State of Texas Archives: on Families & Children

Cristina Tzintzun Ramirez: Paid Parental Leave keeps families healthy and happy

There are just five countries in the world that don't offer moms paid time off to be with their newborn babies--and the United States is one of them. Paid parental leave keeps parents and babies healthy and happy. It gives moms much needed time to recover after childbirth and allows babies to spend time bonding with their parents, supporting their brain development and overall health. Source: 2020 Texas Senate campaign website CristinaForTexas.com Dec 19, 2019

Don Huffines: Adoption agencies ok to disallow LGBT adoptions

HB 3859: Relating to protection of the rights of conscience for child welfare services providers.

Summary by Reuters news service: The Texas governor signed a law to protect the religious rights of faith-based groups in state child welfare programs, but critics said it could be used to discriminate against LGBT and non-Christian families in adoptions. Governor Abbott signed House Bill 3859 which allows faith-based groups working with the Texas child welfare system to deny services "under circumstances that conflict with the provider's sincerely held religious beliefs." It was supported by several Christian groups.

Legislative Outcome:Passed by Senate 21-10-0 on May/22/17; State Sen. Huffines voted YES; Passed by House 93-49-11 on May/10/17; Signed by Governor Greg Abbott on Jun/15/17

Source: Reuters on Texas Legislative voting record HB 3859 May 22, 2017

George W. Bush: Teach kids right (abstinence) and wrong (drugs & gangs)

We must teach our children right from wrong. We live in a culture of moral indifference, where movies and videos glamorize violence and tolerance is touted as a great virtue. Respect for other ideas must not be confused with tolerance of actions that are harmful. There are right choices in life and wrong choices. We must teach our children to say no to drugs & alcohol, no to violence & gangs and yes to staying in school, yes to making healthy choices and yes to abstaining from sex until marriage. Source: Powell Lecture Series, Texas A&M Univ. Apr 6, 1998

George W. Bush: More daycare funds; caseworkers; "Second Chance" homes

Increased funding for child care for low-income families.
Provided funding for an additional 380 child protective caseworkers to "rescue children before they become a tragic statistic."
Provided funds for four pilot "Second Chance" homes for unwed teenage moms.

Source: GeorgeWBush.com/News/ "1999 Texas Legislative Record" Jun 25, 1999

Greg Abbott: Reform Child Protective System or more children will die

The primary goal of government is to keep its citizens safe and secure. That goal is even more important when it comes to our children. You will cast thousands of votes this session. Few will involve life or death decisions. Your vote on CPS is one of them. Last year, more than 100 children died in our Child Protective System. You can vote to end that. We can reform the system so that no more children die in it.

We need more workers, with better training, smarter strategies and real accountability to safeguard our children. While improving child safety in CPS, we must also remain vigilant in protecting parental rights. We must remember that the best place for a child, if at all possible, is with their parents. We also need to develop a Network of Nurture. We need a legion of families in every county who can open their homes and open their hearts to fostering our vulnerable children. Do not underfund this rickety system only to have it come back and haunt you.

Source: 2017 State of the State address to Texas Legislature Jan 31, 2017

Greg Abbott: Conscience dictates if marriage is only one man & one woman

Governor Greg Abbott today released the following statement regarding the Supreme Court's same-sex marriage ruling:

"The Supreme Court has abandoned its role as an impartial judicial arbiter, [and] have imposed on the entire country their personal views on an issue that the Constitution and the Court's previous decisions reserve to the people of the States.

"Despite the Supreme Court's rulings, Texans' fundamental right to religious liberty remains protected. No Texan is required by the Supreme Court's decision to act contrary to his or her religious beliefs regarding marriage.

"The Texas Religious Freedom Restoration Act, combined with the newly enacted Pastor Protection Act, provide robust legal protections to Texans whose faith commands them to adhere to the traditional understanding of marriage.

"As I have done in the past, I will continue to defend the religious liberties of all Texans--including those whose conscience dictates that marriage is only the union of one man & one woman.

Source: Press Release: Texas voting record: Pastor Protection Act Jun 26, 2015

Greg Abbott: Adoption agencies ok to disallow LGBT adoptions

HB 3859: Relating to protection of the rights of conscience for child welfare services providers.

