A Bold Civic Imperative in Action: Voters Agree to Invest in Central Texas Children

Thursday, November 7, 2024

Thursday, November 7, 2024

By Richard Tagle 

President & Executive Director,  

E3 Alliance 

In a momentous election cycle, voters across Central Texas pledged to invest in our children’s future by firmly supporting several key propositions totaling over $1.05 billion to improve access to childcare and expanded learning opportunities and revitalize the region’s public education system. These major investments promise to positively impact our communities immediately and for many years to come. 

One of the most significant outcomes of the more than 10 propositions on the ballot is the investment in affordable childcare. A cornerstone of fostering strong communities, affordable childcare directly impacts children’s learning readiness, family well-being, and household economic stability. 

Research shows that children who have access to quality pre-K programs are more likely to be kindergarten-ready and are five times more likely to pass the 3rd-grade reading assessment, and six times more likely to be on track for college and career readiness in math. 

Parents who have access to affordable, high-quality childcare can more readily pursue job or educational opportunities, allowing them to contribute to the workforce and boost local economies. This access also helps lower stress levels, improve parent mental health, and strengthen family connections and community involvement. 

The ballot initiatives also include bond referendums that help improve and modernize school facilities, ensuring that students and teachers are in safe, comfortable environments that are conducive to teaching and learning.  Modernization enhances interaction, creativity, and student engagement in their learning. It can also boost school and community spirit and pride, leading to deeper community involvement in public education. 

By passing these ballots, voters also expressed deep commitment and confidence in our educators and our public education system. Our school districts can now recruit and retain high-quality educators, counselors, librarians, special education teachers, and others who are instrumental in addressing the diverse needs of our student population. 

As we move forward from this election cycle, we must recognize and celebrate the positive changes these propositions promise to bring. These investments will lay a solid foundation for our children’s safety, well-being, mental health, academic performance, and personal growth. It is reassuring that Central Texas voters put the needs of children and youth at the front and center of our priorities as taxpayers.  

Our children’s futures are worth this investment. As these measures take effect, we can look forward to an improved learning-centered landscape where children and adults alike benefit.  The passage of these propositions does not merely demonstrate our policy priorities as a region; it demonstrates a new civic imperative to nurturing our most valuable yet underserved resource: our children.