One of the really cool things about this blog is the readers who visit. The commitment to helping change life opportunities and options for our friends and neighbors whose limited financial ability sets up barrier after barrier to a full and productive life continues to encourage me!
Last Saturday (April 28), an anonymous reader posted the following very helpful advice and strategy for anyone who lives in Texas who would like to speak up and out for the uninsured children of our state. The following quote was "lifted" directly from The Dallas Morning News editorial that morning--I'm grateful for the paper's editorial board and policy on this one!
Your voice today could mean a better life for children and their families who need health coverage.
Take a moment to read.
If you live in Texas and if you decide to follow through with positive action, please leave me a note about what you did!
Your voice counts. . .use it!
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Every time you pick up the paper and read about how so many Texas kids lack health insurance, you probably think something needs to be done.
But you feel hopeless, like "What can I do?"
Well, here's your chance.
Stop a moment, go to your computer and send an e-mail to the lieutenant governor and the senators listed here.
Tell them you want the Senate to ease the rules that restrict eligible working families from enrolling their young ones in the state's Children's Health Insurance Program (CHIP). Texas has the nation's highest percentage of uninsured children.
Senators can erase that ugly mark now that they have received the House's rewrite of CHIP rules. The House undid the restrictive guidelines the Texas Legislature approved in 2003.
The House plan:
•Requires families to re-enlist in CHIP every 12 months, instead of every six months.
•Allows enrollees to receive coverage immediately, not after the current 90-day waiting period.
•Raises the asset level for eligible families by $5,000.
These reforms are a good approach.
And Lt. Gov. David Dewhurst's office tells us he's open to reviewing the 90-day requirement and the asset test. But he wants senators to rethink the six- or 12-month enrollment process. He favors a continuous eligibility system where the state would periodically check, perhaps electronically, a family's eligibility.
If that serves families better, we're open to it. But Mr. Dewhurst needs to present concrete proposals soon so our youngsters can get the health care they deserve.
Notably, the chambers of commerce in Texas' leading cities support more open enrollment rules, including allowing families to enlist every 12 months. We'd like to think those conservative voices will persuade the Senate to join the House in easing eligibility rules – or to make the rules even better for families.
Lawmakers listen to their constituents.
There is something you can do.
CONTACT
Lt. Gov. David Dewhurst at www.ltgov.state.tx.us
Sen. Florence Shapiro at florence.shapiro@senate.state.tx.us
Sen. John Carona at john.carona@senate.state.tx.us
Sen. Royce West at royce.west@senate.state.tx.us
Sen. Jane Nelson at jane.nelson@senate.state.tx.us
Sen. Robert Deuell at robert.deuell@senate.state.tx.us
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In addition to this list of Dallas-area legislators who are members of the Senate Finance Committee, here are members from outside the Dallas area who need to be contacted as well:
CHAIR: Steve Ogden at steve.ogden@senate.state.tx.us
VICE CHAIR: Judith Zaffirini at judith.zaffirini@senate.state.tx.us
Kip Averitt at kip.averitt@senate.state.tx.us
Robert Duncan at robert.duncan@senate.state.tx.us
Kevin Eltife at kevin.eltife@senate.state.tx.us
Troy Fraser at troy.fraser@senate.state.tx.us
Juan "Chuy" Hinojosa at juan.hinojosa@senate.state.tx.us
Kyle Janek at kyle.janek@senate.state.tx.us
Eddie Lucio, Jr. at eddie.lucio@senate.state.tx.us
John Whitmire at john.whitmire@senate.state.tx.us
Tommy Williams at tommy.williams@senate.state.tx.us
One more thing: In addition to the action noted above by the Dallas Morning News, please ask these senators to urge Finance Committee Chair Steve Ogden to schedule a hearing on House Bill 109 as soon as possible.
If you prefer sending letters (still the best way to make an impression with most elected officials), address them to each Senator you want to contact at: Capitol Station, P.O. Box 12068, Austin, Texas 78711.
Please act today!
And, as I said, please let us know what you decide to do!
Thank you for reminding us of the importance of making our voices heard by those whose decisions affect us all. Using the links you provided, I have sent messages to Lt Gov. Dewhurst, and the Finance Committee urging their support of HB 109.
ReplyDeleteThanks for "cracking the whip." I sent an email to Lt Gov. Dewhurst and my Sen. Kevin Eltife.
ReplyDeleteMay God continue to bless this ministry. I read and learn from your blog almost every day.
Karol Edwards
Longview, TX