government
Rising healthcare costs are straining Texas businesses as the Legislature seeks solutions
By Texas Tribune, Paul Cobler at KPRC 2 / Click2Houston (NBC)
· July 6, 2026
· 11 min read
The expenses to operate three restaurants in Waco are rising across the board, but there’s one growing cost in particular that feels nearly impossible to manage — providing employee health insurance, co-owner Kyle Citrano said. “Every year, it can change on you in a heartbeat,” said Citrano, whos...
Key takeaway “Every year, it can change on you in a heartbeat,” said Citrano, whose family runs George’s, George’s #2 and Jorge’s Cantina.
Why this matters in The Pearland
In Pearland , where small businesses and restaurants are a vital part of the community, the rising healthcare costs faced by Texas businesses will likely have a ripple effect. As employers struggle to manage increasing health insurance costs, they may be forced to pass on the burden to employees or cut back on hiring, which could impact the local job market. With many Pearland residents commuting to Houston for work, the strain on businesses in the area could also affect the overall economic stability of the community. As the Legislature seeks solutions to this issue, Pearland business owners and residents will be watching closely to see how proposed changes might alleviate the pressure on local employers and employees alike. The impact of rising healthcare costs on Pearland's small business community will be an important factor to consider as lawmakers work to find a solution that benefits both businesses and residents.
About this story
Original reporting by KPRC 2 / Click2Houston (NBC) . The Pearland surfaces reporting from trusted publishers and adds local editorial context so readers can quickly understand what a story means for their community. We attribute every source, link to the original report, and follow a documented editorial standards policy. To understand how stories are selected and reviewed, read our about page .
For the complete original report, visit KPRC 2 / Click2Houston (NBC) . Have a tip or correction? Contact our newsroom .
Category: government ·
Published: July 6, 2026 ·
Source: KPRC 2 / Click2Houston (NBC) ·
Reading time: 11 min
Get more The Pearland stories like this
Free weekly briefing covering government and other local news. Curated by our editorial team. No spam.
By subscribing you agree to our privacy policy . Unsubscribe anytime.
Frequently asked about this story
What is this story about? The expenses to operate three restaurants in Waco are rising across the board, but there’s one growing cost in particular that feels nearly impossible to manage — providing employee health insurance, co-owner Kyle Citrano said. “Every year, it can change on you in a heartbeat,” said Citrano, whos...
When was this published? This article was first published on July 6, 2026 by KPRC 2 / Click2Houston (NBC) and curated for The Pearland readers.
Who reported this story? This story was reported by Texas Tribune, Paul Cobler at KPRC 2 / Click2Houston (NBC). To learn more about how The Pearland selects and reviews stories, see our editorial standards .
Where can I find related coverage? See more government coverage from The Pearland, or browse our daily briefing and topic hubs .
← Back to all news
More government →
Today’s briefing
Subscribe to newsletter