Summary by Reuters news service:The Texas governor signed a law to protect the religious rights of faith-based groups in state child welfare programs, but critics said it could be used to discriminate against LGBT and non-Christian families in adoptions. Governor Abbott signed House Bill 3859 which allows faith-based groups working with the Texas child welfare system to deny services "under circumstances that conflict with the provider's sincerely held religious beliefs." It was supported by several Christian groups.

Legislative Outcome: Passed by Senate 21-10-0 on May/22/17; Passed by House 93-49-11 on May/10/17; Signed by Governor Greg Abbott on Jun/15/17

Source: Reuters on Texas Legislative voting record HB 3859 Jun 15, 2017

John Cornyn: Supports using campaign funds for candidate child care

MJ Hegar, candidate for U.S. Senate and mother of two young kids, has asked the Federal Election Commission for approval to spend campaign donations on child care as she seeks to oust Sen. John Cornyn. "The time and travel demands of federal candidacy place a unique burden on the parents of young children," she told the commission.

Cornyn weighed in Friday with the commission--offering his "full support."

Source: Dallas Morning News on 2020 Texas Senatorial race Jun 15, 2019

John Cornyn: Respect the traditional institution of marriage

Senator Cornyn strongly believes that every individual is worthy of respect, and that the traditional institution of marriage is worthy of protection.

He supports providing opportunity for all and removing government limitations on freedom so that every citizen has the chance to realize the American dream.

Government must provide a "hand-up" for citizens, not merely a "hand-out." The best gifts government can give to citizens are the ability and skills to improve their own lives.

Source: Vote-USA.org on 2014 Texas Senate incumbents Oct 25, 2014

Lance Gooden: Adoption agencies ok to disallow LGBT adoptions

HB 3859: Relating to protection of the rights of conscience for child welfare services providers.

Summary by Reuters news service:The Texas governor signed a law to protect the religious rights of faith-based groups in state child welfare programs, but critics said it could be used to discriminate against LGBT and non-Christian families in adoptions. Governor Abbott signed House Bill 3859 which allows faith-based groups working with the Texas child welfare system to deny services "under circumstances that conflict with the provider's sincerely held religious beliefs." It was supported by several Christian groups.

Legislative Outcome: Passed by Senate 21-10-0 on May/22/17; Passed by House 93-49-11 on May/10/17; Rep. Gooden voted YES; Signed by Governor Greg Abbott on Jun/15/17

Source: Reuters on Texas Legislative voting record HB 3859 May 22, 2017

Lupe Valdez: Pro paid sick leave; choosing job over sick family is wrong

We must fight to pass paid sick leave across Texas, not shut down efforts on a local level. No one should have to choose between a job or caring for a sick loved one. Source: 2018 Texas Gubernatorial campaign website LupeValdez.com Oct 9, 2018

Marco Rubio: Hispanic values: Burning desire that kids have it better

We have to move past this idea that the Hispanic community only cares about immigration. It's an important issue because we know and love people that have been impacted by it. But, I'm going to tell you that the most powerful sentiment in the Hispanic community, as it is in every immigrant community, is the burning desire to leave your children better off than yourself and, you can only do that through free enterprise. Source: 2016 CNN-Telemundo Republican debate on eve of Texas primary Feb 25, 2016

MJ Hegar: Asked FEC to allow campaign funds for candidate child care

Cornyn weighed in Friday with the commission--offering his "full support."

Federal law bars diversion of campaign cash to "personal use." Donor funds can't be spent on groceries or a home mortgage. But the FEC has long held that candidates may tap campaign accounts for outlays they wouldn't need to make if they weren't running for office. In 1975, the commission let a candidate pay for child care out of campaign funds when his wife joined him on the stump. Hegar's lawyers filed a request June 5 for an advisory opinion tailored to her situation.

