Advocacy
TAHSA provides our members with the advocacy tools necessary to navigate the complex legislative process. The survival of non profit long term care in Texas requires a strong voice in the Texas political process and TAHSA is an established leader for non profit long term care advocacy.
Our advocacy division focuses on providing state and federal policymakers with information on the issues affecting Texas non profit providers. As part of the TAHSA advocacy team, your facility will participate in political forums, grassroots campaigns, and letter writing efforts.
TAHSA advocacy includes meeting with legislators in the state capitol and in district offices, testifying in front of legislative committee hearings, inviting legislators to visit our facilities, and discussing our issues with newspaper editorial boards. Our program is effective, efficient, and does not require a considerable amount of time investment from each facility.
Here are a few examples of our most recent advocacy efforts during 2004 & 2005:
- Massive Grassroots Campaign on issues affecting long term care in Texas;
- Conducted public policy briefings, seminars, and training, on being effective advocates;
- TAHSA Media Coverage of issues facing non-profit long term care providers;
- Members testified in front of the Texas Legislative Committees;
- TAHSA members met with key legislators and candidates across the state.
Result: Protected tort reform legislation to relieve high insurance rates. Promoted a balanced funding mechanism for Medicaid that minimized harm to private pay organizations. Defeated legislation harmful to quality long term care. Prevented more severe cuts in funding for long term care. Passed legislation protecting endowments for long term care facilities.
§ Members and TAHSA staff attended meetings with state regulatory agencies.
Result: Increased communication and resolution of issues facing TAHSA members.
- Members visited over 20 Texas Legislators in Washington D.C.
Result: Several Legislators agreed to support key long term care legislation in Congress including increased Federal Medicaid aid to Texas.
- TAHSA members currently serving on statewide workgroups and committees on long term care:
Result: Non profit long term care has a direct voice on statewide committees.
TAHSA advocacy succeeds because of our mission-driven providers from around the state. Your facility can have an immediate and lasting impact on the legislative process when you join.
