{"id":44454,"date":"2026-02-13T08:29:31","date_gmt":"2026-02-13T14:29:31","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/texascasa.org\/?p=44454"},"modified":"2026-02-20T12:45:46","modified_gmt":"2026-02-20T18:45:46","slug":"public-policy-update-key-reminders-2","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/texascasa.org\/es\/2026\/02\/13\/public-policy-update-key-reminders-2\/","title":{"rendered":"Public Policy Update + Key Reminders"},"content":{"rendered":"<style>.wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading44454_3144ce-f9, .wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading44454_3144ce-f9[data-kb-block=\"kb-adv-heading44454_3144ce-f9\"]{font-style:normal;}.wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading44454_3144ce-f9 mark.kt-highlight, .wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading44454_3144ce-f9[data-kb-block=\"kb-adv-heading44454_3144ce-f9\"] mark.kt-highlight{font-style:normal;color:#f76a0c;-webkit-box-decoration-break:clone;box-decoration-break:clone;padding-top:0px;padding-right:0px;padding-bottom:0px;padding-left:0px;}.wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading44454_3144ce-f9 img.kb-inline-image, .wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading44454_3144ce-f9[data-kb-block=\"kb-adv-heading44454_3144ce-f9\"] img.kb-inline-image{width:150px;vertical-align:baseline;}<\/style>\n<p class=\"kt-adv-heading44454_3144ce-f9 wp-block-kadence-advancedheading\" data-kb-block=\"kb-adv-heading44454_3144ce-f9\">As we head into a busy election year, it\u2019s important to take a moment to pause, reset and stay informed. This update shares key reminders about nonpartisan advocacy during campaign season, important information for the upcoming March primary elections and a new training opportunity to help you stay up to date on recent legislative outcomes impacting child welfare in Texas. Thank you for continuing to advocate thoughtfully and responsibly on behalf of children, parents and families.<\/p>\n\n\n<style>.wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading44454_0b62b2-0d, .wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading44454_0b62b2-0d[data-kb-block=\"kb-adv-heading44454_0b62b2-0d\"]{padding-top:var(--global-kb-spacing-xxs, 0.5rem);font-style:normal;}.wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading44454_0b62b2-0d mark.kt-highlight, .wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading44454_0b62b2-0d[data-kb-block=\"kb-adv-heading44454_0b62b2-0d\"] mark.kt-highlight{font-style:normal;color:#f76a0c;-webkit-box-decoration-break:clone;box-decoration-break:clone;padding-top:0px;padding-right:0px;padding-bottom:0px;padding-left:0px;}.wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading44454_0b62b2-0d img.kb-inline-image, .wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading44454_0b62b2-0d[data-kb-block=\"kb-adv-heading44454_0b62b2-0d\"] img.kb-inline-image{width:150px;vertical-align:baseline;}<\/style>\n<h5 class=\"kt-adv-heading44454_0b62b2-0d wp-block-kadence-advancedheading\" data-kb-block=\"kb-adv-heading44454_0b62b2-0d\"><strong>Advocacy Reminder During Campaign Season<\/strong><\/h5>\n\n\n<style>.wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading44454_9d6414-ed, .wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading44454_9d6414-ed[data-kb-block=\"kb-adv-heading44454_9d6414-ed\"]{font-style:normal;}.wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading44454_9d6414-ed mark.kt-highlight, .wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading44454_9d6414-ed[data-kb-block=\"kb-adv-heading44454_9d6414-ed\"] mark.kt-highlight{font-style:normal;color:#f76a0c;-webkit-box-decoration-break:clone;box-decoration-break:clone;padding-top:0px;padding-right:0px;padding-bottom:0px;padding-left:0px;}.wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading44454_9d6414-ed img.kb-inline-image, .wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading44454_9d6414-ed[data-kb-block=\"kb-adv-heading44454_9d6414-ed\"] img.kb-inline-image{width:150px;vertical-align:baseline;}<\/style>\n<p class=\"kt-adv-heading44454_9d6414-ed wp-block-kadence-advancedheading\" data-kb-block=\"kb-adv-heading44454_9d6414-ed\">As the midterm elections and campaign season approach, this is a helpful reminder that, as 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations, local CASA programs must remain strictly nonpartisan. Advocacy related to CASA\u2019s mission is always encouraged, but federal law prohibits 501(c)(3) organizations from supporting or opposing specific political candidates, parties or campaigns.