Bipartisan effort one of only two in U.S. to promote legislation supporting Youth Development, Healthy Living and Social Responsibility
Republican and Democrat legislators from the Texas House of Representatives and Senate have united to form the YMCA Legislative Caucus, the first of its kind in Texas and only the second in the United States.
Chaired by Representative Eddie Rodriguez (D-Austin) and Senator Larry Taylor (R-Friendswood), the Caucus is a bipartisan and bicameral effort to keep core YMCA issues of Youth Development, Healthy Living and Social Responsibility at the top of the public agenda.
“The YMCA has been dedicated to the health and wellness of the people in Texas for over 160 years and has a rich history of service to its constituency of over 1.4 million Texans,” said Rep. Rodriguez. “Collectively, Texas YMCAs, large and small, rural and urban, are working together to strengthen the foundations of communities throughout the Lone Star State.”
Caucus members will support YMCAs as effective partners, resources and advocates in the holistic development of children, youth and family strengthening programs. Members will serve as a conduit for information on the 27 YMCA associations serving communities across the state. During its inaugural biennium, the Caucus will highlight the YMCA's healthy living initiatives, including reducing childhood obesity and chronic disease prevention. The first Caucus meeting was held on April 29, 2015 at the Austin Club.
The Texas State Alliance of YMCAs is an association representing the interests and concerns of the 27 independent Ys across Texas. The Alliance is a nonprofit, grassroots-driven and volunteer-led organization that advocates on behalf of local Ys to promote the Y’s three areas of focus: Youth Development, Healthy Living, and Social Responsibility.
In 2014, Texas YMCAs collectively provided more than $25 million in financial assistance to ensure that tens of thousands of Texans can benefit from YMCA programs and memberships, regardless of their economic circumstance. More information is available at www.texasymcas.org.
Photo Caption Pictured (l-r): Gordon Echtenkamp, President & CEO, YMCA of Metropolitan Dallas, State Rep. Scott Turner (R-Rockwall), State Sen. Larry Taylor, Senate Chair (R-Friendswood), State Rep. Eddie Rodriguez, House Chair (D-Austin), State Rep. Gilbert Peña (R-Pasadena), James P. Finck, President & CEO, YMCA of Austin, Sandy Morander, President & CEO, YMCA of Greater San Antonio, Tony Shuman, President & CEO, YMCA of Metropolitan Fort Worth. Not pictured: State Rep. Jason Villalba (R-Dallas) and State Rep. Elliott Naishtat (D-Austin).