As the 89th Texas Legislative Session concludes, several key policy measures aligned with the Greater Houston Partnership’s priorities were advanced. With 1 in 4 Texas jobs based in the Houston metro, a nearly $650+ billion regional GDP, and more than 1.2 million students enrolled in regional public education institutions, Houston plays an outsized role in shaping the future of our state. Legislative decisions made in Austin ripple through our 12-county region impacting infrastructure, education, innovation and the workforce that powers Texas. Guided by our Executive Priorities, Water Infrastructure, Education, and Workforce Development, and powered by our elected officials, members and partners, the Partnership worked throughout the session to advocate for policies that will strengthen the greater Houston region and the state. Executive Priority Wins Water Infrastructure A generational investment in Texas’ water future, anchored by a proposed constitutional amendment to dedicate $1 billion annually over the next 20 years, was one of the session’s biggest wins. $265 million+ secured for Houston-area water and flood mitigation projects, including $100 million for the Lynchburg Pump Station. The creation of a new Lake Houston Dredging and Maintenance District to fund ongoing operations A dedicated fund for the Gulf Coast Protection District to continue delivering $550 million for projects to make the coastline and ship channel more resilient Public Education This session delivered the largest infusion of new programmatic funding in more than a decade.  $195 million+ for Houston ISD under a new school finance formula and pay raises for Texas teachers. Higher Education Houston’s institutions saw record-breaking support in recognition of their role in talent development, research, and medical innovation. $2.1 billion+ for Houston area four-year colleges and universities.  Workforce Development With a growing emphasis on applied learning and employer-aligned training, Texas made strong investments in talent development. HB 120 + HB 20 + SB 1786 expanded access to school-to-career programs and career-focused science pathways, and continued the work at community and junior colleges to deliver more credentials of value Investing in What’s Next The Partnership also supported forward-looking policies that position Houston and Texas for long-term growth: $3 billion to launch the Dementia Prevention and Research Institute (DRPIT). $715 million in funding for nuclear energy, semiconductors, and emerging industries. These wins were only possible through deep collaboration, among our coalition partners, elected officials, business and community leaders, and the engaged members of the Partnership. Together, we’ve demonstrated how a united voice for Houston helps drive results that benefit all Texans. We are grateful for the leadership of our regional delegation and statewide champions who delivered these critical investments. Click here to download the 89th Texas Legislative Session Summary. For a full rundown of bills the Partnership tracked throughout session, click here. 

Texas lawmakers have passed legislation that could position the state as a global leader in dementia prevention and research.   The passage of Senate Bill 5 establishes the Dementia Prevention and Research Institute of Texas (DPRIT), a $3 billion initiative that aims to accelerate groundbreaking research into dementia and related brain disorders such as Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s, fuel medical innovation and improve health outcomes for Texas residents.  However, the release of DPRIT funding depends on voter approval of Senate Joint Resolution 3 on the Nov. 4 ballot. The constitutional proposition would authorize the state to spend $3 billion over the next decade, with up to $300 million awarded each year through grant funding.   This investment comes at a critical time, as Texas faces the growing health and economic impact of brain disorders. According to the Texas Dementia Initiative, more than 400,000 Texans currently suffer from Alzheimer’s disease, and that number is projected to exceed 500,000 by 2030 as the state’s population continues to age. The state also ranks second nationally in Alzheimer’s deaths.  At the same time, there is a significant opportunity to turn this challenge into economic growth. According to a McKinsey Health Institute analysis, strategic investment in brain health initiatives could generate up to $260 billion in local GDP impact.  A Strategic Opportunity for Houston  Modeled after the Cancer Prevention and Research Institute of Texas (CPRIT), which transformed the state into a hub for cancer research, DPRIT holds the same potential to elevate Texas—particularly Houston—as a hub for brain health research. Since its launch in 2009, CPRIT has awarded more than $3.8 billion in grants, with nearly 40 percent directed to Houston-based institutions. With the Texas Medical Center, world-class research institutions and a growing life sciences ecosystem, Houston is already an established leader in health care research and treatment. DPRIT funding could accelerate that momentum, attracting researchers, startups and companies to the region.  The Greater Houston Partnership has actively advocated for DPRIT, recognizing its potential to boost public health and regional economic growth. Brain health was also a key priority for former Partnership Chair and Lime Rock CEO Eric Mullins during his tenure.   “Brain capital will be an essential currency as we prepare workers to thrive and evolve with the technologies, societal shifts and economic uncertainties of the coming decades,” Mullins said in a statement. “The steps that Houston is taking to invest in brain health will unlock capital for R&D, model best practices in employee well-being and prepare our workforce to compete on the global stage.”  Other Houston-based organizations are also focused on exploring and advancing the so-called “brain economy,” including the Center for Houston’s Future.   Looking Ahead  Lawmakers are close to finalizing a new tax incentive program that would bolster research and development statewide. If signed into law, Senate Bill 2206 would further strengthen innovation in Houston’s medical community and beyond.  Learn more about the Partnership’s public policy initiatives.