — Reps. Tony Gonzales and Monica De La Cruz — have already raised concerns about the cuts, so they are the most important legislators to contact.
- Rep. Tony Gonzales’ district includes the west side of San Antonio, Del Rio, Fort Stockton, Uvalde, and other communities. You can reach his Capitol office at 202-225-4511.
- Rep. Monica De La Cruz’s district includes Seguin, Edinburg, McAllen, and other communities. The phone number for her Washington office is 202-225-9901.
Recent Events & Activities
CHILD ABUSE PREVENTION MONTH PROCLAMATION DAY
Friday, April 4 | 9 AM CT on the South Steps of the Capitol
Ever year, April is designated as National Child Abuse Prevention Month. Join TexProtects on April 4th at 9am on the South Steps of the Capitol as we gather together to raise awareness about the importance of strengthening families to prevent child abuse and neglect. We will plant a pinwheel garden and recognize the work being done in communities across the state to support families and prevent children from experiencing the trauma of abuse or neglect. We hope to see you there!
PN-3 STEERING COMMITTEE
February 2025 Meeting
The Texas PN-3 Collaborative hosted their Steering Committee in February 2025 to share crucial updates on policy progress and legislative actions aimed at enhancing the well-being of Texas’ youngest residents and their families. This comprehensive slide deck delves into the current status of pivotal health and educational bills, outlines budget proposals, and highlights strategic efforts across three main areas: enhancing community health programs like Medicaid and CHIP, improving family support systems, and expanding access and quality in early care education. It offers an in-depth look at the advocacy work and collaborations that are pivotal in driving these initiatives forward, ensuring every child in Texas has the opportunity to thrive from the start.
Click here to view the resources and updates shared at this meeting.
IMPACT UPDATES
Igniting Hope: The Power of the HOPES Grant
Imagine a Texas family navigating the joys and challenges of early parenthood. From sleepless nights to important developmental milestones, families can be in constant need of support. The Healthy Outcomes through Prevention and Early Support (HOPES) grant supports communities to provide these families with the resources they need to thrive. Learn more about the HOPES Grant and how it strengthens Texas families.
Read the full impact report | Explore Parent & Provider Testimonials
EARLY CHILDHOOD RALLY DAY
Convening to Advocate for Texas to #FundChildCareNow
Nearly 200 early childhood teachers, parents, and system advocates, including many Texas PN-3 Collaborative partners, gathered at the Texas State Capitol on March 6th to rally in support of funding for child care and transformative early childhood education legislation. CHILDREN AT RISK and the Texas Association for the Education of Young Children hosted the event, emphasizing the critical need for accessible, quality child care and its impact on the Texas economy. After the rally, participants visited Congressional offices, advocating for support of key bills aimed at improving early childhood education. The event united community leaders and policymakers in discussing how robust child care systems are essential for supporting the workforce and securing children’s futures.
Watch the livestream recording | View the slide deck from the legislative briefing
