Throughout the day, leading experts presented thought-provoking insights across key policy areas:

Caroline Roberts emphasized the critical importance of reconnecting Texas youth to education and the workforce, drawing attention to the state’s higher-than-average rate of disconnected youth. “These young people are essential to the future of our workforce and economy,” she noted, urging collaboration to foster long-term success.

Kim Kofron addressed the challenges surrounding early childhood education, particularly the steep costs of child care that burden many families. “Most families spend 10-50% of their income on infant and toddler care, far above the federal recommendation of 7%,” she explained. Kofron also highlighted progress in the Texas Rising Star program and called for continued investments to strengthen early education.

Health policy experts Clayton Travis and Jamie Olson spotlighted the intersection of health and child well-being, from the increase in child hunger during summer months to the role of organizations in preventing infectious diseases. Their insights underscored the need for coordinated efforts to support children’s physical and mental health.

Jonathan Feinstein discussed the importance of equitable resource allocation in K-12 education, emphasizing the significant costs associated with teacher turnover and the urgent need for a strong, well-supported teaching workforce.

Linda Corchado shared an inspiring perspective on how schools and communities are collaborating to support emergent bilingual students and children of immigrants. “When schools work hand-in-hand with refugee groups, they create a powerful blueprint for addressing challenges and building supportive networks,” she shared.

The summit also showcased the critical role of private sector engagement in advancing child-centered policies. Moderated by Donald Bowers, Vice President of the Federal Reserve Bank of Dallas, the panel featured insights from Chris Wallace, Ed Wolff, and Doe Florsheim. Discussions focused on education, infrastructure, and housing affordability, with a shared commitment to creating equitable opportunities for all children. Wolff articulated it best: “Ensuring equitable education resources and early intervention sets children up for long-term success.”

The event concluded with a stirring call to action from Jason Sabo of Frontera Strategy. He urged attendees to remain steadfast in their advocacy, emphasizing that the ideas and collaborations fostered during the summit would drive meaningful change for Texas children and families.

The 89th Texas Legislative Agenda for Children underscored the power of unified advocacy and collective action. As we approach the 89th Texas Legislative Session, the partnerships and ideas formed during this event will serve as a powerful catalyst for progress. Together, we can create a Texas where every child has the support, resources, and opportunities they deserve. This is not the end of our work—it is just the beginning of a shared journey toward a brighter, more equitable future for all Texas children and families.

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