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2026 Agenda

So far this year, through small group conversations and listening sessions in Valley Interfaith institutions, people are expressing concerns about immigration, food assistance, healthcare, DREAMers, and flooding. We are asking leaders and congregations to learn about these issues and organize together for practical solutions.

A new federal law will require Texas to pay approximately $117 million more each year to administer SNAP. Texas could also face approximately $709 million in additional annual costs if the state does not reduce mistakes in calculating benefits. Payment errors include both overpayments and underpayments and do not necessarily mean fraud.  New work-reporting requirements may also cause eligible families to lose food assistance if they cannot document enough work, training, or volunteer hours. (Feeding Texas)

Valley Interfaith supports:

  • Providing the state funding necessary to maintain SNAP.
  • Improving the application system and reducing unnecessary delays.
  • Protecting children, older adults, and working families from losing food assistance because of paperwork or state errors.

The expanded federal tax credits that made Affordable Care Act plans more affordable expired at the end of 2025. Many families are now paying higher monthly premiums or selecting plans with higher deductibles and fewer benefits. (KFF)

Valley Interfaith supports:

  • Restoring assistance that lowers monthly insurance premiums.
  • Protecting families from unaffordable deductibles and medical bills.
  • Expanding access to affordable, quality healthcare throughout Texas.

Flooding repeatedly damages homes, streets, businesses, and public infrastructure across the Rio Grande Valley. The region's flat terrain, slow-draining soil, aging infrastructure, and continued development make many neighborhoods especially vulnerable. (Texas Water Development Board)

Valley Interfaith supports:

  • More state and federal funding for drainage and flood-control projects.
  • Priority for neighborhoods and rural areas that flood repeatedly.
  • Stronger drainage requirements for new development.
  • Better coordination, maintenance, and public timelines for projects.
  • Keeping roads accessible during major storms.

Court challenges continue to threaten DACA and the ability of Dreamers to work legally. For now, current DACA recipients - including those living in Texas - can continue requesting renewals of their DACA protections and work permits. However, the program's future remains uncertain, and new initial applications are still not being granted. (USCIS)

Valley Interfaith supports:

  • Permanent legal protections and a path to citizenship for Dreamers.
  • Continued work authorization and access to driver's licenses.
  • More trustworthy legal assistance for DACA recipients who may qualify for other immigration protections.

Nearly 71% of people in ICE detention have no criminal conviction. Texas holds more ICE detainees than any other state, with nearly 19,000 people detained on an average day. Families are being separated, and people without attorneys can struggle to understand notices, attend court hearings, and present their cases. (TRAC Reports)

Valley Interfaith supports:

  • Focusing enforcement resources on genuine public-safety threats - not hardworking families.
  • Fair hearings and greater access to trustworthy legal assistance.
  • Ending the unnecessary detention of children and families.
  • Modernizing the immigration system so longtime community members can earn legal status.