Legislative MessageJune 2020
Dear TCEP member, In these times, we are truly witnessing the impact that each of you has on the world around us. Though we face unprecedented challenges in our lives and our practices as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, I believe that our specialty will come out of this stronger and better prepared to engage as we move forward. Therefore, I would like to take a moment to update you on what we expect (but do not yet fully understand) and what we know (and don’t know) about the 2020 political election season and the upcoming 2021 Texas Legislative Session. This year, legislative committees and agencies had planned to review the impact of 2019’s legislation and to study other policy issues in order to make recommendations for the 87th legislature to consider when they convene on January 12, 2021. The pandemic has suspended those efforts indefinitely, and there has not been an announced time when normal legislative activity will resume. We do not yet know how we will be allowed to physically engage the lawmakers, staff, and agencies responsible for making public policy. As in other state legislatures, our Texas leaders are working to create processes that will keep everyone safe during the session. This includes the difficult task of figuring out how the next legislative session will convene, and how lawmakers will meet requirements to allow the public to participate in that process. TCEP has a strong reputation at the Capitol, but now more than ever, it is going to be paramount that TCEP members who have relationships with policymakers step into the breach to advocate for our priorities and for the house of medicine. If you don’t already have working relationships with your elected state officials and would like help forming them, please let me know. In late May, Governor Abbott ordered Texas state agencies, public universities, and other top officials to cut their budgets by 5% in the current biennium. Further cuts could be required when ongoing revenue hits come into focus and we will need to stay vigilant about the state budget’s impact on our practice. TCEP joined TMA and other specialty societies in urging the Texas Health and Human Services Commission to oppose cuts in Medicaid and CHIP physician payments and to prioritize preservation of access to care. It was a proud moment to see our very own Dr. Diana Fite, current TMA President, as the lead signature on that letter. Finally, the normal schedule and process for holding elections has been radically impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic and response. Local elections (which are typically held in May) and runoff elections from the March 2020 primary had to be pushed back until summer or even later in the fall. The Secretary of State has released guidance for in-person voting, which set “minimum recommended health protocols for all voters” for the July 14 runoff election. Candidates who are fighting in runoffs or preparing for general elections in November at the federal, state, and local levels have had to delay their campaign efforts. The result is a compressed campaign timeframe in an environment where there are still many unknowns. EMPACT has been and will continue to be engaged in important races and will provide insight and support on behalf of TCEP members. Making certain that we elect candidates who support emergency medicine in these times is more important than ever. During the upcoming 2020 elections, EMPACT will be providing more analysis than usual regarding the status of campaigns, dates for key races, and demonstrating support to candidates who support the practice of emergency medicine. Elections are always important, but it is critical that all TCEP members do their best to fulfill their civic duty to vote even during these confounding circumstances. We are prepared to move forward. If we each do everything we can to stay safe, vigilant, and engaged through TCEP and EMPACT, we will get through these trying times together and emerge stronger for the effort. Sincerely, Theresa Q. Tran, MD, MBA, FACEP |
