ADAPT of Texas and Personal Attendant Coalition of Texas (PACT) gathered at the Texas State Capitol on March 10th in solidarity with other state ADAPT chapters that were doing similar actions in their states. ADAPT of Texas/PACT were sending a message to Governor Abbott, Texas Legislators and HHSC Executive Commissioner Phillips that
“Block Grants Don’t Stack Up!”
In addition, there is a crisis in recruiting and retaining Community Attendants because of the low wages and no health insurance or other benefits. Texas starts Medicaid and general revenue funded community attendants at $8.11 per hour.
Thousands of Texans with disabilities, (children, young adults, seniors) rely on Medicaid funded services and supports to be able to live/age in place in the community in the most integrated setting.
Texas has long waiting lists for HCBS, as well the largest number of state institutions in the country.
Once ADAPT of Texas/PACT finished chanting and flyering outside we then proceeded into the Capitol to the Governor’s office. We all managed to get to the second floor. As we were rounding the corner, the state trooper was closing the Governor’s office. Nicky Boyte rolled fast to the door, but it was locked, she kept turning the knob. Her persistence paid off. It got the attention of the family that was still inside the office so they opened the door. Needless to say, the state trooper was not too happy. We were able to meet with his executive staff. After a 15 minute meeting we then marched out and onto the next fortunate legislator.
We will update you once we have follow-up meetings with the Governor and Lieutenant Governor and their staff.
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