Governor Greg Abbott has announced the creation of the Task Force on Early Childhood Education and Care. The initiative aims to improve child care quality, access, and affordability for families across 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,” Governor Abbott said at the event. “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 Governor was joined by several state officials including 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 to create this task force with a focus on addressing governance and operational challenges in Texas’ early childhood education system.
During the event, Governor Abbott named Peter J. Holt as chair of the 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.
Members come from various backgrounds in business management, banking leadership, public health administration, nonprofit foundations, special education teaching, preschool operation and instruction, economic development advising, as well as retired private sector leadership roles.
The Office of Governor Greg Abbott leads executive operations in Texas government with a focus on initiatives such as economic development and educational improvement.
Additional photos from the announcement are expected to be released soon.
