Texas has experienced extraordinary economic growth over the past 25 years, but are Texans actually feeling the benefits?
John Hryhorchuk, Senior Vice President of Policy and Advocacy at Texas 2036, returns to Texas Talks with Brad Swail to discuss the organization's latest statewide polling, the issues motivating Texas voters, and the policy challenges facing lawmakers ahead of the 2027 legislative session.
Despite decades of economic expansion, Texas 2036's polling reveals a growing disconnect between the state's economic success and how residents feel about their own lives. Only 52% of surveyed voters believe they have personally benefited from Texas's growth, while 67.7% say they are extremely or very concerned about the future.
John explains what these findings reveal about affordability, economic opportunity, and voters' confidence in their ability to control their own futures. He also examines the surprising areas of agreement between Republicans and Democrats, particularly on education, health care, and infrastructure.
Education emerges as one of the strongest priorities in the polling, with voters emphasizing the importance of children reading and performing math at grade level. The conversation explores why education has risen in importance, how attitudes toward border security have shifted, and what these changes could mean for the next legislative session.
Health care affordability is another major concern. John discusses widespread dissatisfaction with the current system, growing support for price transparency and oversight of health care consolidation, and the rising insurance costs facing Texas teachers.
The discussion then turns to water, electricity, and the rapid expansion of data centers across Texas. While data centers receive significant public attention, Texas 2036's polling suggests voters are more strongly motivated by broader concerns about affordable electricity, reliable water infrastructure, and everyday quality of life.
Brad and John also explore how Texas government agencies can better coordinate their data to improve services, evaluate education and workforce outcomes, and help policymakers respond more quickly to changing economic conditions.
Finally, they examine the growing influence of artificial intelligence in classrooms and the workforce, the importance of career and technical education, and the challenges of preparing students for jobs that may look very different in the years ahead.
As Texas approaches its bicentennial in 2036, the conversation raises a fundamental question: Can the state translate its remarkable economic growth into a better quality of life for all Texans?
Join Brad Swail and John Hryhorchuk on Texas Talks for a data-driven discussion about the future of Texas and the decisions facing its elected leaders.
00:00 - Opening: What Texas Voters Think About Data Centers
00:26 - Introducing John Hryhorchuk and Texas 2036
03:27 - The Texas Miracle: Are Texans Benefiting From Growth?
06:46 - Political Divisions, Economic Confidence and Voter Priorities
11:23 - Education Becomes a Top Priority for Texas Voters
14:57 - Why 67.7% of Texans Are Concerned About the Future
20:10 - Healthcare Affordability and Growing Support for Reform
25:39 - Rising Health Insurance Costs for Texas Teachers
27:07 - Data Centers, Water Infrastructure and Electricity Costs
33:09 - Government Accountability and Connecting State Agency Data
39:18 - Artificial Intelligence, Education and Workforce Readiness
44:59 - Texas 2036's Priorities for the 2027 Legislative Session