FEATURING

Dr. Bob Sanborn, President & CEO, CHILDREN AT RISK

Mandi Kimball, Chief Government Affairs Officer, C@R

Andrea Coker, Chief Advocacy Officer, North Texas Commission

Stephanie O’Banion, Director of Impact and Engagement, United Ways of Texas

TEXAS (July 10, 2025) – After months of tireless advocacy during a particularly challenging legislative session, CHILDREN AT RISK is proud to highlight key priority bills that passed with Governor Abbott’s signature. These legislative victories mark historic steps forward in advancing early childhood education, public education, economic and workforce supports for opportunity youth, and child safety measures including anti-human trafficking policies.

Ahead of its 89^th Legislative Debrief, CHILDREN AT RISK hosted a press conference with child advocate partners on Thursday, July 10 at 9:30 AM CT to highlight key outcomes from the 89th Texas Legislative Session and their impact on child well-being. The conversation focused on legislative wins that will better support at-risk children and families, alongside the missed opportunities that will leave critical needs unmet for 7,540,257 Texas children.

“There’s a lot to celebrate this session, but too much was left undone, and too many dollars left on the table that children need,” said Dr. Bob Sanborn, President & CEO of CHILDREN AT RISK. “Texas may have taken some key steps forward, but there are still state and federal policies impeding on the well-being of Texas children and families.”

“We’re encouraged by the Texas Legislature’s investments in child care, public education, and efforts to strengthen our future workforce. However, pressing challenges such as food insecurity and access to mental health services were largely overlooked.” said Mandi Kimball, Chief Government Affairs Officer at CHILDREN AT RISK. “We look forward to working with state leaders during the interim to ensure these critical needs are addressed.”

Policy experts and community advocates will walk through the session’s biggest victories and disappointments for children, drawing attention to how state-level decisions affect everyday life for Texas families.

Immediately following the press conference, media are encouraged to stay for CHILDREN AT RISK’s full 89th Legislative Debrief: The Impact on Children, featuring analysis and commentary from advocates, experts, and policy leaders who shaped this session. The debrief will provide a comprehensive look at new laws passed and what is still needed to create a safer, healthier, and more accessible Texas for all children. The full recap report will be published by Friday, July 11^th at childrenatrisk.org.