A message from Texas YMCA State Allianvce CEO Greg Hartman
The recent Texas Legislative Session marked significant progress for Texas YMCAs, laying a strong foundation for future growth and influence. With key victories in childcare policy—including $100 million in funding for day care and after-school programs, the creation of a Governor’s Task Force on Early Childhood Education and Care, and improved support for childcare workers—the YMCA’s advocacy efforts proved effective and impactful. The Texas Alliance of YMCAs emerged as a trusted partner in major coalitions, strengthening relationships with influential organizations and policymakers. These achievements highlight that when we collaborate and remain engaged, we can drive meaningful change that benefits families, children, and communities across the state.
Looking ahead, the opportunities for impact are even greater. While some priority bills didn’t advance, their momentum will carry into the next session, and our growing presence ensures we’ll be ready to champion them again. The work now shifts to local engagement—inviting legislators into YMCAs, sharing powerful stories from our communities, and demonstrating the life-changing work we do every day. With the dedication of our colleagues, the support of YMCA leaders statewide, and the strong reputation we’ve built at the Capitol, the future holds tremendous promise. Together, we are poised to expand our influence, secure additional resources, and continue shaping a brighter future for Texas families through the mission of the YMCA.
Our Mission
The YMCA is committed to supporting Texas’ economic growth by expanding access to affordable childcare, high-quality early education, and workforce development programs that enable parents to work and communities to thrive. At the same time, we are dedicated to building the next generation of YMCA leaders—empowering passionate individuals with the skills, experience, and vision to lead in service of others. By promoting a culture of service throughout our programs and partnerships, we not only strengthen the fabric of our communities today but also inspire a legacy of civic engagement and leadership that will carry Texas forward for generations to come.
- Achieve recognition as a preferred provider/partner with the Texas Education Agency, Texas Workforce Commission, Texas Department of Family & Protective Services, and other relevant agencies. Provide strategic engagement and input to advance and better support their work across Texas.
- Identify and draft regulatory and legislative proposals to eliminate or mitigate childcare and out-of-school time (OST) licensing barriers and to streamline Y’s ability to open new sites, increasing access and capacity for hardworking Texas families.
- Work with federal CCDF language to advance with the Texas Education Agency a contemporary Cost-of-Care business model and implementation strategy to support infant/toddler care, childcare, early learning and out-of-school-time care. Also advance model tax incentives for employer-sponsored childcare partnerships, including nonprofit employer deductions against payroll taxes, for providing childcare subsidies for staff.
- Develop and strengthen programs for mental health support, isolation prevention, physical activity through sports and personalized programming, summer and day camp engagement, water safety programs, character development for youth and chronic disease prevention, including healthy weight/diabetes prevention
- Identify legislation to support and improve programs that support the healthy development of youth and Texans of all ages, including: programs for foster youth and those aging out of foster care, workforce development opportunities encompassing mentorships, apprenticeships, internships and summer youth employment.
Strengthen the foundation of our state by promoting a culture of service through: youth civic engagement (Youth and Government); voter registration campaigns to give voice to those we serve, develop Y volunteer corps opportunities for Texans of all ages to give back (Togetherhood Initiative) including support services for active military, veterans and their families; protect the nonprofit sector’s status, ability and capacity to respond to and deliver needed services in partnership with the state.
- Increase the engagement of elected officials in Youth and Government and create a YG Legislative Advisory Board, and create a YG alumni database of legislators and staff;
- Share our support of active military, veterans and their families during meetings with elected officials and actively engage Armed Services Ys in state alliance work;
- Identify legislation to support and/or improve protections to preserve charitable nonprofit tax-exempt status and enhance incentives for charitable giving; and to provide timely government reimbursement, including indirect costs for nonprofit services and streamlined grant administration for essential services provided by nonprofits.