House Hearing Provides Opportunity to Give Input on State Budget

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House Hearing Provides Advocatesthe Opportunity to Give Input on State BudgetThe House Appropriations Subcommittee on Health and Human Services is meeting on Monday, February 14 at 7:00 AM, to consider the budgets of the following agencies:• Department of Assistive and Rehabilitative Services (DARS)• Special Provisions Related to all Health & Human Services Agencies• Health and Human Services EnterpriseThe subcommittee is calling for public testimony from individuals served by these agencies. The hearing will be in the House Appropriations Committee Room, E1.030, in the Texas Capitol Extension in Austin. Click here to view a map of the Capitol. For more details on the hearing, including the hearing notice, click here.The public will be able to offer input after the conclusion of invited testimony. If you cannot travel to Austin to attend the hearings in person, you can still express your opinion by sending an email or fax to the members of the House Appropriations Committee. The hearings can also be viewed online by clicking here.A summary of the budget bill prepared by TCDD staff is available online. Last month, the Texas Comptroller announced a budget estimate, which reflects a deficit between $15 billion and $27 billion based on state funding available and the cost of maintaining current services. Initial budget drafts have shown significant cuts in all areas of funding, including health and human services. The draft House Appropriations Bill is HB 1.Next week the subcommittee is also expected to hear testimony on other agencies, including the Department of Aging and Disability Services, the Department of State Health Services, and the Health and Human Services Commission. To view all upcoming House Committee meetings, click here. A schedule of upcoming Senate Committee hearings is available here.TCDD staff will post news related to the Texas Legislature, the state budget, and other Public Policy issues in the monthly “FYI” advocacy publication and on the 82nd Texas Legislature page. More Details on Attending HearingsPersons with disabilities who plan to attend these meeting and who may need assistance are requested to contact the Office of Committee Coordinator at least 72 hours prior to the meeting so appropriate arrangements can be made. For information on how to be an effective advocate, visit TCDD’s Advocacy 101 website. Visit TCDD’s Legislative Advocacy Campaigns & Opportunities page or check emails from TCDD to learn about other advocacy opportunities. You can also receive updates through TCDD’s Twitter and Facebook pages. Connect with TCDDEmail us Join TCDD's Email List Texas Council for Developmental Disabilities6201 E. Oltorf, Suite 600Austin, TX 78741-7509Toll Free: 1- RosserPublic Policy AssistantTexas Council for Developmental DisabilitiesEmail: melissa.rosser@...Office: Fax: Connect with TCDD