Author: Meg Costa

As you head to the polls on Tuesday, Nov. 7 or vote early now through Nov. 3, you’ll find 14 proposed constitutional amendments on the ballot, including Proposition 2, which would change Texas’ constitution to establish a tax exemption to support childcare providers.

At United Way of Metropolitan Dallas, we’re advocating for passage of Proposition 2 because extra support for childcare centers would bring some relief to our state’s childcare crisis—which is especially challenging for households with a low income. Expanded access to quality childcare directly supports our mission to improve access to education, income and health—the building blocks of opportunity—in North Texas.

Read on to learn more about Proposition 2, how United Way works to expand access to childcare in North Texas and what you need to know about the Nov. 7 election.

The Basics of Proposition 2

Proposition 2 is one of 14 constitutional amendments under consideration in this year’s election. The proposal provides a pathway to offer licensed childcare providers some relief from increasing taxes, and it can reduce property taxes regardless of whether providers own or rent the property in which their business operates.

This tax break would be a lifeline for childcare providers in our region, which would in turn benefit local families who require childcare. Childcare in our state is in crisis, due to the following factors:

• Many childcare providers are struggling to find and keep employees. Since the COVID-19 pandemic, childcare centers across the country have had difficulty retaining quality employees, in part because the pay is often around $12 per hour without benefits. This causes childcare centers to be in direct competition for staff with retail companies and the food service industry.
• Providers are reluctant to raise their tuition rates (which would pay for more employees), since many parents already can’t afford the sky-high cost of childcare. As a result of this financial squeeze, some childcare providers are closing classrooms or shutting down altogether. This leaves North Texas parents with even fewer options for quality childcare.
• Pandemic-era federal funding for childcare is beginning to run out, leaving many childcare centers on the brink of closure. In fact, a new survey conducted by the Texas Association for the Education of Young Children found that more than 1 in 4 childcare programs are likely to close as federal funding ends, which could lead to more than 300,000 Texas children losing childcare, according to a report by the Century Foundation. If families cannot locate childcare they will be forced to leave the workforce, which could have a drastic impact on local economies.
• During this year’s legislative session, Texas lawmakers declined to pass a $2.3 billion proposal that would have maintained funding for childcare as the federal funding expired. The legislature also did not address the waitlist for Texas’ childcare subsidy program, which currently exceeds 80,000 children.

Fortunately, the legislature did address the childcare crisis through one important bill: SB 1145 was passed to offer financial support in the form of a tax cut to childcare providers. However, the tax cut will only go through if voters approve Proposition 2 this November.

If Proposition 2 passes, North Texans will see five key benefits:

• Reduced childcare costs for families.
• Expanded childcare options.
• Strengthened wages for childcare educators.
• Access to high-quality early education for children.
• Parents can remain in the workforce or attend post-secondary job training

How, exactly? The proposition will allow cities and counties to cut property taxes from 50% to 100% for childcare providers voluntarily participating in the Texas Workforce Commission’s childcare scholarship program for working parents (CCMS). If a childcare provider rents their facility, the constitutional amendment would require landlords to pass tax savings on to the provider. To ensure a good return for taxpayers, providers must maintain an enrollment of at least 20% of children from working parents participating in the state’s program.

At United Way of Metropolitan Dallas, we are advocating for passage Proposition 2 because it aligns with our goal to improve and expand childcare access in North Texas by ensuring more providers can offer their services to local families. It will also help childcare centers keep costs down, so parents don’t have to contend with rising tuition costs.

United Way Expands Access to Childcare

As part of our mission to improve access to education, income and health, United Way of Metropolitan Dallas leads and supports initiatives that expand the availability of quality, affordable childcare in North Texas.

For example, through our Strong Start initiative, United Way works with child development centers across our four-county footprint to improve quality and access to childcare programs and early education. Strong Start staff lead local initiatives alongside 40+ early learning partners to ensure all children in North Texas have the opportunity to thrive.

Research shows that access to quality early education creates a foundation that positively impacts an individual throughout their entire life. Here’s how childcare can affect the rest of a child’s life:

• Kids who enter school ready to learn—thanks in part to quality childcare—are more likely to read proficiently by third grade.
• Students who read proficiently by third grade are 5x more likely to graduate from high school ready for college or career.
• College graduates earn up to $36,000 more a year, enabling them to save for the future.
• Financially stable adults can cover the costs of health care, helping them lead longer, healthier lives.

By supporting quality, affordable childcare, we can encourage a lifetime of success for all North Texans.

Make Your Plan to Vote in the Nov. 7 Election

Prop 2 would benefit both North Texas families and childcare providers by lowering taxes on childcare centers. By improving access to affordable, quality childcare, the amendment would benefit a child throughout their life, as well as support the overall education, income and health of entire families.

