89th Legislative Session Priorities
The links below highlight MALC’s position on several key policy issues that are of significant importance to the membership and their constituents this Session.
As the nation’s oldest Latino legislative Caucus, MALC is dedicated to representing the interests of a united Latino constituency across the State of Texas. MALC is comprised of 42 members from each political party and every corner of the state. In a state with a Latino population of over 40%, this diversity in political affiliation and geographic background makes MALC uniquely positioned to show the diversity of Texas’s Latino population.
Access to Education.
MALC understands the value of public education in shaping our State’s future leaders. Over 53% of K-12 public school students and 43% of college students in the State of Texas are Hispanic or Latino–that’s why funding Texas schools is MALC’s number one priority. Investing in the future of Texas requires investing in students directly from kindergarten through their careers.
MALC advocates for keeping Texas taxpayer dollars in Texas public schools so all Texas students have a fair chance at a quality education. MALC supports school funding that is based on student enrollment–rather than testing or attendance–because Texas schools deserve stability in their operations. MALC also understands that student success is heavily dependent upon Texas educators. That’s why MALC supports increased teacher pay. Texas teachers have enough on their plate without having to worry about a second or third job to stay afloat.
Whether they pursue plumbing licensure, entrepreneurship, medicine, or the law, all Texas students deserve support at every level of their education. MALC supports legislation that promotes higher education for all–including protecting the Texas Dream Act. MALC also supports legislation that expands opportunities for workforce training across career fields and supports present workforce training programs at local colleges.
Affordable and High Quality Healthcare.
MALC supports legislation that makes high-quality, affordable healthcare more accessible for all Texans. In a state with the highest uninsured rate in the country, MALC knows that its constituency struggles with the ever-rising costs of healthcare – over 66% of uninsured Texas children and 31% of uninsured working-age adults are Latino. Affordable, quality healthcare requires the expansion of affordable insurance options. When more Texans are insured, more Texans have access to healthcare providers and more opportunities for earlier intervention for health issues, leading to a greater likelihood for positive outcomes. Healthcare is an economic issue. Legislation that promotes affordable, high-quality healthcare promotes a robust and dependable workforce.
MALC supports legislation that expands Medicaid services, especially for children and new mothers. MALC also supports legislation that increases transparency in medical billing and affordability for life-saving medications. Texans shouldn’t be worried about being unable to afford necessary healthcare.
MALC also recognizes the inequity in healthcare resources across the state, with especially notable shortages of healthcare workers and healthcare facilities along the U.S.-Mexico Border. Latinos make up approximately 2.2 million healthcare workers nationwide and 1/3 of those workers are foreign-born. That’s why MALC supports legislation that provides funding to create more job opportunities in the healthcare field and more research facilities across the state.
Investment in Business & Workforce Development.
Texas is home to roughly 63,560 Latino-owned businesses that contribute more than $19.8 billion in payroll income and 600,000 jobs. These Latino-owned businesses are vital to the state’s economic prosperity. MALC supports legislation that incentivizes economic growth through support of small businesses.
Economic growth can only be achieved through a strong and capable workforce. High school graduates should be empowered to pursue career paths that work for them and work for their community. That’s why MALC supports legislation that helps educate and train Texans in every field. From increasing the number of specialized institutions in rural areas of our state to providing additional support for existing programs and institutions, MALC believes that Texas can continue to be a beacon for strong business.
MALC also recognizes the vital role that immigrants play in our state’s economy. For over two decades, Texas’s provision of in-state college tuition for long-time residents has increased economic activity, global competitiveness, and strengthened our state’s workforce. Repealing the long-standing Texas Dream Act would result in a loss of $461 million annually for Texas. MALC opposes all efforts to repeal the Texas Dream Act.
Raising the Age to Purchase an Assault Rifle.
MALC continues to support the parents and families of the victims of the Uvalde tragedy. MALC continues to follow the lead of the Uvalde victims’ families in advocating for common sense gun legislation. MALC supports legislation that raises the minimum age to purchase an assault rifle to 21 years old.