100% Success Achieved on Three Highest Priority Bills
Thanks to the work and passionate commitment of MS activists, the Texas Chapters of the National MS Society had 100% success on our three highest priority bills during the 2009 Texas Legislative Session. This is a huge accomplishment for everyone impacted by MS.
Read the policy issues that matter for persons with MS during the 2009 Texas Legislative Session.
Priority 1: Governor Signs Health Insurance Risk Pool Premium Discount
HB 2064, sponsored by Rep. John Smithee and Sen. Kip Averitt, was signed by the governor May 30. This bill will create a sliding scale premium discount for lower and middle income families in the Texas Health Insurance Risk Pool. The Texas Chapters of the National MS Society have taken the lead in creating and promoting this legislation.
Priority 2: Governor Signs Family Caregiver Support Bill
The Texas Chapters of the National MS Society took the lead in promoting legislation to provide support for unpaid informal and family caregivers. HB 802, sponsored by Rep. John Davis, Sen. Judith Zaffirini and Sen. Bob Deuell, will create a program to allow middle income families to receive vouchers to pay for assistance to help care for their loved one at home. The bill was signed by the Governor on June 19th.
The Budget Conference Committee included $1 million in the budget for HB 802. This funding will be sufficient to start the program in three or four Texas communities. MS activists and Society staff worked to convince key House and Senate members to include HB 802 funding in the budget. The bill spells out how the program should look, but without the money the program cannot move forward. We’ll be back next session hoping to build on our success by expanding the program.
Priority 3: Family Caregiver Outreach Bill Passes as Amendment
House Bill 3367, sponsored by Rep. Patrick Rose and Sen. Kirk Watson, will require the Department of Aging and Disability Services to provide increased outreach to connect family caregivers with available resources, and to collect better data on the needs of these Texans. House and Senate versions of the bill fell victim to calendar issues; however, Sen. Chris Harris agreed to let Rep. Rose attach the bill in its entirety to Senate Bill 271 as an amendment. SB 271 passed on the House floor May 27 and the Senate concurred with the House amendment May 29.
Sharing Stories in the MS Movement
MS activists are sharing their personal stories to get lawmakers' attention. Read their stories now.
Activists Have a Capital Time at the Capitol
Earlier this year, more than 120 MS activists from across the state journeyed to Austin for the 2009 MS Texas Public Policy Conference. Attendees learned about key legislative issues impacting persons with MS, heard from speakers who gave insight on sharing personal MS experiences with state lawmakers and built connections with other activists. The conference concluded with MS Day at the Capitol, as MS activists met one-on-one with Texas senators and representatives.
More Resources to Help You Take Action
- Lone Star Chapter MS Activism Network
Take action now on our issues. - Get Involved
Find out how to become an activist. - 2009 Public Policy Issue Briefs
Learn about the important activism initiatives for 2009. - Texas Advocacy Resources Center
Learn about advocacy basics, who represents you, and useful links to government and other resources. - Federal MS Advocacy Action Network
Learn about MS-related issues being debated in Washington, D.C. - Key Laws Affecting Persons with Disabilities
Learn about your rights under state and federal law, including the Americans with Disabilities Act. - Events
Find out about upcoming advocacy events. - Make Your Mark 365
Get resources to make your MS mark year-round. - MSConnection
Read the Lone Star Chapter's quarterly newsletter on key advocacy issues, news and programs.