Election Day is coming up fast! If you haven’t already, make a plan to vote on Tuesday, Nov. 7, or during early voting, held Oct. 23 to Nov. 3. Read our Election Day Guide for everything you need to know about casting your ballot this year.

This year’s general election, held Tuesday, Nov. 7, includes an important proposed amendment—Proposition 8—which would change Texas’ constitution to expand broadband infrastructure in our state.

At United Way of Metropolitan Dallas, we’re advocating for passage of Proposition 8 because expanding broadband internet directly supports our mission to improve access to education, income and health—the building blocks of opportunity—in North Texas.

Read on to learn more about Proposition 8, how United Way works to close gaps in digital technology and what you need to know about the Nov. 7 election.

The Basics of Proposition 8

Proposition 8 is one of 14 constitutional amendments under consideration in this year’s election. If voters approve the measure, Proposition 8 will create the Broadband Infrastructure Fund, which would release $1.5 billion in state funds to the Texas Comptroller to support broadband.

The great thing about these funds is that they don’t require a new tax; the funds have already been set aside by the Texas Legislature through a bipartisan measure. Now, voters must approve the funds to be used to expand broadband.

6 Positive Impacts of Proposition 8

By approving Proposition 8, voters can help build a stronger, more equitable Texas. Here are six of the top benefits of passing this amendment:

1. We would narrow the “digital divide.” Right now, nearly one in four Texans, or 7.4 million people, don’t have access to high-speed internet. Low-income people in both rural and urban communities are more likely to lack broadband internet, which limits their ability to access vital digital tools, like remote learning resources, online job opportunities and digital healthcare. By expanding broadband services, we can reduce this digital divide that limits opportunities for far too many of our neighbors.
2. Students would be better equipped for success. As we saw during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, today’s students need access to digital technology in order to truly thrive. By expanding high-speed internet, we can ensure that all students, regardless of income level, race or ZIP code, have equal opportunities for online learning, which will improve college and career readiness across the state.
3. Workers would have greater job opportunities. A growing number of today’s careers require high-speed internet access and proficiency. And at the very least, workers need broadband internet to be able to complete workforce training programs and search for and apply for jobs. Approving funding for expanded broadband will bring a greater supply and diversity of good-paying jobs to North Texans.
4. Digital healthcare would be accessible for all. In recent years, the availability and use of telehealth and other digital health resources has exploded—especially in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic. However, many of our neighbors in North Texas are unable to benefit from the convenience and time-savings of digital healthcare because they lack broadband internet. Proposition 8’s passage would make important tools like telehealth available to more communities, which could contribute to better overall health outcomes.
5. Our economy would grow. Access to broadband internet is vital for Texas’ economy, both in rural areas and urban centers. With more students achieving college- or career-readiness, more workers accessing higher-paying jobs and more families tapping into easy-to-access and affordable digital healthcare, our local and state economies would soar.
6. Texas would be better prepared for the future. Our region and state continue to grow at a rapid pace. It’s important that we have the digital infrastructure that will support the people, businesses and services that are the lifeblood of Texas. Passing Proposition 8 is surefire way to ensure everyone has access to high-speed internet—including business owners, schools, hospitals, police officers and more—so that our state remains a safe and prosperous place to live.

United Way Expands Access to Digital Technology

At United Way of Metropolitan Dallas, we’re spreading the word about Proposition 8 because expanding broadband directly supports our Aspire United 2030 goals in education, income and health.

One of the other ways in which we expand access to digital technology is through Digital Bridges, a partnership with AT&T, Richard and Mary Templeton Foundation, Texas Instruments Foundation and The Eugene McDermott Foundation.

Launched in 2022 through generous support from AT&T, Digital Bridges distributes laptops and provides digital literacy training across Southern Dallas to provide students in grades K-12 and opportunity youth (ages 18-24) with the capacity and resources needed to access education, further their learning and stay connected in the classroom and beyond.

In the program’s first year, together with partners, we distributed 2,123 laptops, enabling students in Southern Dallas neighborhoods to engage in online learning and setting them up for success in today’s digital school and job environments. The program continues to deepen and broaden its impact this year.

Make Your Plan to Vote in the Nov. 7 Election

Expanded broadband adoption would benefit all North Texans, and we hope that every change-seeker will vote “yes” on Proposition 8. This bipartisan measure is focused on expanding internet service to areas of the state that are unserved or underserved. And as our state continues to grow, we need this type of digital infrastructure to keep up with the demands of new residents, businesses and visitors.

