The community based programs that allow Texans the choice to receive their long term care services in the community not in an institution are endanger of being drastically cut. If you don’t Raise your Voice and let the Legislators know how losing your services will affect you and your family, then they will make the CUTS!

 

Here are a few examples of some of the proposed cuts to the Medicaid Waiver programs:

• $342,683,706 CUT from the (CBA) Community Based Alternatives Waiver
• $451,866,354 CUT from the (HCA) Home & Community Services Waiver
• $107,869,131 CUT from the (CLASS) Community Living Assistance Supports & Services Waiver
• $28,078,989 CUT from the Medically Dependent Children’s Programs
• $102,091,552 CUT from the Deaf, Blind, Multiple Disabilities Programs

How can you make your voice heard: You can give public testimony at the Capitol in the Capitol Finance Room E1.036; Tuesday 1st, Wednesday 2nd, & Thursday 3rd starting at 9:00 a.m. Parking is available in the Capitol Visitors Parking Garage at 1201 San Jacinto located between Trinity and San Jacinto Streets at 12th and 13th streets. Parking is free for the first two hours and $1.00 for each half hour thereafter (maximum daily charge: $8.00); accessible parking is available with accessible routes to the Capitol. (Map of the Capitol area provide at the bottom) A majority of disability advocacy groups plan to concentrate their testimony on Thursday, if you can’t attend make your voice heard through emails, phone calls, or working with others during this important time. (More information below on how to contact your legislator by phone or mail)

 

Tips on giving oral testimony:  The purpose of public hearings is to provide government officials with an opportunity to learn about issues – the benefits, concerns, needs or problems. It is also an opportunity for constituents, citizens and advocates to provide testimony and express opinions. 

Important reasons to attended and testify at public hearings: 

• Educate & influence legislators 
• Educate the public 
• Publicize positions, problems & solutions 

Do: 

• Know the issue and how it affects you and others. 
• Prepare! You usually have only 3 minutes to speak. They will stop you even if you're not done. 
• Begin by identifying yourself, the group you represent, the bill or issue, and if you are for or against. 
• Tell them your story and how you have benefited and that you would much rather receive your services in the community. (Remember you only have 3 minutes) 
• Use personal examples to make your point. 
• Be Respectful! 
• End by thanking the committee or legislators for the opportunity to testify 

If you give oral testimony and you are asked what to cut say (1) before anything is cut, use the $9.4 billion Rainy Day Fund and (2) I understand other issues are important, but I am here to talk about disability issues.

 

If you don’t know which Senator represents you, take a few seconds to find out at http://www.fyi.legis.state.tx.us/

Call the Senate Finance Committee Members Below:

Sen. Steve Ogden : (512) 463-0105 
Sen. Juan Hinojosa: (512) 463-0120 
Sen. Bob Deuell: (512) 463-0102 
Sen. Robert Duncan: (512) 463-0128 
Sen. Kevin Eltife: (512) 463-0101 
Sen. Craig Estes: (512) 463-0130 
Sen. Eddie Lucio Jr.: (512) 463-0127 
Sen. Jane Nelson: (512) 463-0112 
Sen. Dan Patrick: (512) 463-0107 
Sen. Ken Seliger: (512) 463-0131 
Sen. Florence Shapiro: (512) 463-0108 
Sen. Royce West: (512) 463-0123 
Sen. John Whitmire: (512) 463-0115 
Sen. Tommy Williams: (512) 463-010 
Sen. Judith Zaffirini: (512) 463-0121

 

If you don’t know which Senator represents you, take a few seconds to find out at http://www.fyi.legis.state.tx.us/

• Introduce yourself in your email and let the legislator know why you are interested or concerned about the issue. Tell the legislator how the bill will affect you, your family, your friends, your job/business. Include specific examples if you can. 
• Put in bold at the top the bill # S.B. 1 and that you are against a cuts only approach to balancing the budget. 
• Let the legislator know if you are a constituent. 

To email all the committee members at once, copy and paste the following email addresses into the "to" line of your message: 

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