State Rep. Penny Morales Shaw said increasing school funding and protecting immigrant families should remain top priorities as Texas lawmakers work to address challenges facing children and young adults across the state.<\/p>\n
Morales Shaw, who represents House District 148 in northwest Houston, discussed education, immigration and youth issues during a recent conversation with Houston Community Media.<\/p>\n
The Democratic lawmaker argued that adequate school funding plays a critical role in addressing issues ranging from academic success to student mental health and school violence.<\/p>\n
\u201cThere are some schools that have more affluent students or families\u201d and can raise additional money through their communities, Morales Shaw said. She said state and federal funding helps level the playing field for students who don\u2019t have access to the same resources.<\/p>\n
Morales Shaw said while lawmakers approved billions of dollars for public education during the last legislative session, she believes it still wasn\u2019t enough to meet the needs of Texas schools.<\/p>\n
She said lawmakers pushed for at least a $1,000 increase in per-student funding to help schools cover classroom supplies, teacher pay, building maintenance and other essential services. Without adequate funding, she said, schools struggle to provide students with the support they need.<\/p>\n
The Houston lawmaker also addressed concerns about how federal immigration policies and actions by Texas leaders could affect immigrant families.<\/p>\n
Morales Shaw said cuts to grant funding have impacted nonprofits and organizations that provide food assistance, housing support and other services many families rely on. She also criticized recent state directives requiring proof of lawful presence for certain professional license renewals and housing programs that receive government funding, saying the changes could disproportionately affect immigrant communities.<\/p>\n
She expressed concern about the future of educational access for undocumented students, referencing the U.S. Supreme Court\u2019s decision in Plyler v. Doe, which guarantees children access to a public education regardless of immigration status. Morales Shaw said she has heard discussions about potential efforts to challenge that precedent.<\/p>\n
When asked how reporters can help lawmakers better serve families, Morales Shaw said communication between communities, journalists and elected officials is essential.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe need you to tell us what families are experiencing,\u201d she said. \u201cYou all are boots on the ground, talking to people in affected communities.\u201d She added that lawmakers also have a responsibility to keep journalists informed about policy changes that may quietly have significant impacts on families.<\/p>\n
Morales Shaw, an attorney and native Houstonian, has represented Texas House District 148 since 2021. Her district includes portions of Spring Branch, Garden Oaks\/Oak Forest, Carverdale and Cypress-Fairbanks.<\/p>\n
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