Source: Dallas Morning News on 2020 Texas Senatorial race Jun 15, 2019

MJ Hegar: Paid family leave for both mothers and fathers

Having had challenging births with both my sons, I can't imagine what our family would have done if my husband hadn't been able to take leave to be with our family. For the wellbeing of our children and families, I strongly believe that the U.S. needs to offer paid leave for both mothers and fathers. Source: The Texas Tribune on 2020 Texas Senate race Feb 12, 2020

Pat Fallon: Adoption agencies ok to disallow LGBT adoptions

HB 3859: Relating to protection of the rights of conscience for child welfare services providers.

Summary by Reuters news service:The Texas governor signed a law to protect the religious rights of faith-based groups in state child welfare programs, but critics said it could be used to discriminate against LGBT and non-Christian families in adoptions. Governor Abbott signed House Bill 3859 which allows faith-based groups working with the Texas child welfare system to deny services "under circumstances that conflict with the provider's sincerely held religious beliefs." It was supported by several Christian groups.

Legislative Outcome: Passed by Senate 21-10-0 on May/22/17; Passed by House 93-49-11 on May/10/17; Rep. Taylor voted YES; Signed by Governor Greg Abbott on Jun/15/17

Source: Reuters on Texas Legislative voting record HB 3859 May 10, 2017

Paul Sadler: Supports abstinence education in schools

Support sex education programs which stress abstinence.
Increase state funds for school construction and facility maintenance.
Increase state funds for hiring of additional teachers.
Allow parents to send their children to the public school of their choice.
Advocate bilingual education programs in public schools.
Fund public school education in Texas by increasing state taxes rather than local property taxes.

Source: Texas State 1998 National Political Awareness Test Nov 1, 1998

Republican Party: Pornography and pedophilia are public health hazards

Platform Section 149. Pornography Crisis: The State of Texas shall recognize that pornography is a public health hazard.

Platform Section 150. Ban on Exposing Minors to Pornography Online: We call upon our elected leaders to compel any websites displaying pornographic content in Texas to implement age verification for preventing minors from accessing the content, and to block or punish any such websites that continue to make such material available to minors.

Platform Section 151. Pornography Crisis: The State of Texas shall recognize that pornography and pedophilia are public health hazards.

Source: Texas Republican Party: Final Report from Platform Committee Jun 16, 2022

Rick Perry: Let foster teens act as their own medical consenters

Gov. Perry today ceremonially signed House Bills 915 and 1227, which help improve the care children receive in Texas' foster care system. Perry said. "I am proud to be able to sign legislation that ensures we continue to provide a safe and caring foster care system for these vulnerable Texans."

HB 915 monitors psychotropic medicine for foster children in Texas. The bill gives children in the foster care system the opportunity to provide an opinion on their medical care, allows foster care youth at the age of 16 and older to act as their own medical consenter, and increases the youth and medical consenter's awareness of side-effects and alternatives to prescribed psychotropic medicine.

HB 1227 gives court appointed special advocates, or CASA volunteers, better access to foster child's information. Currently, the CASA volunteer must stay inside the child protective services office to access any information. This bill will lay the foundation to create an internet information system.

Source: Houston News on Texas Voting Records for HB915 and HB1227 May 29, 2013

Ron Paul: Let parents decide on mental health screening for kids

Every parent in America should be made aware of a presidential initiative called the "New Freedom Commission on Mental Health." This commission issued a report last year calling for the mandatory mental health screening of American schoolchildren, meaning millions of kids will be forced to undergo psychiatric screening whether their parents consent or not. At issue is the fundamental right of parents to decide what medical treatment is appropriate for their children.

Forced mental health screening simply has no place in a free or decent society. The government does not own you or your kids, and it has no legitimate authority to interfere in your family's intimate health matters. Psychiatric diagnoses are inherently subjective, and the drugs regularly prescribed produce serious side effects, especially in children's developing brains. The bottom line is that mental health issues are a matter for parents, children, and their doctors, not government.

Source: Weekly column, "Texas Straight Talk" Jan 31, 2005

Royce West: Don't allow LGBT discrimination by adoption agencies

HB 3859: Relating to protection of the rights of conscience for child welfare services providers.

