***A previous Action Alert sent today at 12:45pm incorrectly lists members of the Senate Higher Education Committee. During a February special election, José Menéndez was elected to replace Leticia Van De Putte as the Senator for District 26. Corrected committee information is reflected below. TCA regrets this error. 
Make Calls or Register in Support!

Senate Higher Education Committee
SB 239 by Senator Charles Schwertner
Wednesday, April 1 at 9am - E1.102

SB 239 is one of several strategies to address the mental health professional workforce shortage areas in Texas; shortage area map.


What can you do? If you are a constituent of a Senate Higher Education Committee member, please contact that Senator before Wednesday morning at 9am and ask them to support SB 239. If you can register in support of this bill on Wednesday morning, it would be very helpful. Please contact Jan@txca.org if you are able to participate in person. To find out who represents you: www.fyi.legis.state.tx.us. 

 

What would SB 239 do?
  • SB 239 amends Chapter 61 of the Education Code to establish a Loan Repayment Program for Psychiatrists, Psychologists, Licensed Professional Counselors, Advanced Practice Registered Nurses certified in psychiatric or mental health, and Licensed Clinical Social Workers.
  • To be eligible for loan repayment, the mental health professional must complete one to five consecutive years of practice serving Medicaid or Chip clients in a health professional shortage area designated by the Department of State Health Services, or to persons committed to a secure correctional facility operated by or under contract with either the Texas Juvenile Justice Department or the Texas Department of Criminal Justice.
  • No more than 30% of the funds each year may be allocated to any one class of mental health professionals eligible for loan repayment and not more than 10% each year may be allocated to mental health professionals providing services in juvenile or criminal correctional facilities.
  • Loans for attending both public and private, in-state and out-of-state institutions of higher education accredited by a recognized accrediting agency, including loans for undergraduate education are eligible for repayment. Loans must not be in default at the time of application.
  • Repayment amounts are prorated depending on years of service. Total amounts of repayment are prorated based on professional designation. The Committee Substitute language establishes a higher level of reimbursement for LPCs and LCSWs who hold doctoral degrees, and moves LPCs and LCSWs with a Master's degree to a lower level of reimbursement.
  • The availability of funds is dependent on state appropriations, gifts and grants for repayment assistance and other funds available for this purpose.
Who to Call:
Constituents of Senate Higher Education Committee members should make calls. If you are a constituent, encourage 4 of your local colleagues to make a call as well. Use your personal phone and email address when contacting elected officials.

***Senate Higher Education Committee***

Chair, Sen. Kel Seliger                   (512) 463-0131   

Vice Chair, Sen. Royce West        (512) 463-0123

Sen. Paul Bettencourt         (512) 463-0107

Sen. Konni Burton               (512) 463-0110

Sen. Charles Perry               (512) 463-0128

Sen. José Menéndez           (512) 463-0126

Sen. Kirk Watson                 (512) 463-0114 

 

Find out who represents you: www.fyi.legis.state.tx.us.  

   

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