AUSTIN –  Senator Shapleigh hosted a press conference today to release and discuss Texas on the Brink: How Texas Ranks Among the 50 States.  Senator Rodney Ellis (D-Houston) and Senator Kirk Watson (D-Austin), as well as Dr. Ana Malinow with the Baylor College of Medicine, joined Senator Shapleigh.

Texas on the Brink shows the hard facts about where Texas is today, our opportunities and challenges.  "In the past, it was women and children first.  Today, it's women and children last," Senator Shapleigh said. "Leadership means dealing with the facts today to inspire all of us to make a difference tomorrow." 

This is how Texas ranks among the 50 States today:

So, with a multi-billion surplus in the state budget, where do we invest? 

"First, let’s honor our commitment to lower property taxes," said Senator Shapleigh.  "Too much family income goes to pay a rising tax for which there is no rising paycheck.  Next, let’s put every Texas child who qualifies into the CHIP program. With a few changes to our CHIP funding, we can cover all these Texas children.  In public education, let’s fully fund the growth in Texas and educate the 70,000 new students who will come into our public schools in the next year. And finally, let’s restore funding to Texas colleges and tuition funds, so more of our best and brightest can get a college degree."

"Without the courage to invest in the minds of our children, and steadfast support for great schools, we face a daunting prospect.  Those who value tax cuts over children and budget cuts over college have put Texas at risk in her ability to compete and succeed."

Texas on the Brink: How Texas Ranks Among the 50 States is available electronically below.