Summary by Reuters news service:The Texas governor signed a law to protect the religious rights of faith-based groups in state child welfare programs, but critics said it could be used to discriminate against LGBT and non-Christian families in adoptions. Governor Abbott signed House Bill 3859 which allows faith-based groups working with the Texas child welfare system to deny services "under circumstances that conflict with the provider's sincerely held religious beliefs." It was supported by several Christian groups.

Legislative Outcome: Passed by Senate 21-10-0 on May/22/17; Sen. West voted NO; Passed by House 93-49-11 on May/10/17; Signed by Governor Greg Abbott on Jun/15/17

Source: Reuters on Texas Legislative voting record HB 3859 May 22, 2017

Sylvia Garcia: Don't allow LGBT discrimination by adoption agencies

HB 3859: Relating to protection of the rights of conscience for child welfare services providers.

Summary by Reuters news service:The Texas governor signed a law to protect the religious rights of faith-based groups in state child welfare programs, but critics said it could be used to discriminate against LGBT and non-Christian families in adoptions. Governor Abbott signed House Bill 3859 which allows faith-based groups working with the Texas child welfare system to deny services "under circumstances that conflict with the provider's sincerely held religious beliefs." It was supported by several Christian groups.

Legislative Outcome: Passed by Senate 21-10-0 on May/22/17; Sen. Garcia voted NO; Passed by House 93-49-11 on May/10/17; Signed by Governor Greg Abbott on Jun/15/17

Source: Reuters on Texas Legislative voting record HB 3859 May 22, 2017

Ted Cruz: Hispanic values: faith, family & patriotism

The values in our [Hispanic] community are faith, family, patriotism. I campaigned the same here in Houston or Dallas as I did in the Rio Grande Valley, defending conservative principles, telling my father's story of coming to America with $100 dollars in his underwear, not speaking English, washing dishes, having hopes and dreams for the American dream. Source: 2016 CNN-Telemundo Republican debate on eve of Texas primary Feb 25, 2016

Ted Cruz: Amendment to define marriage as between man & a woman

Q: Support gay marriage?

Ted Cruz (R): No. Sponsored amendment to define marriage as between man & a woman.

Beto O'Rourke (D): Yes.

Source: 2018 CampusElect.org Issue Guide on Texas Senate race Oct 9, 2018

Van Taylor: Adoption agencies ok to disallow LGBT adoptions

HB 3859: Relating to protection of the rights of conscience for child welfare services providers.

Summary by Reuters news service:The Texas governor signed a law to protect the religious rights of faith-based groups in state child welfare programs, but critics said it could be used to discriminate against LGBT and non-Christian families in adoptions. Governor Abbott signed House Bill 3859 which allows faith-based groups working with the Texas child welfare system to deny services "under circumstances that conflict with the provider's sincerely held religious beliefs." It was supported by several Christian groups.

Legislative Outcome: Passed by Senate 21-10-0 on May/22/17; Sen. Taylor voted YES; Passed by House 93-49-11 on May/10/17; Signed by Governor Greg Abbott on Jun/15/17

Source: Reuters on Texas Legislative voting record HB 3859 May 22, 2017

Colin Allred: Was the first member of Congress to take paternity leave

Allred's history has been integral to his campaigns and his time in office. He was the first member of Congress to take paternity leave from office and is part of a bipartisan group working to advance paid parental leave legislation. "I never knew my father, so I made a promise to myself a long time ago that when I became a dad, I would do it right," Allred said in his campaign announcement video. Source: Texas Tribune on 2024 Texas Senate race May 11, 2023

Roland Gutierrez: Don't allow LGBT discrimination by adoption agencies

HB 3859: Relating to protection of the rights of conscience for child welfare services providers.

Summary by Reuters news service:�The Texas governor signed a law to protect the religious rights of faith-based groups in state child welfare programs, but critics said it could be used to discriminate against LGBT and non-Christian families in adoptions. Governor Abbott signed House Bill 3859 which allows faith-based groups working with the Texas child welfare system to deny services "under circumstances that conflict with the provider's sincerely held religious beliefs." It was supported by several Christian groups.

