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Enhanced Demographic Data Collection

WHEREAS, Texas is the second most diverse state in the nation, with cities like Houston among the most multicultural in the United States; and

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WHEREAS, current demographic data collected by the Texas Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC) and other agencies for public benefits programs—such as SNAP, TANF, WIC, Medicaid, and CHIP—relies on broad racial and ethnic categories that fail to capture community nuances, masking the unique challenges and needs of specific subgroups; and

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WHEREAS, this lack of granular data limits effective resource allocation, targeted public health initiatives, and the tailoring of policies to meet the needs of Texas’ diverse communities; and

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WHEREAS, improved and disaggregated demographic data strengthens families and communities, improves health outcomes, supports economic mobility, and increases the efficiency of state-administered programs; and

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WHEREAS, publishing anonymized, accessible data enhances transparency, builds public trust, and allows policymakers, researchers, and community organizations to make informed decisions.

THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the Texas Democratic Party supports enhancing demographic data collection for public benefits programs, including expanding racial and ethnic categories and allowing individuals to self-identify additional subgroups; and


BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the TDP urges the Texas Legislature to support and enact legislation advancing inclusive, disaggregated demographic data collection; and


BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the TDP calls upon state legislators to recognize the value of granular demographic data and to support policies and programs reflecting the needs of Texas’ diverse population; and


BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the TDP encourages HHSC and other relevant agencies to publish anonymized, accessible data to strengthen transparency, maximize program effectiveness, and ensure equitable resource allocation for all Texans.

Passed at the 2026 Texas Democratic Convention in Corpus Christi on June 27

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