- The COVID-19 pandemic has significantly affected Texas, leading to health concerns, economic challenges, and disruptions across various sectors.
2. Economic Growth and Job Creation:
- Texas faces challenges in maintaining its strong economic growth and creating jobs while diversifying its economy beyond the energy sector.
3. Education and Workforce Development:
- Addressing issues related to education quality, access to higher education, and workforce development to meet future demands.
4. Immigration:
- Managing immigration policies, including undocumented immigration and border security, remains a contentious issue in Texas.
5. Climate Change and Natural Disasters:
- The state's vulnerability to extreme weather events, such as hurricanes and droughts, requires strategies for climate resilience.
6. Water Resources and Conservation:
- Ensuring adequate and sustainable water resources for population growth and economic development is crucial in Texas.
7. Healthcare Access and Affordability:
- Addressing disparities in healthcare access and making healthcare more affordable for Texans are ongoing challenges.
8. Infrastructure Development:
- Investments in transportation infrastructure, public transportation, and broadband access to facilitate economic growth and connectivity.
9. Gun Laws:
- Texas's gun laws, including regulations on firearm purchases and carrying, continue to be a subject of debate and policy discussions.
10. Housing Affordability:
- Managing rising housing costs and ensuring affordable housing options for residents, especially in rapidly growing cities.
11. Criminal Justice Reform:
- Addressing concerns related to mass incarceration, racial disparities in the criminal justice system, and advocating for criminal justice reform.
12. Environmental Protection and Conservation:
- Balancing economic development and environmental protection, including protecting natural habitats and endangered species.
13. Energy Policy:
- Shaping the state's energy policies, including the regulation of oil and gas production and the transition to renewable energy sources.
14. Urbanization and Growth Management:
- Addressing the challenges of rapid urbanization, including managing urban sprawl, preserving open spaces, and planning for sustainable growth.