Legislative Outcome:� Passed by Senate 21-10-0 on May/22/17; Passed by House 93-49-11 on May/10/17; State Rep. Roland Gutierrez voted NO; Signed by Governor Greg Abbott on Jun/15/17

Source: Reuters on Texas Legislative voting record HB 3859 May 10, 2017

Colin Allred: Smart investments in affordable child care & early education

I was raised by a single mom, who was a public school teacher. When I think about service, I think about how we can work to help families like mine growing up. To strengthen Texas, we must build the ladders of opportunity so everyone has the chance to chase their dreams. Through smart investments in affordable child care, early childhood education, job and skills training and expanding health care coverage we can increase productivity and grow our economy in a way that works for everyone. By making investments in our families, our workers and our infrastructure, we can strengthen our economy and ensure we are prepared to compete with anyone--while also lowering our debt. Source: Ballotpedia Candidate Connection on 2024 Texas Senate race Aug 8, 2024

Colin Allred: Bring back child tax credit

Colin Allred stated he wants to bring back the child tax credit, which he said lifted millions of Texans out of food insecurity and that Ted Cruz opposed. He also said he would invest in a new generation of housing to increase the supply and lower the overall cost of housing.

Cruz said he was behind pushing for a child tax credit with Trump's tax cuts in 2017, but that the Democrats wanted to relax the work requirement on parents to get that credit. "We need parents to get back to work," Cruz said.

Source: WFAA ABC-TV-8 on 2024 Texas Senate debate Oct 14, 2024

Ted Cruz: Keep work requirement to get child tax credit

Source: WFAA ABC-TV-8 on 2024 Texas Senate debate Oct 14, 2024

Craig Goldman: Adoption agencies ok to disallow LGBT adoptions

HB 3859: Relating to protection of the rights of conscience for child welfare services providers.

Summary by Reuters news service:The Texas governor signed a law to protect the religious rights of faith-based groups in state child welfare programs, but critics said it could be used to discriminate against LGBT and non-Christian families in adoptions. Governor Abbott signed House Bill 3859 which allows faith-based groups working with the Texas child welfare system to deny services "under circumstances that conflict with the provider's sincerely held religious beliefs." It was supported by several Christian groups.

Legislative Outcome: Passed by Senate 21-10-0 on May/22/17; Rep. Goldman co-authored and voted YES; Passed by House 93-49-11 on May/10/17; Signed by Governor Greg Abbott on Jun/15/17

Source: Reuters on Texas Legislative voting record HB 3859 May 22, 2017

James Talarico: Pass paid family leave legislation

Ensure no Texan has to choose between their career and their family: Pass paid family leave legislation that would allow Americans to take time off work to bond with a new child or care for a seriously ill family member, and expand access to affordable childcare (which helps businesses, too!). Source: 2026 Texas Senate campaign website JamesTalarico.com Feb 17, 2026

The above quotations are from State of Texas Politicians: Archives. Click here for definitions & background information on Families & Children. Click here for other issues (main summary page).
*2024 Presidential contenders on Families & Children:*
	*Candidates for President & Vice-President:* V.P.Kamala Harris (D-CA) Robert F. Kennedy Jr.(I-CA) Chase Oliver(L-GA) Dr.Jill Stein(D-MA) Former Pres.Donald Trump(R-FL) Sen.J.D.Vance(R-OH) Gov.Tim Walz(D-MN) Dr.Cornel West(I-NJ)	*2024 presidential primary contenders:* Pres.Joe_Biden(D-DE) N.D.Gov.Doug Burgum(R) N.J.Gov.Chris_Christie(R) Fla.Gov.Ron_DeSantis(R) S.C.Gov.Nikki_Haley(R) Ark.Gov.Asa_Hutchinson(R) Former V.P.Mike Pence(R-IN) U.S.Rep.Dean_Phillips(D-MN) Vivek_Ramaswamy(R-OH) S.C.Sen.Tim_Scott(R)
Please consider a donation to OnTheIssues.org! Click for details -- or send donations to: 1770 Mass Ave. #630, Cambridge MA 02140 E-mail: submit@OnTheIssues.org (We rely on your support!)

Page last updated: Mar 14, 2026