TEXAS (Nov. 12, 2026) – Of all Texas children under the age of six, 579,385 live in a low-income household with working parents. When lawmakers return to Austin in January 2027, their decisions will help shape whether families can find affordable child care, children have enough to eat, and young people can connect to school and work. Ahead of the 90th Texas Legislature, child and family advocates have compiled research-backed recommendations to keep low-income children a priority and help families get the support they need.

At 10:00 AM CT on Thursday, November 12, 20206, CHILDREN AT RISK hosted a virtual press conference ahead of their virtual summit, The Children’s Agenda: 90th Legislative Priorities + Policy Recommendations summit. At the press conference, invited policy experts presented brief remarks around their most pressing policy recommendations to better support Texas children and families.

“Every child in Texas deserves to be healthy, safe, and successful, and every family should be able to get the support they need to thrive,” said Mandi Kimball, Vice President and Chief Government Affairs Officer of CHILDREN AT RISK. “As our lawmakers prepare for the 90th Legislative Session, we have an opportunity to really help families find child care and put food on the table, help young people return to school or find work, and make sure survivors of human trafficking get the care they need. By working together, we can advance meaningful policy solutions that make a difference for Texas families today and in the future.

The summit began, immediately after the press conference. Speakers explored policy proposals addressing child hunger, health, and safety, along with opportunities to advocate for children and families during the 90th Texas Legislature. Presented in partnership with the Texas Family Leadership Council, the event will feature partners from EdTrust, Feeding Texas, Texans Care for Children, TexProtects, and United Ways of Texas.

CHILDREN AT RISK is calling for policies that strengthen investments in child care, expand opportunities for young people, and better protect children from human trafficking. Recommendations include strengthening Texas’ child care system to improve access to affordable, high-quality care for working families; developing a statewide strategy to help young people reconnect with education, job training, and employment opportunities; and improving efforts to identify victims of human trafficking and ensure survivors have access to coordinated services and long-term support.

Explore CHILDREN AT RISK’s policy priorities and resources.

About CHILDREN AT RISK

CHILDREN AT RISK is a research and advocacy nonprofit leading the way in improving the quality of life for Texas children. CHILDREN AT RISK considers the whole child by tracking issues in children’s health, safety, education, and economic security to improve equity and justice for all Texas families. Committed to action beyond the data, CHILDREN AT RISK drives evidence-based change by speaking out on behalf of children. For more information, visit childrenatrisk.org, Facebook, and LinkedIn.