Texas Latino households contribute $127.8 billion in spending power to the state’s economy each year (New American Economy 2017). Spending power that could be significantly greater through the elimination of inequitable governmental policies and minimal human capital investments. In short, economic and social policies do not provide support for the adage, “equality of opportunity to all Texas citizens”.
Throughout life, economic security is linked to both income and asset ownership. Assets are accumulated and held over time and are sources of security against emergencies and provide for future use. They are the means for investments to improve opportunities and increase the family’s wealth and bienestar (well-being). Wealth provides a better measure of opportunities for a family to improve and expand their choices regarding a home and neighborhood, child development needs, civic engagement, retirement, and growing wealth across generations.
The First Symposia genesis report identified a wide range of human capital indicators and corresponding policy clusters and priorities.
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- POLICY INDICATORS
- POLICY CLUSTERS AND PRIORITIES
- EDUCATION
- Equalized Public School Education Funding
- Quality Schools
- Teacher Quality
- Accountability in Student Achievement
- Higher Education Funding
- LABOR/EMPLOYMENT
- Job Training and Work Preparation
- Worker Protections
- Worker Attachment and Security
- Job Creation
- AFFORDABLE HOUSING DEVELOPMENT
- Land Use
- Rentals
- Home Ownership
- Equal Access
- HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES
- Family Income and Asset Growth
- Child and Family Development
- Healthcare
- Healthy Behaviors
- EDUCATION