Advancing Latino Policy
Research & Advocacy in Texas
The Texas Latino Policy Symposium convenes statewide voices to conduct critical discussions on issues, strategies, and progress in increasing Latino influence on policy making.
Policy Research
Data-driven analysis of Latino demographics, socio-economic indicators, and policy impacts across Texas economic regions.
Civic Engagement
Building electoral power and organizing capacity to ensure Latino voices shape public policy at every level of government.
Community Action
Translating policy research into actionable strategies for healthcare access, educational equity, and economic mobility.
Key Policy Areas
Texas Policy Legacy: A Powerless Latino Underclass
Latino and Black families are being regulated to a generational and permanent underclass population status. The history of Texas’ minimalist approach to policymaking has perpetuated limited human capital investments and unequal opportunities.
Latino Wealth, Political Power, and Policy Influence
Latino economic disparities cut across wages and benefits, median income, home ownership, debts, and savings. Their middle class and wealth-building status affect choices to strengthen family bienestar and civic involvement.
Decades of Latino Health Injustice
There are 2.5 more uninsured Latinos today than their total population of 1.8 million during the 1968 U.S. Civil Rights Commission Hearing conducted in San Antonio.
Inflation and Texas’ Regressive Tax Policy
The people and vital services least able to handle increased costs for food, gas, housing, and utilities are the ones least likely to benefit from inflation-related adjustments.
Community Impact
Texas Climate Disaster: Latino Community Impact
The Texas Winter Storm in February 2021 disproportionately impacted Latino, Black, and low-income communities. The winter disaster occurred while they were struggling with pandemic conditions and its concurrent disproportionate economic and health effects. This crisis exposed deep structural inequities in Texas infrastructure policy and emergency preparedness.
Classroom Censorship and Educational Equity
Texas classroom censorship legislation makes it even more difficult to address historical inaccuracies in education. The impact on students and schools includes limiting discussions of systemic racism, civil rights history, and the contributions of Latino and minority communities to American society.
Census, Power, and Federal Funding
The U.S. Census is fundamentally about power and money. Texas Latinos have so far lost on both counts in electoral power and federal funding that helps support important vital infrastructure and health and human service programs. Ensuring a complete and accurate census count is critical to equitable representation and resource allocation.
Latinos Think Tank: A Catalyst for Policymaking Power
Texas needs a Latino-focused Think Tank. It is confounding and disconcerting that none currently exist. Preferably, the Think Tank should be an independent non-institutional organization that can contribute to critical policy dialogue and serve as a catalyst for meaningful change.
Explore Our SymposiaFrequently Asked Questions
What is the Texas Latino Policy Symposium?
The Texas Latino Policy Symposium (TXLPS) is a statewide initiative that convenes policy researchers, community advocates, and civic leaders to address issues affecting the Latino population in Texas. It serves as a platform for critical discussions on health, education, economic development, and civic engagement.
The Symposium was founded on the principle that data-driven research and coordinated advocacy are essential for achieving equitable policy outcomes. Through its working sessions, policy briefs, and community partnerships, TXLPS aims to amplify Latino voices in the policymaking process.
How does TXLPS impact Latino communities in Texas?
TXLPS impacts Latino communities by producing actionable policy research, organizing symposia events that bring together decision-makers, and advocating for reforms in healthcare, education, and economic policy. The organization has focused on issues like Medicaid expansion, census participation, and voter engagement.
By connecting grassroots organizers with academic researchers and elected officials, the Symposium creates pathways for community priorities to influence state and local legislation. Many of the policy briefs produced through TXLPS have been cited in legislative committee hearings.
What policy areas does the Symposium focus on?
The Symposium covers a broad range of policy areas including health and human services, education accountability, civic engagement and electoral power, immigration policy, labor and employment, economic development, and public policy making at state and local levels.
Each symposium event features roundtable discussions, presentations from leading researchers, and working sessions where participants develop policy recommendations. Special attention is given to issues where Latino families experience disproportionate impacts.
Who can participate in the Texas Latino Policy Symposium?
The Symposium is open to individuals and organizations with a fundamental interest in ensuring public policies have a positive social and economic impact on the Latino community. This includes policy researchers, community organizers, educators, healthcare professionals, and civic leaders throughout Texas.
Participation typically involves attending symposium events, contributing to policy discussions, and collaborating on research initiatives. The organization welcomes both established professionals and emerging leaders who want to advance equity in Texas policymaking.
What is the Latino Family Economic Blueprint?
The Texas Latino Family Economic Blueprint is the foundational policy document produced from the first Texas Latino Policy Symposium held in 2017 at the University of Texas at San Antonio. It incorporates input from presentations, roundtable discussions, and policy priorities identified across multiple Latino organizations and their allies.
The Blueprint outlines strategic priorities for improving economic mobility, health outcomes, educational attainment, and civic participation among Latino families in Texas. It serves as a roadmap for coordinated advocacy efforts across the state.
How can I support Latino policy advocacy in Texas?
Supporting Latino policy advocacy in Texas can take many forms, from participating in symposium events and sharing policy research to engaging with local elected officials on issues affecting Latino communities. Staying informed about legislative developments and census participation is also critical.
Community members can get involved by connecting with local advocacy organizations, attending public hearings, and supporting voter registration and engagement efforts. The TXLPS network provides resources and connections to help individuals become effective advocates for equitable policy.