Full Notification

HARRIS COUNTY, TX – On Tuesday, Sheriff Adrian Garcia recorded his support of Texas House Bill 1100. HB1100 stands alone amongst the many bills before the 84th Texas Legislature addressing early childhood education and access to Pre-K for Texas Children.

During his February State of the State Address, Governor Greg Abbott declared access to Pre-K as his top emergency priority for the 84th Legislature.

The Gold Standard for quality Pre-K outlined in HB1100 calls for advanced teacher certification, reduced teacher-student ratios, full day classrooms, and standardized curricula throughout the State.

Sheriff Garcia knows that quality Pre-K, like that proposed in HB1100, reduces crime and taxpayer burdens in the criminal justice system. Access to quality early education prepares children for long-term academic success, thereby reducing the likelihood that they will turn to crime in later years.

Read the full text of Sheriff Garcia’s letter to representatives from the Houston Delegation and members of the House Public Education Committee:


Dear House Member,

On March 10, 2015, I recorded my support of HB1100 during a hearing on the many early childhood education bills before the Public Education Committee.

The Gold Standard for Pre-K outlined in HB1100 will provide the most needy population of students with access to quality early childhood education, while simultaneously incentivising school districts to adopt the standards universally recognized by top researchers in education.

Seven of every ten inmates in county jails and prisons throughout Texas failed to attain a high school diploma. Access to quality early education prepares children for long-term academic success, thereby reducing the likelihood that they will turn to crime in later years.

The State of Texas spends approximately $2.5 billion on incarceration every year. An early investment in providing young people with a quality education will save taxpayer earnings on the back end.

The Gold Standard, which calls for teacher education and certification in early childhood education, appropriate teacher-student ratios, full day classrooms, and standardized curricula, will have the greatest impact on the development of Texas children while reducing future crimes in the community.

As Gov. Abbott pursues Pre-K programs as an emergency legislative item, HB1100 is the most conservative approach to funding Pre-K as it sets out specific criteria for school districts to adopt if they want to qualify for funding for eligible students. “Throwing money at the problem” without providing standards and goals would be an irresponsible use of your constituents’ money.

I hope that you will agree with me that a vote for the standards outlined in HB1100 is a vote for the future of Texas children and a vote for public safety in Texas.

Sincerest Regards,
Adrian Garcia, Sheriff
Harris County