THCA Notes

Volume XXXII, Number 1
January 2017

RESOLVE TO TELL YOUR STORY AT THE CAPITOL IN 2017

More than 90,000 Texans reside in nursing homes. Caring for these residents not only impacts them and their families, but it has a significant impact on state and local economies.

Yet the overwhelming majority of Texas legislators have only limited experience and understanding of long term care. It is these lawmakers who will make key decisions regarding the Medicaid funding, regulations, and available staffing of nursing homes.

That is why it is urgent for those involved in long term care—administrators, front line staff, executives, and business leaders—to visit with their legislators. They need to speak from their own perspectives and experience and tell why support of long term care is so important. Most legislators want to hear from someone in their own district who can educate them on key issues.

THCA plans to have members at the Capitol every week during the 85^th Legislative Session that will soon begin. That will help us ensure legislators hear our message consistently during each stage of the session and help us bring more voices to their attention.

We are asking all THCA members to come to the Capitol at least one time during this session. We will provide handouts and brief members on the latest developments. We can also assist in helping members find their way around the Capitol.

Member companies and facilities are asked to sign up for at least one “day at the Capitol” before the Legislature adjourns in May. Contact your company leadership to find out when they plan to come to Austin.

If you are not part of a company or facility that is participating, please contact THCA Director of Government Relations Scot Kibbe at skibbe@txhca.org for information on helping our efforts to advocate for long term care this session.