Recommendations on the Texas Health and Human Services Commission’s Legislative Appropriations Request FY 2028–2029

On behalf of Every Texan, thank you for the opportunity to provide input into the development of the Fiscal Year 2028–2029 Legislative Appropriations Request (LAR) for the Texas Health and Human Services Commission (TXHHSC). Every Texan’s mission is to strengthen public policy to expand opportunity and equity for Texans of all backgrounds. We employ data, our analysts’ unsurpassed expertise, sound judgement, legislative advocacy, administrative advocacy, and coalition engagement to propose targeted solutions for policy shifts that promote, strengthen, and expand justice, opportunity, and equitable policies in local, state, and federal governments. 

Following are our recommendations for HHSC’s 2028–2029 Legislative Appropriations Request (LAR): 

1. Increase use of automated systems for new and renewal benefits applications
2. Restore funding to Texas Community Partner Programs
3. Support more Texas families by ensuring the stability and availability of women’s health programs.
4. Establish funding for charitable clinics in Texas
5. Develop workforce development programs to incentivize provider participation (especially, mental and behavioral healthcare providers) in rural Texas areas
6. Establish funding for informal kinship caregivers to receive TANF payments
7. Fund Language Accessibility in 211 and YourTexasBenefits
8. Request funds for closing the health insurance coverage gap 

See our recommendation details in full.