Join us as we advocate for policies that provide opportunities and drive systemic change to improve education, economic mobility, and health & mental health, which ultimately build a stronger Denton County for everyone. Make sure your voice is heard with your vote in every election.
89th Texas Legislative Agenda Priorities
Through collaborations with our Denton County nonprofit sector and community partners, we at United Way of Denton County advocate for change that creates long-lasting improvements, and we want your voice to join ours. These priorities were developed in collaboration with Denton County nonprofit organizations, area Chambers of Commerce, School Districts serving Denton County, higher education institutions, municipalities, and approved by our Board of Directors:
The continuation of Denton County’s strong economic productivity depends on effective education that produces a highly skilled workforce that is healthy, mentally well, housed, and protected to promote secure families in Texas. Many of these legislative priorities are interrelated and impact the most vulnerable Texans. Resources to help the most vulnerable people have been outpaced by our region’s rapid growth, reducing their ability to receive the help needed to return to security and to thrive.
BEHAVIORAL & MENTAL HEALTH
Continue to increase funding to local communities that would expand the entry points for coordinated, comprehensive, and accessible prevention and intervention services for behavioral health. Ensure individual well-being and community safety for residents of all ages. Increase the number and improve the licensing process of mental health professionals serving Texas.
ACADEMIC & WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT
Integration of academic and workforce development policies and funding that create cradle-to-career pathways, upskilling financially fragile workers, providing a better-educated workforce, and sustainable income that enables self-sufficiency. Aid individuals entering or returning to work by closing the child care desert gap heightened by the pandemic and addressing transportation barriers to employment.
AFFORDABLE, ACCESSIBLE HOUSING
Support for prevention and intervention programs that make homelessness rare, brief, and nonrecurring, and expand funding that lower barriers and promote an increase in affordable housing for vulnerable populations throughout the state, including seniors.
FOOD SECURITY
Support food security programs and funding to reduce the number of food insecure households and address gaps to ensure that every Denton County resident has access to nutritious and affordable food.
EDUCATION
Fund innovative dropout prevention programs including before and after school care for at-risk students that improve student achievement and workforce readiness. Support programs that address academic gaps and mental health needs for children and youth.
VICTIMS AND SURVIVORS
Support policies, funding, and trauma-informed programs that promote fair and equitable access to programs and resources to promote healing and stability for children and adults experiencing abuse, neglect, and exploitation.
VETERAN SERVICES
Continue to increase funding for housing, transportation, health, and behavioral health services for veterans transitioning from military life and for those already in our community.
Encourage our local representatives to keep these priorities at the top of their mind
FIND YOUR LOCAL TEXAS STATE SENATOR OR REPRESENTATIVE FIND YOUR DENTON COUNTY COMMISSIONER
Vote UNITED
As members of the Denton County community, it is our civic duty to vote. Voting ensures your voice and concerns are heard by those you elect to represent you. By voting, you Live UNITED to improve lives in the Denton County community.