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.
3 ways data is shaping Texas communities
Every day, journalists shine a light on the issues shaping their communities. When supported by data, their stories gain power and urgency, revealing challenges that need immediate attention.
That’s where Texas 2036 comes in. This year, we’ve worked with local journalists across Texas to help inform residents about the policies that can improve their lives and expand opportunity.
1. Water data initiated funding at TXLege. Now, Texas communities can plan for the future.
Director of Infrastructure and Natural Resources Jeremy Mazur interviewed with reporter Karla Leal for Spectrum News’ “In Focus Texas” during the 2025 session.
When droughts and burst pipes disrupted communities, journalists turned to Texas 2036 for trusted data on what was happening and how the state was responding.
The stat that drew the most attention: Texas needs to invest $154 billion over the next 50 years to modernize aging water systems and meet population growth. (It was mentioned more than 70 times by media!)
This data didn’t just inform journalists, it helped lawmakers take action.
Texas 2036’s Jeremy Mazur shared our data with the Texas Legislature, which resulted in a proposed constitutional amendment to secure a $20 billion investment in the state’s water infrastructure over the next 20 years. This will now go to the voters as Proposition 4 in the fall for their approval.
Where we told the story
“The Holy Grail here is getting the Legislature to approve a constitutional dedication of state revenues to the Texas Water Fund, starting at $1 billion per fiscal year.” – Dallas Morning News
2. Trusted sources aid Texans on state budget
Director of Government Performance and Fiscal Policy Rahul Sreenivasan provided a preview of the state budget earlier in the year on KXAN News in Austin.
Texans need a trusted guide to the state budget, which funds all state operations and is the only bill that must pass each session.
So when journalists needed clarity, they turned to Texas 2036. We broke down what was on the table, what was at stake and what to expect.
What we did: From January through May, Texas 2036’s Rahul Sreenivasan tracked each step of the process, from early budget drafts to the final $338B plan approved at the end of the 2025 session.
Where we told the story
“Budgets aren’t just about numbers, they’re about priorities. And the more Texans pay attention and engage, the better these priorities will reflect the future we all want to build.”– Gilmer Mirror
3. Lack of childcare data pushes for real reform
Director of Health and Economic Mobility Policy Charles Miller testified on important health and childcare issues during the 2025 session.
When Texas 2036 examined the state’s chilcare landscape, we found a lack of basic, connected data to define the crisis. Journalists echoed this gap, noting the absence of clear information, made it nearly impossible to report clearly on access, quality or workforce needs.
Unlike water or the state budget, childcare lacked the shared data and coordination needed to drive comprehensible policy reform. We helped change that.
We gave journalists and lawmakers the clearest available picture of the fragmented system, which helped shape meaningful legislative solutions.
What happened:
- HB 3963 created a statewide Early Childhood Integrated Data System,
- HB 4903 launched the Quad-Agency Initiative to align agency oversight and reduce duplication, and
- HB 117 set up a Governor’s Task Force to lead on long-term governance reform.
Together, these bills give Texas the tools to finally understand and improve early childhood care.
So when journalists needed clarity, they turned to Texas 2036. We broke down what was on the table, what was at stake and what to expect.
What we did: From January through May, Texas 2036’s Rahul Sreenivasan tracked each step of the process, from early budget drafts to the final $338B plan approved at the end of the 2025 session.
Where we told the story
“Our focus and effort and unique approach has been trying to figure out ways to get every single one of those dollars spent to go further and to represent the long-term interest of the state.”– Houston Chronicle
We’re just getting started
- 924 — Total stories citing Texas 2036 or one of its policy experts
- 254 — News outlets that relied on Texas 2036 data and expertise
- 180,455 — Views of our free weekly newsletters to date (you’re one of them!)
Today’s news deserves trusted sources that help shape a better tomorrow. At Texas 2036, we’re honored to have earned that trust from journalists sharing the stories of everyday Texans.
By reading this newsletter, you show that you care about using reliable data to meet the challenges and opportunities facing our state.
Do us a favor — forward this to a friend who cares, too.