<\/p>\n\n\n<style>.wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading44454_0fbcfc-fc, .wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading44454_0fbcfc-fc[data-kb-block=\"kb-adv-heading44454_0fbcfc-fc\"]{font-style:normal;}.wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading44454_0fbcfc-fc mark.kt-highlight, .wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading44454_0fbcfc-fc[data-kb-block=\"kb-adv-heading44454_0fbcfc-fc\"] mark.kt-highlight{font-style:normal;color:#f76a0c;-webkit-box-decoration-break:clone;box-decoration-break:clone;padding-top:0px;padding-right:0px;padding-bottom:0px;padding-left:0px;}.wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading44454_0fbcfc-fc img.kb-inline-image, .wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading44454_0fbcfc-fc[data-kb-block=\"kb-adv-heading44454_0fbcfc-fc\"] img.kb-inline-image{width:150px;vertical-align:baseline;}<\/style>\n<p class=\"kt-adv-heading44454_0fbcfc-fc wp-block-kadence-advancedheading\" data-kb-block=\"kb-adv-heading44454_0fbcfc-fc\">Local program staff and board members may, of course, engage in political activity in a personal capacity, but care should be taken to clearly separate personal political views from any CASA-related role, representation or event attendance.<\/p>\n\n\n<style>.wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading44454_5d71f7-c6, .wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading44454_5d71f7-c6[data-kb-block=\"kb-adv-heading44454_5d71f7-c6\"]{padding-top:var(--global-kb-spacing-xxs, 0.5rem);font-style:normal;}.wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading44454_5d71f7-c6 mark.kt-highlight, .wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading44454_5d71f7-c6[data-kb-block=\"kb-adv-heading44454_5d71f7-c6\"] mark.kt-highlight{font-style:normal;color:#f76a0c;-webkit-box-decoration-break:clone;box-decoration-break:clone;padding-top:0px;padding-right:0px;padding-bottom:0px;padding-left:0px;}.wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading44454_5d71f7-c6 img.kb-inline-image, .wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading44454_5d71f7-c6[data-kb-block=\"kb-adv-heading44454_5d71f7-c6\"] img.kb-inline-image{width:150px;vertical-align:baseline;}<\/style>\n<h5 class=\"kt-adv-heading44454_5d71f7-c6 wp-block-kadence-advancedheading\" data-kb-block=\"kb-adv-heading44454_5d71f7-c6\"><strong>March Primary Elections<\/strong><\/h5>\n\n\n<style>.wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading44454_588426-51, .wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading44454_588426-51[data-kb-block=\"kb-adv-heading44454_588426-51\"]{font-style:normal;}.wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading44454_588426-51 mark.kt-highlight, .wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading44454_588426-51[data-kb-block=\"kb-adv-heading44454_588426-51\"] mark.kt-highlight{font-style:normal;color:#f76a0c;-webkit-box-decoration-break:clone;box-decoration-break:clone;padding-top:0px;padding-right:0px;padding-bottom:0px;padding-left:0px;}.wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading44454_588426-51 img.kb-inline-image, .wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading44454_588426-51[data-kb-block=\"kb-adv-heading44454_588426-51\"] img.kb-inline-image{width:150px;vertical-align:baseline;}<\/style>\n<p class=\"kt-adv-heading44454_588426-51 wp-block-kadence-advancedheading\" data-kb-block=\"kb-adv-heading44454_588426-51\">Texas will hold its <strong>2026\u00a0Primary Election on Tuesday, March 3, 2026<\/strong> (polls open 7 a.m.\u20137 p.m.) with <strong>early voting ending on Friday, February 27, 2026<\/strong>. This election will determine the nominees of each major party for federal, state and many local offices ahead of the November general election.<\/p>\n\n\n<style>.wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading44454_55ff81-49, .wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading44454_55ff81-49[data-kb-block=\"kb-adv-heading44454_55ff81-49\"]{font-style:normal;}.wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading44454_55ff81-49 mark.kt-highlight, .wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading44454_55ff81-49[data-kb-block=\"kb-adv-heading44454_55ff81-49\"] mark.kt-highlight{font-style:normal;color:#f76a0c;-webkit-box-decoration-break:clone;box-decoration-break:clone;padding-top:0px;padding-right:0px;padding-bottom:0px;padding-left:0px;}.wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading44454_55ff81-49 img.kb-inline-image, .wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading44454_55ff81-49[data-kb-block=\"kb-adv-heading44454_55ff81-49\"] img.kb-inline-image{width:150px;vertical-align:baseline;}<\/style>\n<p class=\"kt-adv-heading44454_55ff81-49 wp-block-kadence-advancedheading\" data-kb-block=\"kb-adv-heading44454_55ff81-49\">There are many statewide seats on the ballot this year, including governor, lieutenant governor, attorney general, comptroller and more. Republicans and Democrats will also choose candidates for congressional and legislative offices. You can learn more about