Election Day is coming up fast! If you haven’t already, make a plan to vote on Tuesday, Nov. 7, or during early voting, held Oct. 23 to Nov. 3. Read our Election Day Guide for everything you need to know about casting your ballot this year.

It’s time to cast your ballots! Election Day is Tuesday, Nov. 7, and early voting runs through Friday, Nov. 3.

At United Way of Metropolitan Dallas, we’re encouraging every eligible North Texan to turn out for our community and vote. Casting your ballot during every election is one of the easiest, most effective ways to have a meaningful impact on life in our community.

Why vote this year?

Voting is one of the simplest, yet most powerful, duties we as citizens hold. It’s important for every citizen to be an informed voter. While many people only vote during presidential election cycles, every election directly impacts various factors of your life.

Want to have a say in how property taxes are spent? Eager to help decide who is on the local school board? Be sure to cast your ballot—every election.

Your vote has the power to improve the quality of life in North Texas and drive positive changes that affect the education, income and health of our community.

Importantly, this year voters will decide the fate of 14 proposed amendments to the state constitution. Several of these propositions have the power to impact the lives of our neighbors right here in North Texas, and we’re calling on all voters to support two propositions that would expand broadband infrastructure and childcare availability in our region. Read on for more details.

What’s on the ballot?

During this year’s election, voters will decide on numerous local races, including school boards, municipal governments and local ballot measures. Many local jurisdictions may also have a bond election.

There are several proposed amendments to the state’s constitution have the power to directly affect our focus areas of education, income and health—the building blocks of opportunity—making it even more important for all voters to exercise their constitutional duty this election. At United Way of Metropolitan Dallas, we’re closely tracking two propositions:

• Proposition 2 provides a pathway to offer licensed childcare providers some relief from increasing taxes. It can reduce property taxes regardless of whether providers own or rent the property in which their business operates. This aligns with our goal to improve and expand childcare access in North Texas by ensuring more providers can offer their services to local families.
• Proposition 8 expands broadband infrastructure in rural and urban areas of the state that are unserved or underserved by internet providers. Expanding the use digital technology is one of our priorities, because it enables North Texans to more readily access education, financial security and health resources.

There are an additional 12 proposed constitutional amendments on the ballot this year that could also impact infrastructure, recreation and higher education in our state. Click here to learn more about them.

And, to see all the races and issues on your ballot, visit Vote411.org and type in your home address.

Know Before You Go

Verify your registration: If you’re unsure whether you’re registered to vote, you can check on the Texas Secretary of State website. (Not registered? Unfortunately, you missed the Oct. 10 deadline. But you can visit VoteTexas.gov to register now for the spring elections.)

Bring a photo ID: You must present one of the seven acceptable forms of photo identification before you can vote:

• Texas driver’s license
• Texas election ID certificate
• Texas personal ID card
• Texas handgun license
• U.S. citizenship certificate with photo
• U.S. military ID card with photo
• U.S. passport (book or card)

Your voter registration card is not mandatory to vote, but it’s a good idea to bring it if you have it. If your name is spelled differently on the official voter list than on your ID, showing your registration card may resolve the issue.

Voting locations: Polling locations may be different for early voting and Election Day, so visit your county’s election website—Dallas, Collin, Rockwall or Denton—to make sure you’re headed to the right location.

Be an educated voter: Save yourself time at the polls by being prepared. Do your research on candidates and propositions, and determine how you want to vote before getting to the voting machine. You can bring notes or a sample ballot with you to vote, but you’re not allowed to have partisan flyers with you in the voting booth. Create your own personalized ballot by visiting Vote411.org.

Encourage your network: Make a plan to vote and invite your neighbors and friends to go vote with you.

Vote by mail: To be eligible to vote early by mail in Texas, you must meet at least one of the following criteria:

• Be 65 years old or older
• Be disabled
• Be out of the county on Election Day and during the period for early voting by personal appearance
• Be confined in jail, but otherwise eligible

You can request the application for a mail-in ballot from the Texas Secretary of State’s office. The deadline to submit a vote-by-mail application is Friday, Oct. 27. To learn how to request a vote-by-mail application and to submit your application, visit your county’s Elections Office website: Dallas, Collin, Rockwall or Denton.

Know Your Rights as a Texas Voter

As a voter, it’s helpful to understand your rights so that you feel comfortable and confident in voting this year. Check out our Texas Voter Bill of Rights before you cast your ballot.

Election Day, Nov. 7, is fast approaching, and the team here at United Way of Metropolitan Dallas is encouraging every eligible North Texan to cast their ballot.

