How the “Big Beautiful Bill” Puts Texas Families and Our Public Schools at Risk

Our Texas Families and Our Public Schools are at Risk

When President Trump signed the so-called “Big Beautiful Bill” into law on July 4, Texas families and communities will immediately feel the consequences. While some lawmakers claim this legislation will “streamline” federal spending, the reality is that it guts vital support systems for millions of working families by slashing Medicaid funding, cutting SNAP food assistance, and rolling back Affordable Care Act protections.

This is not just a health care or economic issue; it’s an education issue, too. And our schools, students, and communities will pay the price.

Texas Already Leads the Nation in Uninsured Kids

Texas already has the highest rate of uninsured children in the country, and nearly one in five Texas kids has no health insurance at all. For many working families, Medicaid and the Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP) are critical lifelines that help keep kids healthy and in the classroom.

Under this new bill, millions of Americans stand to lose Medicaid coverage due to harsh cuts and strict work requirements. Here in Texas, that means thousands of children will arrive at school without access to basic medical care, vaccinations, or mental health support. Chronic conditions like asthma, diabetes, and learning disabilities will go untreated, making it harder for students to attend school regularly, focus in class, and succeed.

SNAP Cuts Hit Hungry Kids Hardest

The “Big Beautiful Bill” doesn’t stop at health care; it also cuts funding for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP). In Texas, more than 3 million people rely on SNAP to put food on the table, including thousands of students who depend on school breakfast and lunch programs to meet their basic needs.

When families lose SNAP benefits, schools see an immediate impact: more hungry students show up to class without having eaten, affecting concentration, behavior, and overall academic performance. Hunger doesn’t stop when the bell rings; it follows kids into every lesson, every test, and every opportunity they might otherwise have to succeed.

Schools Depend on Medicaid and Nutrition Programs

Many Texans don’t realize that public schools rely on Medicaid reimbursements and federal meal programs to provide essential services and nutrition. Schools use Medicaid funds to deliver speech therapy, mental health counseling, and special education support. SNAP works hand in hand with school meal programs to ensure that kids have the fuel they need to learn.

When those funds disappear, schools are forced to make impossible choices—they must cover these costs themselves and provide services that help the students who need them most.

The Ripple Effect on Texas Schools

When students lack health insurance or don’t get enough to eat at home, they miss more school days and struggle to keep up in class. Teachers spend more time managing untreated health conditions than focusing on learning. Communities see higher dropout rates, a less prepared workforce, and a greater burden on local resources.

For Texas, a state that already underfunds its public schools by thousands of dollars per student compared to the national average, these cuts pose another threat to our students and families. As our Executive Director, Andrew Sternke, reminds us:

Empathy and caring for vulnerable students and families are nonpartisan issues, and this new bill will negatively impact our public schools and students’ academics.

Where We Stand

At the Texas Public Education Defense Fund, we believe Texans must advocate for our kids and our schools. We must demand that our state and federal leaders protect Medicaid, SNAP, and other essential supports for the students and families who need them most. This is more than budgets and policy, it’s about who we are and what we value as a community.

TPEDF remains committed to advocating, educating, and, when necessary, litigating to protect our public schools and the communities they serve. Together, we can ensure every Texas child has the chance to learn, grow, and thrive.