For decades, Texas has not made a strategic investment in border communities that we have seen in other parts of the state. Failing to provide for the border region increases costs to the state, affecting family incomes across Texas.

Texas must invest in and create an economic engine in the border region that will allow this part of the state to grow and prosper.

The border lags behind the rest of Texas in educational attainment. 20 percent of all border residents (age 25 or older) have fewer than nine years of schooling. Only 11 percent have a bachelor’s degree and 6 percent have a post-graduate degree. Meanwhile, a fast growing unskilled labor force, coupled with limited job opportunities, creates high unemployment and lower wages.

The opportunity for Texas to thrive by strengthening the economy of the border is limitless. First, our workforce must be educated, skilled and able to carry the Texas economy forward.

Border residents face numerous health-related challenges – many of which are exacerbated by the region’s lack of health care facilities and infrastructure.

To ensure a brighter future for border citizens, we must improve access to health care.

U.S. immigration policies ignore the important role immigrants play in the state and national economies and jeopardize prosperity and global competitiveness along the Texas-Mexico border.

We must adopt fair and effective immigration policies that strengthens the border and recognizes the economic contributions immigrants make to the U.S. and Texas economies.

The region’s ports of entry and transportation infrastructure are being strained by increasing international trade, growth of the Maquiladora industry, a rising population and expansion of commercial and commuter traffic.

If the border region is to realize its economic potential, our roads, bridges and freight lines demand increased attention.