The Texas Legislative session starts in January 2009 . Here’s one way United Way works as an advocate for the community with United Ways of Texas (UWT) at every legislative session. UWT is the statewide association of Texas’ local United Ways and its’ members represent 70 communities and the overwhelming majority of Texans.
United Ways of Texas’ priorities for the 2009 Texas Legislature are fully aligned with our priority goals of Education, Financial Stability and Health to advance the common good. In addition, they continue our efforts to support Texas nonprofits, to increase disaster preparedness and to promote 2-1-1 Texas.
The legislative priorities for 2009 are:
1. Education – Helping Children and Youth Achieve their Potential
-Expand and Improve Access to and the Quality of Pre-Kindergarten
-Increase Pre-Service Training Requirements for Child Care Workers
-Increase the Graduation Rate and College Readiness with Proven Strategies
2. Income – Promoting Financial Stability and Independence
-Create Incentives for Participation in State-Supported College Savings Plans
-Promote Financial Stability Among Texas Seniors
-Increase Utilization of the Federal Earned Income Tax Credit
3. Health – Improving People’s Health
-Support Efforts to Expand Access to Health Insurance for Children and Adults
-Increase the Dental Health of Low-Income Children
-Improve and Expand Disease Prevention Efforts to Improve Health and Save Money
-Address Obesity among Texans of All Ages
-Support Efforts to Assist Texas Seniors to Age Healthy and Well
4. Building Capacity of Texas United Ways
-Sustain Public and Private Investment in 2-1-1
-Protect the Tax Exemptions and Advocacy Voice of Texas Nonprofits
-Ensure Appropriate Representation of Nonprofits in Disaster Preparedness
-Monitor Issues Relevant to the Work of Local United Ways