Capitol News: March 14
Friday, March 8th, was the last day to file a bill in the Legislature, and there was no shortage of last minute bills (we're still updating our bill tracker!). Now, the real work of this session begins. Here's where we are on our top priorities:
- Raising personal attendant wages: The most recent draft of the state budget allocates $97 million of General Revenue to attendant wages. With the money already set aside in the HHSC budget, this brings the total to $250 million. This is an increase, but we think we can do better.
- Waitlists for community services: The most recent draft of the state budget allocates $64 million of General Revenue to community services. These funds would result in a 5% decrease in waitlists, but CTD is working to improve this figure.
- Community First Choice Option: The controversial SB 7 (read more here) would make the CFCO available to Medicaid recipients. CTD is working to dispel misinformation and open up the conversation about SB 7. Stay tuned!
- State Supported Living Centers: Several bills have been filed that address this expensive and dehumanizing institution. HB 3312 mandates a study of SSLCs and HB 3528 calls for the creation of a SSLC Realignment Commission. The most dramatic, HB 3527 and its counterpart in the Senate, SB 1766, calls for the closure and consolidation of SSLCs. CTD supports all of these bills.
Plus CTD is monitoring, supporting, opposing and offering amendments on some 35 other bills.
Outside the Capitol, CTD is planning strategies and collaborating with our partners to continue the momentum from last week's Texas Medicaid Matters March and Rally. Here's how you can help! While the Rally is over, the campaign to protect Medicaid in Texas has only just begun!
Be An Advocate
“Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed, citizens can change the world. Indeed, it is the only thing that ever has.”
- Margaret Mead
