Leilani Barnett says Republicans want to close public schools in Texas
Texas House District 69 candidate Leilani Barnett said data centers are needed but argued their rapid expansion could threaten water supplies, rural lifestyles and the electric grid. She called for clearer requirements on data center water use and stronger protections for households, farms and livestock during grid emergencies.
Leilani Barnett, a retired educator and Democratic candidate for Texas House District 69, said Texas’ data center tax incentives have reduced state revenue that could otherwise support public schools. She argued that the industry’s growth could contribute to school funding pressures, particularly as the state expands its school voucher program.
Barnett said data centers also raise concerns in the drought-prone, largely rural district, which includes Wichita Falls and Clay County. She called for water-use reporting and regulations, questioned whether data centers should be required to disconnect from the electric grid during emergencies, and said grid protections should prioritize residents, farms and livestock.