Capitol News: March 28
This week, CTD calls on YOU! We've been working in house and with our partners to organize events and actions that further our legislative priorities. Here's how you can help:
- Send a letter to your representatives about Exceptional item 9 of the Health and Human Services Commission budget. This item would raise the minimum hourly wage rate to $8.50 for community attendants who provide in-home care and assistance for approximately 150,000 Texans with disabilities and seniors. Currently, 5 of the programs included in the exceptional item #9 allow for an hourly wage of $7.25, with two others paying only $.02 more.
- Save the date for a Senate Bill 7 Town Hall Meeting April 4 at 6pm. Join officials from the Department of Aging and Disability Services (DADS), the Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC), and the Senate Committee on Health and Human Services for a panel on bill that's making waves in the I/DD community. Can't make it on April 4? We're live streaming it!
- It's not too late to tell your representatives and friends why Texas Medicaid Matters!
CTD is working on numerous other bills too. A few examples from this week:
- Testified FOR HB1545 to create a paratransit card that is portable among Texas communities
- Testified FOR HB590 on orientation and mobility training for kids with visual impairments
- Among the lead negotiators on SB303 on advanced directives, a complex bill on end of life issues.
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
