Any father will tell you that when your first-born comes into this world, everything changes. You see life and the future through a different lens. You want to provide your child with every opportunity to be successful and happy. You naturally start to reprioritize your life, and your children become your top priority.
My son, Luke, is approaching three years old. Soon, he will take that big step into pre-K, and before my wife, Katherine, and I know it, he’ll be walking the halls of middle and high school. Public education will give him the opportunity to discover his passions, build a strong foundation for a career, and pursue his dreams. I want to make sure our public schools provide him with a quality education, just like they did for me.
I was raised by educators in Friendswood, Texas. My dad is the current principal at Friendswood High School, and my mom spent years inspiring students as a public school English teacher. I grew up with an inherent appreciation for what it takes to educate our youth.
My dad would always say, “Public education is the great equalizer.”
I believe communities in East Houston and the Gulf Coast region of Texas still have that deep-seated respect and admiration for our neighborhood schools. As I travel and advocate across my community, I see that resilient, “we’ll figure it out” spirit every day from parents, taxpayers, and business and community leaders. They all agree that quality public education is vital to strong neighborhoods and a thriving economy. But lately, they’re saying it alongside a growing worry.
Our public schools are struggling. With declining enrollment, aging facilities, and inflation, school districts are forced to make difficult decisions. This school year, districts across greater Houston faced severe budget deficits, forcing them to close or consolidate schools. Some had to eliminate programs and positions. Our schools clearly need our support.
Yet, I remain deeply hopeful. Over the last year, as I have traveled from Houston to Galveston and the communities in between, I have continued to see overwhelming bipartisan enthusiasm for a proposed Public Education and Workforce Endowment. It would prepare students for tomorrow’s jobs while helping the state meet critical workforce needs. If passed, this would be the state’s first new revenue stream for public education in 20 years.
Raise Your Hand Texas proposes creating a dedicated funding stream to directly target high-priority Career and Technical Education (CTE) programs without raising taxes. This comes at a critical time. Texas boasts one of the world’s most dynamic economies and educates more than 5.4 million students. Yet, our fastest-growing industries cannot find enough skilled workers. Rapid population growth, massive infrastructure expansion, and a boom in manufacturing and energy development are driving demand for a highly trained workforce to new heights.
By 2030, more than 60% of all jobs in Texas will require education or training beyond a high school diploma. Across our region—from local refineries and petrochemical plants to construction, healthcare, and advanced technology companies—employers are eager to hire homegrown talent from our local high schools. A Public Education and Workforce Endowment would further fund the hands-on programs and classes that equip students with the skills to secure those high-paying jobs right here in their own backyard.
That’s looking towards the future and making a permanent promise to our kids. As a father, I think about Luke’s future every single day. When I look at him, I also see the millions of young Texans who will one day lead our state. Investing in public education gives my son and future generations of Texans the foundation, opportunity, and tools to build prosperous lives and reach their greatest potential.
If you’re thinking about how to raise your voice or learn to advocate for public education in your corner of Texas, reach out to me. Our Advocacy Core Teams are growing, and Texas needs you.
