As the holidays approach, many of us look forward to gathering with family and friends, sharing meals, and giving thanks for the blessings of the past year. But for too many families in West Texas, this season brings financial stress and hard choices.
According to Feeding Texas, 20% of children, 11% of households with seniors, 25% of African Americans and 18% of Latinos are facing hunger in Texas. This means that over 4 million Texans, including many in our communities, are forced to choose between paying bills, buying groceries, or sharing a warm holiday meal with their loved ones.
The holidays are a time for coming together and giving thanks, and that starts with making sure families have food on the table.
In a state as resourceful as Texas, food insecurity should never be a reality. But while the need is high, our office is working hard to make sure that families in Senate District 29 have what they need to make it through these times and that we’re addressing the barriers that make it hard for families to access basic necessities.
One such barrier is the Vehicle Asset Test, which determines eligibility for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) based on vehicle value limits. Established in 2001, Texas caps the value of a household’s main vehicle at $15,000 and any additional vehicle at $4,650. These limits are relics of the past; they don’t reflect the realities of today’s economy. Many families rely on a reliable vehicle to get to work, access healthcare, and take their kids to school — yet outdated policies penalize them for having the vehicles they need to survive.
That’s why I was proud to help pass HB 1287 last session. This bill delivered a one-time inflation adjustment to the Vehicle Asset Test, updating the car value limits to align with today’s market. We increased the cap from $15,000 to $22,500 for a family’s primary vehicle and from $4,650 to $8,700 for any additional vehicles — providing a hand-up to thousands of Texas families battling food insecurity, ensuring they aren’t penalized for owning the vehicles essential to moving toward self-sufficiency.
But fighting food insecurity goes beyond policy. It requires rolling up our sleeves and stepping up to support our neighbors directly. For the past decade, I’ve had the honor of hosting a Thanksgiving Turkey Drive for families in El Paso and West Texas. This annual event brings together neighbors, volunteers, and local organizations who are committed to helping families receive the Thanksgiving meal they deserve. Last year, we distributed over 285 turkeys to families in need, and this November, I’m grateful for the opportunity to host our 10th annual drive, bringing a little holiday light and warmth to hundreds of families across the region.
West Texas is a place where we look out for one another, especially when times are tough. Whether through policy that makes a real difference or through community events that bring us together, I’m committed to making sure families in our region have the support they need — not just during the holiday season but year-round.
Wishing everyone a holiday season filled with warmth, gratitude, and the spirit of community that defines who we are!