ECONOMIC JUSTICE
Economic justice refers to the way we design the systems through which each person earns a living; enters into contracts; exchanges goods and services with others; and otherwise produces a material foundation for their physical sustenance. Economic justice is the area of public policy where tension between “charity” and “justice is most often apparent. The world’s faith communities share deep commitment both to the charitable alleviation of suffering stemming from imperfect economic systems, and to policy advocacy for realignment of those systems to achieve justice.
EDUCATION
People of faith continue to be essential advocates for an adequate and equitable system of public education so that every child has the opportunity to fulfill their human potential.
HEALTH
Some health outcomes have genetic origins, but to the extent health-promoting and disease-preventing conditions and services are available to some people in the community, they should be available equitably.
POVERTY
In 2020, Texas’ overall poverty rate was 13.6%, placing the state 40th among the 50 states and the District of Columbia. More than 3. 8 million Texans were poor in 2020. White Texans experience poverty at a far lower rate than other groups: 18.7% of Latino Texans, 18.6% of African American Texans, 15.1% of Native American Texans, and 9.2% of Asian American Texans were poor in 2020, compared to 8.0% of White Texans.
NEWS + UPDATES
After 2021’s Winter Storm, Grid Uncertainty Continues
In February 2021, the Texas electric grid experienced one of its biggest reliability challenges from the impact of Winter Storm Uri. This storm left millions of Texans without...
Building Back Better: What’s in the Federal Budget Reconciliation Package
Congressional budget committees have concluded their summer work, and are recommending a package of budget measures that would improve conditions for families and communities...
HEAL: A Liturgical Guide on Medicaid Expansion
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Seniors and Hunger
According to the Population Reference Bureau, between 2020 and 2060, the number of older adults is projected to increase by 69 percent, from 56.0 million to 94.7 million. These...
The Backbone of Our Food System: Farmworkers
People of faith should support a sustainable and just food system. This means one that pays attention to its many interconnected components: growing, producing, transporting,...
Texas Impact Joins Amicus Supporting the Constitutionality of In-person Gathering Restrictions
Texas Impact and the Texas Interfaith Center for Public Policy have joined with other religious organizations including the Anti-Defamation League and Americans United for...
UPCOMING EVENTS
Events
PROGRAMMING
Ep. 425 “Do Something to Show You Care:” Perspectives from the Gun Sense Majority
This week, we are joined by several of the speakers and participants in the Preventing Gun Violence Advocacy Day. First we talk with Jasir Rahman, a student at Rice University and Texas Youth Advocacy Coordinator with Team ENOUGH. Later in the…
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Ep. 424 This is Not Done: The Fight to Stop School Vouchers
This week we are excited to bring you content from Texas Impact’s Public School Defenders’ Lobby Day. We are joined by State Representative Gina Hinojosa, House District 49, while walking back to the Capitol after she addressed the Public…
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Ep.423 Voucher Pop Quiz with Sen. Sarah Eckhardt
This week we have an exciting episode for you as we are recording live from the Capitol office of Senator Sarah Eckhardt. Last week, the Senate passed SB 2, a school voucher bill that would give a $10,000 voucher to students to attend private…
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