Unsure what to write? Try something like this sample
letter:
Dear Chair Kolkhorst, Vice Chair Perry, and members of the Senate HHS Committee,
My name is ___________________. I am a Texan with (Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities, a family member with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities, and an Advocate for people with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities, etc. Whatever fits your
situation best.)
I am writing today to ask that you schedule a hearing for SB 2191. This bill would establish a workgroup to identify certification pathways and training mechanisms to
implement statewide Medicaid-billable peer support for and by people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) living in the community.
Peer support services focused on mental
health and substance abuse disorders are already a proven successful Medicaid-billable service. This bill would build on this model for peer services specific to and for the IDD population. In an era of workforce shortages, peer support specialists can serve as inexpensive, credentialed service providers.
The Texas Council for Developmental Disabilities (TCDD) has funded multiple IDD peer supports grant projects in recent years to pilot this idea. Their projects have consistently demonstrated that peers are best positioned to assist their peers to see what is possible and identify opportunities and barriers they will need to cross to achieve their goals for a full
life.
When Governor Abbott singed HB 1486 — which lead to the establishment of Medicaid billable Peer Support Services through the creation of the Mental Health Peer Specialist and Recovery Peer Support Specialist certifications — into law during 85th Legislative session, it signified that the Texas Legislature understood and agreed on the
importance of personal lived experience and how effective that can be when supporting others with similar struggles. The need to provide access to mentors and role models for any group is well-documented. For people with disabilities the need for peer mentoring is even more important. The benefit of peer support is that supporters will have the experience of independent living. They will be able to share with their peer the hurdles and victories, the benefits and responsibilities of community
living. The peer will be able to provide encouragement, guidance, listening, teaching, suggestions, and bridges to community.
Respectfully,
(name and credentials if you have any)
(home address/contact information)
Relevant Contact Information:
Committee:
Lois Kolkhorst (Chair)
Charles Perry (Vice-Chair)
César Blanco
Bob Hall
Kelly Hancock
Bryan Hughes
Morgan LaMantia
Borris L. Miles
Kevin Sparks
Senate Health & Human Services Staff:
maureen.metteauer@senate.texas.gov
julia.patterson_sc@senate.texas.gov
henry.scavone@senate.texas.gov
