This is a preview of our Texas 2036 newsletter with our policy experts talking about the opportunities ahead in 2027. To receive this weekly look at our work, sign up here.
Together, We’re Looking Ahead to 2027
For ten years, you’ve known Texas 2036 through our research, reports and policy recommendations. This special edition is different.
Behind every report is a team of people working to understand Texas’ biggest challenges and identify practical solutions.
As we build toward our next legislative agenda, we asked our policy experts to reflect on the progress that inspires them and the opportunities they’re focused on during the legislative interim.
Mary Lynn Pruneda, Education and Workforce
As director of education and workforce policy, Mary Lynn Pruneda leads Texas 2036’s efforts to prepare more Texas students for success after high school. We asked her to reflect on the progress that encourages her most and the opportunities she sees ahead.
Reflecting on Progress
“I am proud of our work to improve the state’s assessment and accountability system, making it more transparent and accurate for Texas families.
In 2025, the state strengthened its end-of-year assessment, eliminated unnecessary benchmark testing and improved the way schools measure college and career readiness.”
For Mary Lynn, those changes are an important step toward a larger goal. She’s working to ensure every student graduates prepared for success after high school.
Looking Ahead
“I’m excited to see Texas continue strengthening college and career preparation by updating high school requirements to better reflect the skills today’s workforce needs.”
Learn more:
Grace Atkins, Postsecondary Education
As the postsecondary education and workforce policy advisor, Grace Atkins focuses on helping more Texans earn the credentials and skills that lead to opportunity. We asked her to reflect on the progress that stands out most and what she’s looking forward to next.
Reflecting on Progress
“Modernizing community college funding has been one of the most meaningful changes I’ve had the opportunity to work on.
In 2023, the state shifted funding from enrollment to outcomes, creating a system that supports community colleges in doing what they do best: serving students at every stage, from high school students earning dual credit to working adults returning to education.”
For Grace, the early success of these reforms is just the beginning. She believes the next opportunity is building on that foundation so even more Texans can benefit.
Looking Ahead
“I’m excited by the early results we’re seeing from this reform and the positive impact it’s already having for students. Looking ahead, I want to continue refining higher education funding so it expands opportunity for students while supporting Texas’ workforce and economy.”
Learn more:
Jeremy Mazur, Infrastructure
As director of infrastructure and natural resources policy, Jeremy Mazur focuses on the long-term challenges that will shape Texas’ future, from water security to wildfire resilience.
We asked him to reflect on the progress that gives him optimism and the work he’s focused on during the legislative interim.
Reflecting on Progress
“I’m encouraged by Texas’ commitment to making long-term investments in water infrastructure and supply.
Over the past two legislative sessions, state leaders created the Texas Water Fund and committed $20 billion over 20 years to help secure Texas’ water future. It’s rewarding to contribute research that supports those efforts.”
For Jeremy, funding is only part of the solution. The next challenge is making sure those investments are paired with thoughtful planning and accountability so they deliver lasting results for Texas.
Looking Ahead
“These generational investments will only succeed if they’re paired with thoughtful water planning. I’m researching the planning challenges behind recent water issues in Corpus Christi and helping identify transparent, accountable solutions to strengthen Texas’ long-term water future.”
Learn more:
Charles Miller, Health and Economic Mobility
Charles Miller leads Texas 2036’s health and economic mobility policy work. He researches ways to improve healthcare affordability and expand opportunity for Texans. We asked Charles to share what progress stands out to him and what he’ll be focused on next.
Reflecting on Progress
“I’m encouraged by the progress Texas has made to improve healthcare affordability. In recent sessions, state leaders expanded access to health insurance, increased transparency around healthcare prices and created the All-Payor Claims Database.”
For Charles, the All-Payor Claims Database represents the next step in improving healthcare affordability and helping Texans make more informed healthcare decisions.
Looking Ahead
“The All-Payor Claims Database is an incredible tool that creates new opportunities to improve healthcare affordability while helping patients find high-quality care. I’m currently researching how it can address rising health insurance prices for teachers so more educators can keep more of their paycheck.”
Luis Soberon, Justice and Safety
Luis Soberon serves as Texas 2036’s senior policy advisor for justice and safety and in-house counsel. He brings both policy and legal perspectives to the organization’s work. We asked Luis to reflect on the progress that stands out to him. He also told us what he sees as the next opportunities for Texas.
Reflecting on Progress
“I’m proud to see Texas enhance law enforcement regulation through reforms to the Texas Commission on Law Enforcement. Those changes are increasing transparency, strengthening accountability and helping build public trust.”
For Luis, improving public trust is only one part of building a stronger justice system. He’s equally encouraged by efforts that create new opportunities for rehabilitation and successful reentry.
Looking Ahead
“I’m excited to see early signs that more Texans in prison will have access to postsecondary education. Our latest report, Opening More Doors, shows that new colleges and universities are ready to bring programs to facilities that previously had little or no access.”
John Hryhorchuk, Policy and Advocacy
As senior vice president of policy and advocacy, John Hryhorchuk oversees Texas 2036’s policy work across every issue area. To close this special edition, we asked John to reflect on why strong government performance and better data are essential to every policy conversation.
Reflecting on Progress
“Back in 2021 — our organization’s first session — we had the opportunity to help the Legislature with two massive reforms that improved the fiscal health of the state. Texas 2036 led the conversation that resulted in the Legislature’s overhaul of the Permanent School Fund, improving management structures, investment strategies and overall efficiency.
Those reforms are yielding billions of additional dollars for the state’s education investment fund. That same year, we were able to support efforts to address unfunded state pension liabilities, putting Texas on the path to save around $40 billion over the following decades.”
For John, responsible investments and responsible stewardship go hand in hand. The next step is making sure Texas has the information needed to measure results and maximize those investments.
Looking Ahead
“I’m excited about the work our Government Performance team, led by Rahul Sreenivasan, is doing to improve how Texas measures the success of its investments in education and workforce. One opportunity to advance that work is the ongoing Texas Workforce Commission Sunset review, which presents a rare chance to strengthen state data and improve government efficiency.”
Our 2027 Legislative Agenda: Coming Soon
The perspectives you’ve read throughout this special edition offer a glimpse into the issues our policy team is exploring during the legislative interim.
Later this year, we’ll share our 2027 Legislative Agenda. It will outline the policy priorities that will guide our work during the next legislative session.
Thank You For Being Part of Our Story
Last week, we asked how Texas 2036 has made a difference in your work and community. Your responses reminded us why this work matters.
- “Texas 2036’s research has helped shape our communications strategy by giving us credible data and analysis.”
- “The water coverage has influenced related finance decisions.”
- “I’m a Realtor and community advocate. I use the information and statistics I learn in conversations regularly to keep my community informed.”
- “As a teacher, your research helps me better understand students across Texas.”
- “It has reinforced the direction I want to take our organization.”
Thank you for being part of the Texas 2036 community. Want to share your story? Take our questionnaire and tell us how Texas 2036 has made a difference for you.
