HB 2607 implemented quality control measures at Texas child care centers, but rising costs, a loss of federal funds and no additional state money has put a strain on the program, forcing cuts.
Jess Huff
Jess Huff joined the Tribune in 2023 and is based in Lufkin, Texas. She grew up in Utah and has also lived in Arizona and the Netherlands. Her latest adventure brought her to East Texas where she worked for The Lufkin Daily News, leading the publication to numerous awards for investigative reporting in the region. Jess attended Northern Arizona University on a debate scholarship and fell in love with the journalism program after a course on alternative storytelling devices. Her work has been published in the Arizona Daily Sun, The Associated Press, The Lufkin Daily News, Capital & Main and a number of local outlets across Texas.
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Environment
AGโs office sides with community in the fight over public access to an East Texas waterway
A brief on the Cutoff stream, which a billionaire blocked access to, was issued by the state agency in the days leading up to oral arguments before the 12th Court of Appeals.
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Texas affordability crisis
How Texas candidates plan to lower the cost of gas, groceries and housing
From groceries to childcare, Texans are spending more to live here. Hereโs how much costs have risen, why itโs happening and what candidates are proposing to fix it.
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Environment
Institute launches in East Texas to address the region and stateโs largest water challenges
The new institute plans to help solve Texas’ looming water crisis through research, data and training future workforces.
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Health care
More than 200,000 Texans are waiting for Medicaid approval as enrollment declines
Outdated technology and stricter requirements for Medicaid and SNAP food assistance have made it harder for Texas to give timely approval to applications, state officials and advocates say.
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Energy
East Texas sits on a goldmine of lithium, but questions loom over how the state will regulate mining and production
As the U.S. pushes to reduce reliance on foreign suppliers, Texas companies prepare to capitalize on the state’s emerging lithium industry.
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Economy
Texas cuts child care subsidy program. Hereโs what that means.
Inflation and federal funding cuts have squeezed Texasโ child care subsidy, causing the Texas Workforce Commission to scale back the program.
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Data Centers in Texas
East Texas data center project pulled after facing community backlash
Diode Ventures said Gov. Greg Abbott’s tougher stance on data center development in rural areas drove the decision to cancel the project
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Economy
Texarkana region embraces lithium mining potential
Texarkanaโs first lithium symposium marked a milestone for Texas lithium development, laying the groundwork for discussions on critical issues.
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Environment
East Texas counties move to protect groundwater with new conservation district
More than a dozen counties in Northeast Texas have signed resolutions to create a groundwater conservation district in a bid to protect local groundwater.