This is a preview of our Texas 2036 newsletter with what you need to know about the state budget. To receive this weekly look at our work, sign up here.
Hot Off the Press: Our 2025 TXLege Report
During the regular legislative session, state leaders took action on Texas’ biggest challenges, and Texas 2036 was proud to help shape the conversation.
From research that drove smart solutions to policy wins with long-term impact, we worked alongside lawmakers to ensure today’s policies open the door to greater opportunity for all Texans.
We’re detailing what passed, why it matters and how our work continues beyond the session.
Leading the Way: How we made an impact
The 89th Texas Legislature delivered major legislative wins, and our new report breaks them down.
Explore the data, policy solutions and long-term goals that shaped this session. From career-aligned education to infrastructure and health care, see where Texas made real progress and how we’re measuring what comes next.
Some big wins that Texans can look forward to
At Texas 2036, we were proud to work alongside lawmakers, providing research and policy insights throughout the legislative process.
Among the many wins from the 2025 session, we’re spotlighting three that are poised to make a lasting impact for Texans.
1. $8B+ school investment, including early reading support to 230,000+ elementary students
Just 46% of Texas third graders read at grade level, and only 40% are on track in math. Early gaps are hard to close, so we focused this session on improving student outcomes.
Our role: We served as expert resources in committee hearings, pushing for earlier interventions and stronger academic support.
What passed: The Legislature invested over $8 billion in public schools, including early education. Starting next year, districts must identify struggling students as early as kindergarten and provide targeted help.
Why it matters: More than 230,000 students in grades 1–3 will be eligible for tutoring funds to strengthen reading skills and achievement.
2. $382M for Texas wildfire response
Texas recently experienced its largest wildfire on record, and research shows fire seasons are only getting longer. That’s why we focused on strengthening the state’s resilience to extreme weather.
Our role: Our updated “Future Trends of Extreme Weather in Texas” report, produced with the State Climatologist, helped lawmakers understand how severe weather threatens the Texas Miracle — and why action is needed now.
What passed: Lawmakers improved wildfire response planning, boosted mitigation efforts and expanded infrastructure inspections to reduce fire risks.
Why it matters: Now, 1,841 fire departments across Texas will have access to a statewide database of firefighter equipment.
3. Millions of Texans will be positively impacted by reformed local zoning laws
Texas’ once-affordable housing supply helped fuel growth, but soaring demand has outpaced what’s available. That’s why we focused on increasing housing supply and improve affordability this session.
Our role: Leading up to the session, we advanced the housing conversation through research, coalition building and stakeholder engagement. Our work helped show how land use reform can boost supply, increase affordability and keep Texas competitive.
What passed: This year, the Legislature advanced reforms to cut red tape, expand housing options, and strengthen property rights paving the way for more homes, to be built faster and at lower cost.
Why it matters: As a result of reformed local zoning laws, 10 million Texans stand to benefit.
That’s not all! Our work has informed more legislation that’s making a Texas-sized impact on our future. See more.
We’re committed to building a better future.
The regular session may be over, but Texas 2036 is just getting started. We are committed to turning this year’s progress into lasting impact.
How? We’re continuing to strengthen our state’s infrastructure, workforce and government with solutions that reflect Texas values and future-focused thinking.
With the support of leaders, partners and readers like you, we’re proving what’s possible when data, collaboration and commitment come together.
“This session showed what’s possible when Texas prepares not just for today or tomorrow, but for the decades to come.” – David W. Leebron, President and CEO of Texas 2036