Suggested Language
Use our suggested language below and
share your personal experience. Sharing your story is a powerful way to shape equitable policies for people with disabilities:
Dear Members of the House Appropriations Subcommittee on Article II,
I urge you to prioritize funding for home and community-based services (HCBS) in the Health and Human Services Commission budget by fully funding Exceptional Item 7 at $35.2 million to reduce Medicaid waiver interest lists and Exceptional Item 1 to cover the portions of cost growth necessary to maintain waiver slots. Texans with disabilities rely on Medicaid waiver programs to live independently
and participate in their communities, yet more than 170,000 individuals remain on waitlists, often waiting years for critical services. Chronic underfunding has significantly delayed access to essential supports, putting many at risk of unnecessary institutionalization and loss of independence.
In
addition to long wait times, underfunding has strained the direct care workforce, where low wages have led to widespread shortages and instability. Without proper investment in both services and the workforce that provides them, people with disabilities will continue to face significant barriers to receiving the care they need. As your constituent and in alignment with The Arc of Texas’ recommendations, I urge you to fund these critical investments to ensure Texans with disabilities can access
the services and supports they need to thrive in their communities.”
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
[Your Address]
[City, State, ZIP
Code]
[Your Email Address]
[Your Phone Number]