As we work to improve access to education, income and health—the building blocks of opportunity—we recognize that the only way to create meaningful, systemic change is to address problems from every angle. And voting is a particularly powerful step that we can all take to improve North Texas.

As Hillary Evans, vice president of policy and advocacy at United Way of Metropolitan Dallas, underscored, “Every election counts. So, it is critical to cast your ballot, and make your voice heard to create lasting change. As the late American civil rights leader and U.S. Congressman John Lewis said, ‘The vote is precious. It is almost sacred. It is the most powerful non-violent tool we have in a democracy.’”

Despite the importance of voting, every election, far too many North Texans do not cast their ballots—and this has a profound impact on every facet of our democracy, from who sits on your school board to how much you pay in property taxes.

Your Vote Is an Investment in Our Community

To better understand how voting impacts our community at large—as well as United Way’s focus areas of education, income and health—we sat down for a Q&A with Camila Correa Bourdeau, executive director at March to the Polls, a Social Innovation Accelerator alumnus that works to increase the rates of voter turnout across North Texas.

Check out our conversation to learn more about the state of voter turnout in North Texas, the outsized importance of voting in every election and how voting can help improve our community—for everyone.

United Way of Metropolitan Dallas: What is the mission of March to the Polls?

Bourdeau: Our mission at March to the Polls is to substantially increase electoral participation in underrepresented communities.

United Way: How do you work to increase voter turnout?

Bourdeau: We do this through three primary methods: in-class voter education and registration across eight major North Texas school districts in 70 high schools, on-campus civic engagement clubs led by students on 30 of our 70 partner campuses, and intentional community outreach in neighborhoods that have low propensity voter engagement. In these ways, we are creating a more representative democracy, which leads to better outcomes for communities.

United Way: Why focus on voter registration and engagement?

Bourdeau: In order to meet our mission, we must provide access to the ballot box. Access begins with registration. We like meeting communities where they are and one of those key places is in school communities, where we can make voter registration accessible to students, and by extension, their families and neighbors. Once we register eligible voters, we can then roll up our sleeves to engage the newly registered voters so they can confidently make it to a voting center. Through texting, emailing, door knocking and peer-to-peer student outreach, we share actionable resources so they can make their voices heard.

United Way: At United Way, our focus areas are education, income and health. What does voting have to do with these pillars?

Bourdeau: “Research and lived experience shows that when a city has strong civic health, inclusive of high voter participation, it has better outcomes in health, education and income. We see voting as the foundation for a community to thrive. Some of our Dallas neighborhoods have as low as 2% voter participation when electing leaders who make decisions about housing, health and education. We know that we can do better, and we are happy to serve as a bridge to any tools that can facilitate this process for our community.”

United Way: At a high level, how does North Texas do in terms of voter turnout?

Bourdeau: “At a high level, North Texas unfortunately ranks among the bottom of U.S. cities when it comes to voter participation. Some of this can be attributed to laws in Texas that are different from other states, making Texas rank last on a ‘lowest ease of voting’ index, and some of it can be attributed to local decisions about our election calendar where voters have to keep up with multiple election dates across the year compared to other communities. The good news is there is only one place to go from here: up! March to the Polls will work to make sure that North Texas is better represented through increased electoral participation among our neighbors.”

United Way: Many people only vote in presidential elections. Why is it important to vote in every election?

Bourdeau: “One of our mantras at March to the Polls is that the most important election is always the next election. So no matter if it’s a school board election, constitutional amendments election or presidential election, it is critical for all voices to be heard at each and every election. When comparing the choice between a president or a city mayor, we have to put in perspective that even though the media attention may differ, the local elected leaders are making decisions that we will see and feel on an everyday basis. Don’t like the pothole on your street? Local election. Want renovations for your community school? Local election.”

United Way: If you were speaking with someone who was doubtful about voting in the next election, what would you say to them?

Bourdeau: “I would tell them that they are an expert in what’s best for them and that no other voice can do them justice by voting on their behalf if they themselves choose not to vote. If they have doubts on whether their vote will make a difference, they can be assured in knowing that the Constitutional Amendments elections typically only bring 7% voter turnout, which means a handful of people will determine what’s best for 93% of our neighbors. And if someone doesn’t get the result they were hoping for after they vote, it doesn’t mean that their participation did not matter. It just means you can’t win them all. But the only chance at winning is by continuing to show up—otherwise, you are surrendering. March with us and don’t give up on yourself or your community—exercise your power to vote!”

Get Ready to Vote on Nov. 7

Visit our voting page to find everything you need to know about our upcoming election, including:

• How to find out if you’re registered
• What will be on your ballot this year
• What documentation you need with you to vote
• Local voting locations and how to vote by mail
• Your rights as a Texas voter