who will be on your ballot on Election Day&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/apps.texastribune.org\/features\/2026\/texas-march-2026-primary-ballot\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">here<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n<style>.wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading44454_ab4315-07, .wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading44454_ab4315-07[data-kb-block=\"kb-adv-heading44454_ab4315-07\"]{padding-top:var(--global-kb-spacing-xxs, 0.5rem);font-style:normal;}.wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading44454_ab4315-07 mark.kt-highlight, .wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading44454_ab4315-07[data-kb-block=\"kb-adv-heading44454_ab4315-07\"] mark.kt-highlight{font-style:normal;color:#f76a0c;-webkit-box-decoration-break:clone;box-decoration-break:clone;padding-top:0px;padding-right:0px;padding-bottom:0px;padding-left:0px;}.wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading44454_ab4315-07 img.kb-inline-image, .wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading44454_ab4315-07[data-kb-block=\"kb-adv-heading44454_ab4315-07\"] img.kb-inline-image{width:150px;vertical-align:baseline;}<\/style>\n<h5 class=\"kt-adv-heading44454_ab4315-07 wp-block-kadence-advancedheading\" data-kb-block=\"kb-adv-heading44454_ab4315-07\"><strong>Post Session Training Webinar LIVE!<\/strong><\/h5>\n\n\n<style>.wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading44454_db61ff-54, .wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading44454_db61ff-54[data-kb-block=\"kb-adv-heading44454_db61ff-54\"]{font-style:normal;}.wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading44454_db61ff-54 mark.kt-highlight, .wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading44454_db61ff-54[data-kb-block=\"kb-adv-heading44454_db61ff-54\"] mark.kt-highlight{font-style:normal;color:#f76a0c;-webkit-box-decoration-break:clone;box-decoration-break:clone;padding-top:0px;padding-right:0px;padding-bottom:0px;padding-left:0px;}.wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading44454_db61ff-54 img.kb-inline-image, .wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading44454_db61ff-54[data-kb-block=\"kb-adv-heading44454_db61ff-54\"] img.kb-inline-image{width:150px;vertical-align:baseline;}<\/style>\n<p class=\"kt-adv-heading44454_db61ff-54 wp-block-kadence-advancedheading\" data-kb-block=\"kb-adv-heading44454_db61ff-54\">The Public Policy team recorded a virtual version of our in-person Tour of Texas post-legislative session training, which is now available to watch&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/texascasa.org\/program-portal\/resources\/89th-legislation-post-session\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">here<\/a>. This webinar provides local CASA program volunteers, staff and board members with an overview of the key legislative and funding outcomes of the 89th Legislative Session in 2025, and the resulting legislative changes impacting child welfare in Texas.<\/p>\n\n\n<style>.wp-block-kadence-advancedbtn.kb-btns44454_3e7677-76{gap:var(--global-kb-gap-xs, 0.5rem );justify-content:center;align-items:center;}.kt-btns44454_3e7677-76 .kt-button{font-weight:normal;font-style:normal;}.kt-btns44454_3e7677-76 .kt-btn-wrap-0{margin-right:5px;}.wp-block-kadence-advancedbtn.kt-btns44454_3e7677-76 .kt-btn-wrap-0 .kt-button{color:#555555;border-color:#555555;}.wp-block-kadence-advancedbtn.kt-btns44454_3e7677-76 .kt-btn-wrap-0 .kt-button:hover, .wp-block-kadence-advancedbtn.kt-btns44454_3e7677-76 .kt-btn-wrap-0 .kt-button:focus{color:#ffffff;border-color:#444444;}.wp-block-kadence-advancedbtn.kt-btns44454_3e7677-76 .kt-btn-wrap-0 .kt-button::before{display:none;}.wp-block-kadence-advancedbtn.kt-btns44454_3e7677-76 .kt-btn-wrap-0 .kt-button:hover, .wp-block-kadence-advancedbtn.kt-btns44454_3e7677-76 .kt-btn-wrap-0 .kt-button:focus{background:#444444;}<\/style>\n<div class=\"wp-block-kadence-advancedbtn kb-buttons-wrap kb-btns44454_3e7677-76\"><style>ul.menu .wp-block-kadence-advancedbtn .kb-btn44454_e33cf9-12.kb-button{width:initial;}.wp-block-kadence-advancedbtn .kb-btn44454_e33cf9-12.kb-button{color:var(--theme-palette-color-9, #fff);background:var(--theme-palette-color-3, #002857);font-size:var(--global-kb-font-size-md, 1.25rem);font-family:ct_font_geometric__black;text-transform:uppercase;border-top-left-radius:40px;border-top-right-radius:40px;border-bottom-right-radius:40px;border-bottom-left-radius:40px;padding-top:var(--global-kb-spacing-xs, 1rem);padding-right:var(--global-kb-spacing-lg, 3rem);padding-bottom:var(--global-kb-spacing-xs, 1rem);padding-left:var(--global-kb-spacing-lg, 3rem);margin-top:var(--global-kb-spacing-xs, 1rem);}.wp-block-kadence-advancedbtn .kb-btn44454_e33cf9-12.kb-button:hover, .wp-block-kadence-advancedbtn .kb-btn44454_e33cf9-12.kb-button:focus{color:var(--theme-palette-color-8, #ffffff);background:var(--theme-palette-color-2, #ed1b2e);border-top-left-radius:40px;border-top-right-radius:40px;border-bottom-right-radius:40px;border-bottom-left-radius:40px;}<\/style><a class=\"kb-button kt-button button kb-btn44454_e33cf9-12 kt-btn-size-standard kt-btn-width-type-auto kb-btn-global-fill  kt-btn-has-text-true kt-btn-has-svg-false  wp-block-kadence-singlebtn\" href=\"https:\/\/texascasa.org\/program-portal\/public-policy-legislative-advocacy\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"><span class=\"kt-btn-inner-text\">public policy portal<\/span><\/a><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>As we head into a busy election year, it\u2019s important to take a moment to pause, reset and stay informed. This update shares key reminders about nonpartisan advocacy during campaign [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":42,"featured_media":42164,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"_tec_requires_first_save":true,"_gspb_post_css":"","inline_featured_image":false,"_kad_blocks_custom_css":"","_kad_blocks_head_custom_js":"","_kad_blocks_body_custom_js":"","_kad_blocks_footer_custom_js":"","_EventAllDay":false,"_EventTimezone":"","_EventStartDate":"","_EventEndDate":"","_EventStartDateUTC":"","_EventEndDateUTC":"","_EventShowMap":false,"_EventShowMapLink":false,"_EventURL":"","_EventCost":"","_EventCostDescription":"","_EventCurrencySymbol":"","_EventCurrencyCode":"","_EventCurrencyPosition":"","_EventDateTimeSeparator":"","_EventTimeRangeSeparator":"","_EventOrganizerID":[],"_EventVenueID":[],"_OrganizerEmail":"","_OrganizerPhone":"","_OrganizerWebsite":"","_VenueAddress":"","_VenueCity":"","_VenueCountry":"","_VenueProvince":"","_VenueState":"","_VenueZip":"","_VenuePhone":"","_VenueURL":"","_VenueStateProvince":"","_VenueLat":"","_VenueLng":"","_VenueShowMap":false,"_VenueShowMapLink":false,"_tribe_blocks_recurrence_rules":"","_tribe_blocks_recurrence_description":"","_tribe_blocks_recurrence_exclusions":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[86,94],"tags":[],"topics":[129],"class_list":["post-44454","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-inside-casa","category-public-policy","topics-public-policy-legislative-advocacy"],"blocksy_meta":[],"acf":[],"taxonomy_info":{"category":[{"value":86,"label":"Inside CASA"},{"value":94,"label":"Public Policy"}],"topics":[{"value":129,"label":"Public Policy &amp; Legislative Advocacy"}]},"featured_image_src_large":["https:\/\/texascasa.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/Addt.-Info-Insta-Size-Stock-Photos-1-1024x1024.png",1024,1024,true],"author_info":{"display_name":"Kelly Clarke","author_link":"https:\/\/texascasa.org\/es\/author\/kclarke\/"},"comment_info":0,"category_info":[{"term_id":86,"name":"Inside CASA","slug":"inside-casa","term_group":0,"term_taxonomy_id":86,"taxonomy":"category","description":"","parent":0,"count":177,"filter":"raw","cat_ID":86,"category_count":177,"category_description":"","cat_name":"Inside CASA","category_nicename":"inside-casa","category_parent":0},{"term_id":94,"name":"Public Policy","slug":"public-policy","term_group":0,"term_taxonomy_id":94,"taxonomy":"category","description":"","parent":0,"count":34,"filter":"raw","cat_ID":94,"category_count":34,"category_description":"","cat_name":"Public Policy","category_nicename":"public-policy","category_parent":0}],"tag_info":false,"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/texascasa.org\/es\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/44454","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/texascasa.org\/es\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/texascasa.org\/es\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/texascasa.org\/es\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/42"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/texascasa.org\/es\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=44454"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/texascasa.org\/es\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/44454\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/texascasa.org\/es\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/42164"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/texascasa.org\/es\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=44454"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/texascasa.org\/es\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=44454"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/texascasa.org\/es\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=44454"},{"taxonomy":"topics","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/texascasa.org\/es\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/topics?post=44454"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}