Republican Policies = Results: It’s Hard to Blame Democrats for Texas’ Failures

I am writing to express my deep concern over Texas’ standing in key areas affecting the well-being of its citizens. Texas has been under Republican leadership for over two decades, with the party controlling the governorship since 1995 and maintaining a legislative trifecta since 2002. Yet, despite this long-standing governance, Texas continues to rank near the bottom in crucial quality-of-life measures. Texas faces serious challenges, including: • Education: Texas ranks 42nd in education, struggling with underfunded schools and teacher shortages. (U.S. News) • Maternal Mortality: Our state has one of the highest maternal mortality rates in the nation, with between 35 and 51 deaths per 100,000 births. (Texas Public Radio) • Hunger & Child Well-being: Texas ranks 50th in baby wellness checks and 50th in clinical care for infants, highlighting severe gaps in early childhood health and hunger relief efforts. (Urban Institute) • Homelessness & Housing: Texas continues to rank low in affordable housing availability and support for unhoused populations. (Urban Institute) • Violence & Human Trafficking: Texas ranks second in the nation for calls to the National Human Trafficking Hotline, with nearly 2,400 signals in 2023. (Houston Chronicle) • Healthcare Access: Texas ranks 48th in healthcare access and affordability, with the highest uninsured rate in the country. (Commonwealth Fund) It is easy to blame “wokeness” or Democrats for these failings, but Texas has been a solidly red state for decades. If the policies in place were truly effective, we wouldn’t be struggling in so many areas. Rather than focusing on divisive culture wars, I urge you to prioritize real solutions that will improve education, healthcare, and economic stability for all Texans. Texans deserve better. I hope you will take these issues seriously and work toward policies that uplift and protect our communities.