EDUCATION & VOTER SERVICE

The Education Fund works to encourage the active and informed participation of citizens in government and to increase understanding of major public policy issues. The League Education Fund volunteers:

• Register voters
• Produce election guides and a directory of local officials
• Sponsor candidate forums and debates

Our Signature Voter Service Publications

The Education Fund publishes the Voters Guide that compiles candidate positions on pertinent issues and presents the pros and cons of amendments on the ballot.

It also publishes the Voters Key, a listing of elected officials for Houston and Harris County, including local, state, and federal positions.

OUR CURRENT ISSUES OF INTEREST

The Education Fund provides research, publications and forums on public policy issues. Relevant educational issues addressed in 2011 include:

The Federal Role in Public Education

The federal government has played a role in public education since the late 18th century when it issued land grants to establish colleges and universities. Its role has continued through the beginning of the 21st century with the Race to the Top competitive grants for innovations in teaching and curricula. That long and varied history is outlined in the League’s research papers: “The Federal Role in Education.”

Should Water Be a Commodity?

Texas is experiencing record-breaking drought in 2011 with no end in sight. The state’s population is expected to increase by 80% by 2060 while water supplies are projected to decrease by 10% over the same time period. What can or should be done to make sure Texas has water to meet future needs of municipalities, business and industry, and farmers and ranchers? “Should Water Be a Commodity?” Or should it be regulated as a natural resource? Download the pdf.

Human Trafficking

Human trafficking, modern-day slavery, has leapt into the public consciousness in recent years with the realization that it is not just a problem “over there” but that it is a big problem right here in the United States of America. Texas is a major hub for human trafficking and Houston (with I-10 running through it and its proximity to the border and to a major seaport) is a major hub in Texas. A number of governmental agencies and offices, at all three levels of government, along with task forces, agencies, and NGOs are working to rescue the victims and prosecute the perpetrators of this, the second most profitable criminal enterprise. The League’s research to identify the laws and law enforcers is detailed on the Hot Topics page.