Latino Bienestar During and Post Covid-19
By Juan H Flores, M.U.P. and Belinda Roman, PhD

The TXLPS Briefing Book is an emergent document targeting the economic mobility of Latino families, and improvements to the state’s economy. The Covid-19 pandemic worsened the economic and health status of Latino families and increased the challenges for Latinos and allies to influence policymaking change; impeded further by rightwing nativist ideology.  

Food Insecurity Among Hispanic Children and Families in Texas
By UnidosUS

All children and families should have the opportunity to live a long, healthy, and productive life. However, too many children lack critical building blocks for good health, including consistent access to affordable, nutritious food. The COVID-19 pandemic and related economic crisis and job loss have worsen food insecurity conditions among Latino children and families.

Texas Inequality
By Salvador Contreras, PhD

Across skill and income groups blacks and Hispanics earn significantly less than whites. In addition, economic growth appears to have been exclusively for the benefit of the highest earners. The purchasing power of the average Texan is today lower than in 2000. Finally, economic growth in Texas has been uneven and is evident in the earnings profile across metros.

Discussion: Policy Influence, Money, and Middle-Class Latino Families by Juan H. Flores, MUP

Latino and their allies must increase their influence on state and local policy-making in ways that create progressive ‘economic opportunity’ legislation and ordinances.  A living wage, paid leave, day-care support, pre-k, health insurance, affordable housing, equitable tax policies, and neighborhood business development all exemplify human capital investments. Legislative and ordinance policies must support these investments which positively impact the economic mobility and bienestar (well-being) of families.

Infographic: The Bienestar (Well-Being) of Texas Hispanic Childen – Public Policies Matter by Juan H Flores, MUP

Like most Texas families, future opportunities and a better life for their children is a driving Hispanic goal.  Parents have expectations that their children will enter adulthood with social capital assets evidenced by their achievement of a quality education, a comfortable paying job, good health, and strong family and positive community relationships. Yet, we continue to have one-half of Hispanic families and their children at-risk from achieving the American Dream of real middle-class status.