Texas 2036 released a 2027 Policy Playbook on Nov. 5 that outlines recommendations for lawmakers on education, healthcare, childcare, infrastructure and government accountability ahead of the next legislative session, the organization said in a news release.
The organization said the playbook draws on voter priorities and years of research. With legislators set to begin filing bills Nov. 9, Texas 2036 said the document is meant to serve as a roadmap for the session.
“The midterm election reshaped the political landscape in Texas, creating a moment to focus on what Texans need most from their government,” said David W. Leebron, president and CEO of Texas 2036. “Voters have told us they want affordable healthcare, strong schools, reliable infrastructure and a government that delivers results.”
On education and workforce, Texas 2036 cited figures showing that 91 percent of Texas students graduate from high school but only 37 percent earn a postsecondary credential within six years. Its recommendations include earlier identification of learning challenges, statewide model guidance for artificial intelligence in classrooms, and recognizing college credits that more than 54,000 Texans earned between 2012 and 2022 without completing a credential.
On healthcare and childcare, the organization said family health insurance plans now average more than $28,000 annually and that 61 percent of Texans report delaying or skipping care because of cost. It proposed greater oversight of healthcare mergers, upfront and binding prices for nonemergency care, and using state purchasing power to negotiate lower hospital prices through TRS-ActiveCare. It also called for a single entity to oversee childcare programs now spread across at least five state agencies, citing $7.9 billion in annual employer costs tied to childcare-related workforce disruptions.
On infrastructure, Texas 2036 said the state faces more than $200 billion in water infrastructure needs over the next 50 years, and it advocated an “all of the above and below” energy strategy to expand generation and strengthen grid reliability. It also urged stronger disaster preparedness and flood protection.
On government, the organization pointed to a state budget of roughly $338 billion and called for modernizing technology and data systems and improving workforce program transparency, including during the ongoing Sunset review of the Texas Workforce Commission.
“Texans want their leaders to make smart decisions about the state’s future and deliver progress on the issues that matter to their families,” said John Hryhorchuk, senior vice president for policy and advocacy at Texas 2036. “The next legislative session is an opportunity to build on what’s working, invest wisely and advance solutions that strengthen communities and expand opportunity across Texas.”