Get the latest info on children's policy at the Texas Lege.


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1106 Clayton Lane, STE 111W   |   Austin, TX 78723   |   512.473.2274

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We drive policy change to improve the lives of Texas children today for a stronger Texas tomorrow.

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Key Children's Issues for the Next TX Lege: Suggested Interim Charges

Our staff has been busy at the Texas Capitol working with legislators on potential "interim charges" that could be assigned to legislative committees to study prior to the 2021 session.

We have suggested a number of issues for state leaders to focus on, including: preparing for implementation of the Family First Act; improving child care quality and affordability; monitoring implementation of new student mental health laws; reducing the high uninsured rate of Texas kids and moms; and investing in ECI and other programs to address early childhood brain development.

Learn more and read our suggested interim charges here. ([link removed])

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New Federal "Public Charge" Rule for Green Card Applicants Poses Threat to Texas Kids

When it takes effect in October, a new federal policy will penalize applicants for green cards (legal permanent residency) if they have legally enrolled in a public assistance program, such as a green card applicant who received SNAP food stamps while on a student visa.

The rule exempts Children's Medicaid, CHIP, and certain other programs and does not penalize applicants for their family members' use of benefits.

However, we are very concerned that the policy further enflames a climate of fear and confusion that will lead families who are not covered by the program to pull their U.S. citizen children out of Medicaid and other programs, further driving up the state's sky-high children's uninsured rate.

Learn more in this blog post ([link removed]) that we developed in collaboration with our Cover Texas Now partners.

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We Proposed a Maternal Health Advocacy Panel for South By Southwest Panel — But We Need Your Vote If It's Going to Happen

If we get enough online votes, we'll get to have a panel on maternal health and effective policy advocacy at the huge SXSW Festival in Austin next March!

Will you help us keep building momentum to support healthy Texas moms and healthy Texas babies?

Learn more and cast your vote here ([link removed]). Thanks!

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If You Work With Kids, We Need You to Help Make Sure They're Counted in the 2020 Census

Kids under age five are one of the most undercounted populations in the census.

Unfortunately, when kids are undercounted, our communities lose out on federal funding for children's health care, education, nutrition, and more.

Learn more and find out how you can help ([link removed]) in this handy two-pager we developed with our colleagues at CPPP.

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Take a Quick Survey to Help Us Improve the Work We Do for Texas Kids

Help us make sure we're doing everything we can to effectively drive policy change and improve the lives of Texas children!

Please take 8 to 10 minutes to answer a few quick survey questions about Texans Care for Children and how we can improve. 

Take the online survey here. ([link removed]) Thanks!

Texas Children's Policy Roundup

Latest from our Team

Our blog: Real Protections for Kids and Families in the Newest Medicaid Managed Care Laws ([link removed])

Our job announcement: Hiring a Child Welfare Policy Intern and a Maternal and Child Health Policy Fellow ([link removed])

Our report: Central Texas and Statewide Challenges and Opportunities to Support Maternal Behavioral Health During the First Year After Childbirth ([link removed])

Our webinar: Student Mental Health and Supportive School Climates: A TX Lege Policy Update ([link removed])

Our other recent publications: Policy briefs, press releases, blog posts, testimony, and more ([link removed])

Our Team in the News

Dallas Morning-News: Texas Advocates Urge 'Humane Treatment' After Reports of Overcrowding, Neglect at Migrant Facilities ([link removed])

KERA: Federal Appeals Court Orders Fixes to Texas Foster Care System ([link removed])

Wise County Messenger: Pre-k Programs Grow Across County ([link removed])

News and Analysis from Other Voices

Georgetown Center for Children and Families blog: How Does Health Coverage for Adults Impact Children's Healthy Development ([link removed])

KXAN News story: Infant Brain Health Expert Says Early Years Are Critical for Mental Health ([link removed])

KXAN News series: Save our Students: Solutions for Wellness and Safety ([link removed])

Texas Appleseed op-ed: Secure Facilities Have Failed Youth. Texas Must Change Course. ([link removed])

Texas Tribune article: Trump Proposal Could End Food Stamp Benefits for 125,000 Texans, Experts Say ([link removed])

For more updates, visit our Facebook page ([link removed]) and Twitter page ([link removed]).





1106 Clayton Lane Suite 111W | Austin, TX 78723 US

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