A new report by Texas Comptroller Susan Combs, State Health Care Spending, notes that health care expenses account for one-third of all state spending.  Texas' health care costs increased 36% from 2005 to 2009, which is four times the rate of inflation.

 

Some of the health care cost drivers identified in the report are costly new drugs and increased drug usage; a shortage of health care professionals; an aging population; lifestyle choices such as smoking, overeating, inactivity and alcohol consumption; increasing Medicaid enrollment; rising insurance costs and uncompensated care for the uninsured.

 

Combs' report looks at a number of cost saving proposals, including expanding the use of managed care in the Medicaid program; instituting a statewide smoking ban; requiring state employees who use tobacco to pay more for health insurance than non-users; and requiring state employees and retirees to pay a greater share of the cost of their health insurance benefits.

 

The Texas Health and Human Services Commission has launched a new application form to apply for CHIP, Children's Medicaid, and CHIP perinatal coverage.  The revised application, which was designed to be easier to understand and to use, is now available at www.CHIPmedicaid.org. The form can be filled in on-line or downloaded.  Those who want help completing the form can call 1-877-543-7669.

 

The City of Austin has launched a new Austin Green Business Leader program that provides a one-stop way for businesses to connect with sustainability programs in energy, water, recycling and transportation alternatives.  Local companies are encouraged to voluntarily pledge to take at least five specific steps to "go green" within the next 12 months.  The pledge and sign-up form can be found at www.coolaustin.org.  The program helps local companies cut costs by connecting with existing programs in many different City departments.  The program also encourages employers to include employee health as part of sustainability, by becoming partners in the Mayor's Fitness Council.

Supreme Court Justice Sandra Day O'Connor will be the featured speaker for Game on! Texas 2011 on Tuesday, April 12th.  The full-day symposium will showcase the intersection between digital games and education and will highlight how local educators are using game development to interest students in science, technology, engineering and math. 

  

The conference will be held at the AMD Lone Star Campus and  costs $45.  Eight hours of Continuing Professional Education (CPE) credit are available for teachers and administrators.  Learn more.

Of the estimated 3,000 people who are homeless in Austin, approximately 400 are single women.  Council Member Sheryl Cole helped to launch the In Her Shoes - Shoe Drive for Homeless Women to bring attention to the needs of homeless women.  In announcing the campaign, Cole was joined by Dress for Success  Professional Women's Group member Betty Staehr, who herself was formerly homeless.  Staehr found herself homeless two year ago after leaving an abusive marriage.  Through her hard work and the help of many organizations, Staehr was able to become successful and self-sufficient. 

  

"Betty's success is not limited to her personal journey from a shelter to self-sufficiency; her success is her empathy and compassion for others who have no resources and little hope. In Her Shoes is the way we can all celebrate Betty's spirit and give homeless women in Austin a chance to take the next step," said Council Member Cole.

 

Shoes can be dropped off now through April 15th at the Austin City Hall Atrium, at all Run Tex stores, Julian Gold, ROAR Salon and the Office of Dr. Frank Cherpack.

Applications are being accepted now for AISD UpClose.  Throughout the school year, participants meet monthly at various district sites to get an "inside look" at key programs within the district.  Graduates are challenged to become leaders and advocates for their schools and to volunteer for service on committees and task forces.

 

Applications for the 2011-2012 class of UpClose are available in English and in Spanish and will be accepted through May 6th.   

The City of Austin Equal Employment/Fair Housing Office will host the Dare to be Fair 2011 Fair Housing Conference from 8:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. April 12 at the Mexican American Cultural Center, 600 River St.  The conference, conducted during National Fair Housing Month, is open to the public as well as state, federal and local organizations that participate and have an interest in fair housing issues and discriminatory concerns. 

 

Representatives from the Housing and Urban Development Regional Office, the Texas Workforce Commission Civil Rights Division, the City of Austin Housing Authority, the Austin Tenants Council and the City of Austin's Neighborhood Housing Community Development Department will be a part of the program.  Participants will be provided with the latest information on housing from a local and national perspective and will get updates on the current lawsuits and outcomes regarding housing issues.

           

Cost to register for the conference is $30 and includes breakfast and lunch.  To register online go to www.cityofaustin.org/hrights or call (512) 974-3259 or email tony.robertson@ci.austin.tx.us for more information.