Texas
State Government
Governor
Greg Abbott (R)
State Senate
12
Democrats,
19
Republicans
State House
64
Democrats,
86
Republicans
Economic well-being - Texas
Extreme poverty rate
0.08
Food insecurity
0.176
Minimum wage
7.25
Percent of working families under 200% of the poverty line
0.313
Poverty rate
13.4%
Unemployment rate
4.1
Number of Black or African American children living in families where no parent has full-time, year-round employment
Number of Hispanic or Latino children living in families where no parent has full-time, year-round employment
Percent of individuals who are uninsured
16.7
Poverty by demographic - Texas
Child poverty rate
0.18
Number of Asian and Pacific Islander children below 200% poverty
79000
Number of Black or African American children below 200% poverty
463000
Number of Hispanic or Latino children below 200% poverty
1915000
Senior poverty rate
12.3 %
Women in poverty
15,455,699
The Houston Chronicle, March 25, 2012: (Editorial) Preschool program proves its worth to homeless mom
"For Costis, education is a key factor in ending the cycle of poverty and homelessness, and that's why she's working to expand the House of Tiny Treasures program. Currently, 32 homeless children are enrolled, at a cost of $16,000 a year - paid for mostly with private donations. "
The New York Times, March 9, 2012: State Cuts Squeezing The Elderly Poor And Their Doctors
"His troubles reflect a statewide problem for doctors who treat a disproportionately high number of the reported 320,000 low-income Texans who are dually eligible for Medicare, the federal insurer of the elderly, and Medicaid, the joint state-federal health care program for indigent children, disabled people and the very poor."
The Dallas Morning News, January 16, 2012: (Editorial) DISD must handle homeless students with care
"With that in mind, the district offers these kids additional support. Busing is provided for the homeless students at Arlington Park and City Park. After-school programs also are offered. Donations help ensure that homeless students have school supplies, uniforms and even snacks to eat on weekends."
The Dallas Morning News, January 8, 2012: Children who lost homes may now lose their Dallas schools
"They entered a world of uncertainty, settled into a cramped Extended Stay Deluxe motel room along Stemmons Freeway and hoped for a better life. They found a godsend across the highway: an elementary school experienced in helping homeless students, most of whom live in the nearby motels."
Fort Worth Star-Telegram, December 11, 2011: Fort Worth police veteran will become community liaison officer to seniors, homeless
"Elvira Rios Leyva had a soft spot for homeless people. 'Not only was she loving, but she was very giving,' said Fort Worth police officer Julie Cox, Leyva's granddaughter. 'She didn't have money, but she would give the shirt off her back, or she would open the doors of her house to the homeless so they could have a place to sleep.'"
The Lufkin News, December 4, 2011: Census: One in four Angelina County children lives in poverty
"According to estimates by the Census Bureau released this past week, 15,921 Angelina County residents, including 6,178 children, were living below the poverty threshold in 2010."