TEXAS LEGISLATURE 89: ISSUE AREAS
For NCJW Dallas, supporting public education is not just a priority—it’s a moral imperative grounded in equality, secularism, and fairness.
As a feminist Jewish organization, we are dedicated to improving the lives of women and families by advocating for a public education system that is inclusive, secular, and well-funded.
Protecting public education is crucial to safeguarding the religious freedom of all families. For us as Jewish women, and for individuals of all faiths or no faith at all, ensuring that public schools remain free from religious influence upholds our rights and the rights of others. By defending public education and opposing policies that divert resources or impose religious practices, we protect a system that fosters equality, opportunity, and respect for all.
Join us in ensuring a future where every child has the opportunity to thrive.
NCJW Dallas is committed to advancing the well-being of women, children, and families, with a strong belief in the importance of religious liberty and the separation of church and state.
These principles are fundamental to our democracy, and we urge lawmakers to protect the reproductive health and rights of all Texans and to oppose any efforts that restrict access to safe, legal, and timely reproductive care.
Our stance is rooted in our Jewish values, which emphasize justice, compassion, and respect for individual dignity.
NCJW opposes laws that attempt to define when life begins, as they impose one religious perspective on all citizens. Such legislation undermines the fundamental right of individuals to make private, personal decisions about their own health and family life. Religious beliefs on this issue differ, and government should not mandate one viewpoint over others.
NCJW Dallas stands firmly in support of policies that make voting accessible to all eligible Texans, and we oppose any attempts to suppress or restrict voter participation.
We believe that a healthy democracy depends on the active participation of all citizens.
NCJW is committed to advocating for policies that uphold the integrity and fairness of our electoral system.
We believe that every eligible citizen in Texas should have the right to register, cast a ballot, and know that their vote will be counted accurately. This is fundamental to the strength of our democracy.
Texas’ voting system has served its residents well for many years. Introducing unnecessary obstacles that disenfranchise voters undermines the integrity of our democracy.
A SPECIAL NOTE ON THE ISSUE OF CHILD CARE: Child Care is an Economic Imperative in Texas
In Texas, with approximately 2.4 million children under the age of 6, and 63% of these children having all available parents in the workforce, most Texas parents rely on child care to go to work. However, for many, child care remains inaccessible due to several barriers.
Texas parents are facing a significant child care crisis. Quality child care is unaffordable for most families, with infant care costs rivaling public college tuition. The child care workforce is shrinking due to decades of low pay and lack of benefits, leaving early educators in the bottom 3-5% of national wage scales. This affordability gap is not only burdening parents but also impacting employers.
A U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation report estimated that Texas loses $9.39 billion annually due to insufficient child care. A BCG study found that 58% of parents who left their jobs did so because they couldn’t find adequate child care.
We support policy measures aiming to address the child care crisis in Texas and ensure that every family has access to the care they need, enabling parents to return to the workforce and strengthen the state’s economy.