Spending on education is one of the largest investments the state of Texas makes in its future, and how to get the greatest return on this investment is often the source of intense debate. K–12 education policies and funding come from local state and federal governments, and adjustments have been made to make spending more substantial and equitable across districts. Assessments are an ever-evolving process where both the state and federal government tie performance to aid. Higher education in Texas receives less central control from the state, but concerns over costs and fair and equitable access to a quality education have led to both legislative and judicial action.

Texas is a state with a large and quickly growing population, where a noticeably larger percentage of residents than the national average live in need. This is especially true of health insurance, as a larger proportion of Texans live without health insurance than in any other state. This creates a demand for public services that occupies a substantial part of the state budget. Texas works in conjunction with the federal government to address its residents’ needs in both subsistence and health care. Programs such as TANF and SNAP provide financial and nutritional assistance, respectively, and the federal government matches the spending Texas commits. Programs such as Medicaid and SCHIP address the health-care needs of less fortunate Texans, and the recently passed Affordable Care Act has created incentives to make health insurance more accessible to Texans.