Governor Greg Abbott has announced the formation of the Task Force on Early Childhood Education and Care, which aims to address challenges related to child care quality, access, and affordability for families in Texas.
“The real reason why we passed this bill, the real reason why we’re having this announcement today, is because of the importance of helping parents across the entire state be able to access quality and affordable early child care and child education for their children,” said Governor Abbott. “Today I am announcing the governor’s task force on early childhood education and care. The goal is to evaluate child care and early learning programs across all state agencies. We must put an end to the endless bureaucracy, the unclear standards of care, and the inflated costs that make it difficult for parents to get the early childhood care and education that they need for their children.”
The announcement event included Senator Donna Campbell, Representative Alan Schoolcraft, Chairman Peter J. Holt, Texas Workforce Commission Chairman Joe Esparza, Representative Mark LaHood, Representative John Lujan, Schertz-Cibolo-Universal City Independent School District superintendent Paige Meloni, Texas Education Agency Commissioner Mike Morath, and Texas Health and Human Services Executive Commissioner Stephanie Muth.
House Bill 117 (Schoolcraft/Campbell) modifies state law by establishing a governor’s task force focused on improving governance and operations within Texas’ early childhood education system.
Governor Abbott named Peter J. Holt as chair of the new task force. Other appointees include Jeff Austin III; Leslie Callahan; Lori Gabbert Charney; Grant Coates; Reagan Curran; Tracy Hanson, Ed.D.; Marisela Nava; John “J.” Puckett; Jennifer Stockemer, Ph.D.; and Nancy Windham. Their terms will expire September 1, 2027.
Task force members represent various backgrounds in business leadership, banking management, educational administration at different levels—including Head Start programs—and regional economic development.
The Office of Governor Greg Abbott leads executive functions in Texas government with a focus on economic development initiatives such as job growth and innovation while supporting community priorities like education enhancement (official website).
Additional photos from today’s event are expected to be made available later.
