Gratitude and Grit: Building a better Texas together
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Gratitude and Grit: Building a Better Texas Together
This Thanksgiving, we’re thankful for Texas — a state defined by resilience, resourcefulness and opportunities.
It’s a time to reflect on what makes our state special and to work together to confront the challenges ahead with a shared commitment to the future.
We’re celebrating what it means to be Texan
As we gather statewide to give thanks, we’re reminded of the unique blessings of living and working in Texas.
Being a Texan means:
- watching Texas become a growing, diverse place to live.
- access to a dynamic economy (the eighth largest in the world).
- access to rich natural resources like state parks and open space.
But it also means embracing the grit that turns challenges into opportunities. Our resilience is why we’re thankful — and why we’re confident in the future we can build together.
Future-focused, action-oriented
Texans are forward-thinking – always looking ahead to future challenges and taking bold action to address them in ways that keep Texas strong.
How does Texas 2036 fit into this? Through strategic planning, data-driven policies and statewide partnerships.
Here are four examples of how our work is impacting our state’s future:
1. School Funding
Based on our 2021 research, lawmakers modernized the Permanent School Fund
in ways that resulted in record-breaking disbursements to public schools – and potentially adding $1 billion per year to the fund’s asset base, further increasing distribution over time.
2. Water resilience
Our latest report highlights how targeted water infrastructure investments can help Texas navigate future droughts – shoring up our electric grid and supporting our growing economy in the state’s biggest cities.
Look into the data on water investments.
3. Health coverage
Our ground-breaking research identified that millions of uninsured Texans can qualify for free or low-cost ACA plans.
Did you know? Texas continues to have the highest uninsured rate in the country, with nearly 5 million residents — 16.4% of the population — lacking coverage.
Learn more about Texas’ uninsured.
4. High-quality math instruction
The State Board of Education approved new instructional materials to support Texas students in developing the math skills they need to succeed in the modern economy – an issue that we wrote about earlier this year.
This work is a testament to what we can achieve together when we plan ahead and act boldly.
We’re thankful for the chance to help shape Texas’ future
As we approach the new year and the next legislative session, we’re reminded that bold, united action is how we continue to address our challenges and seize new opportunities.
Our Texas 2036 team is thankful for the opportunity to be a part of the collaborative effort to forge a strong future for Texas.
Together, we are building a Texas where everyone thrives. Stay engaged, stay inspired and learn more about how you can help at www.texas2036.org.
A Texas-sized Thanksgiving
With 30 million people, Thanksgiving across Texas can share many things or be quite different, like smoked brisket alongside turkey or pecan pie made with Texas-grown pecans.
This Thanksgiving, we asked our team at Texas 2036 to share their favorite thing about being a Texan:
“I am grateful for the way Texas takes pride in its culture, beauty and art. I’ve heard someone say that Texans are obsessed with the shape of their state. My t-shirt collection can concur.”
– A.J. Rodriguez, Executive Vice President
“When I moved to Lubbock for pilot training in 1990, I was struck by Texans’ genuine, unmistakable friendliness. It made me feel truly welcomed in a way I’ll never forget.”
– Anne Krause, Senior Vice President of Development
“The best part about living in Texas is the unique bond we share. My mom always said you could go anywhere, and two Texans can strike up a conversation.”
– Merrill Davis, Vice President of Communications
“My favorite thing about being a Texan is charro beans. Those were not a thing when I grew up in California, and they are heaven!”
– Dr. Holly Heard, Vice President of Data and Analytics
“My favorite thing about being a Texan is the amazing ecological diversity of our state. From beautiful beaches, to mountains and canyons, to open plains, I love being able to access a variety of landscapes across Texas. Plus, bluebonnets are the best!”
– Marisa Vela, Sr. Director of Development
“As a Texan, I’m thankful for stores like H-E-B. We have access to a diverse, high-quality and affordable selection of produce because H-E-B makes it a priority for locals!”
– Carlos Navarro, Data Analyst
Is it the people, the sunsets, the BBQ, or something else? Let us know your thoughts, or tag us on social media with #TexasThanksgiving.