Capitol News: February 28
Stay informed about CTD's activities at the Capitol during the 83rd Texas Legislature with our Capitol News update. Each week, we'll discuss bills that we're tracking, opportunities for you to act and participate, and our advocacy efforts both inside and outside the Capitol complex.
Senate Bill 7 has been getting a lot of press, much of it negative. This large bill would pilot managed care for intellectual and developmental disabilities programs, introduce nursing facilities into existing STAR Plus programs, and bring services to 12,000 people who currently receive nothing. Some people are afraid that changes will result in loss of services.
On Tuesday, the Senate Health and Human Services committee held a panel to address concerns and information about the bill, and then listened to four hours of public testimony. Following the hearing, state health agencies held a question and answer session about SB 7 (the Texas Tribune has some excellent coverage of Tuesday's proceedings). CTD applauds Sen. Nelson and the Senate HHS committee for their efforts to promote transparency and accuracy regarding this divisive bill.
CTD supports SB 7 for several reasons. It is a step toward improving services in Texas. For example, SB 7's passage would enable the Community First Choice Option (CFCO) and add assessment based on functional need rather than diagnosis. Second, SB 7 would allow advocates to be a part of the conversation that shapes this potentially progressive and far-reaching piece of policy. In fact, prior to Tuesday's hearing, Sen. Nelson had invited CTD to give input and incorporated our recommendations into a committee substitute bill. Ultimately though, Texas ranks 50th among the states in community services for IDD, a status quo that is not defensible. We are aware of the concern of some consumers and families that the IDD managed care pilots will cut services. If that happens, CTD will oppose any expansion do the pilots.
CTD worked on several other priorities this week, including:
- Advocating at House Transportation committee hearings, where we testified FOR 3 bills to ban texting while driving and 1 bill on parking accessibility.
- Helping to add the DARS exceptional items for deaf/ low hearing services into the State Budget.
- Monitoring developments in funding for community attendant wages and pushing for an increase. Right now, the House will fully fund the $400 million to attendant wages that is in the current draft of the HHSC budget. The Senate remains undecided.
We're getting out and about, too! This morning, Dennis Borel spoke at the Rare Disease Day Rally (left). This annual event gathers advocates, families, and professionals to promote awareness about rare diseases, the people they affect, treatments, and research. And, our Annual Convention will commence Sunday afternoon, followed by the Texas Medicaid Matters March and Rally on Tuesday. We've been working with local social media strategists 9 Terrains to offer you many ways to participate, in person or virtually. Check it out!
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