The work of the Texas Legislature is never done! In between legislative sessions, the Legislature continues its work focusing on our state’s priority issues. Last month House Speaker Joe Straus released the interim charges that will direct the work of the chamber’s legislative committees for the next eleven months. Interim charges are essentially the House member’s “To Do List” to study and recommend legislative solutions for the 83rd Legislative Session. During the interim, the Speaker has called upon the Legislature to focus on several issues that impact children.
For public education, it is clear that school finance will be left to litigation as the charges notably do not include a study of the school finance system. Committee focus will be on the implementation of the new state assessment system (STAAR), evaluating charter schools and their outcomes, school discipline, and best practices to encourage more parental and community involvement in the education of Texas’ children.
Hunger is an issue that continues to affect many families across the state. Food insecurity will be addressed during the interim by focusing on the policies that will eliminate underserved areas also known as food deserts, increase participation in Summer Food Programs, and improve access to healthy foods.
Prevention in the areas of homelessness, referrals of youth to the juvenile justice system, and avoiding costly health services through the utilization of community health workers will also be addressed through various committees.
The Senate interim charges are expected to be released in early 2012. CHILDREN AT RISK will continue to work with both House and Senate committees and members on all of these issues and more by providing the relevant data and policy solutions to ensure that children have the opportunity to benefit from the 83rd Texas Legislative Session.