You can't beat a dead horse– unless you're in the State Legislature and you introduce a substituted version of your original bill with provisions entailing a better plan of action for implementation. Such is the case with Ann Kitchen's HB 2326, one of three bills introduced in the State Legislature this year that deal with homelessness specifically.

The original bill made an attempt to address the needs of one of the most underserved groups within the homeless population, homeless persons who suffer from chronic and debilitating physical and mental illnesses. The original version stalled out in committee hearings. The bad news is that the substituted version did not pass. The good news is fourfold: the new version added provisions making the bill more specific; therefore increasing the likelihood of it passing; it went farther than the first version; it further raised awareness of this issue; and it set up the possibility of such a bill passing in the next session.

If you've been following the bills and legislative updates, you know the first version of HB 2326 was vague and did not clearly state how the Interagency Council for the Homeless (TICH) would implement this pilot program, given that the TICH already operates on limited resources. The newer version asks the TICH to select a specific non-profit to implement the program, and specifies that no more than 75 persons be involved in this program. Some of you may ask, why only 75 when there are so many chronically ill homeless people in Texas? The idea is to set up a manageable system, somehow incorporating the cost into the existing budgets of the particular agencies involved. Ideally, after the pilot program is completed, it would be expanded to communities around the state. One of the duties of TICH in both versions is to report on the program's effectiveness and work to improve the program before it is expanded. However, the substituted version gives the Council a more manageable time frame and flexibility with reporting. These are all positive steps towards the passage of such a bill in future sessions.

Another positive step toward further recognition of homelessness in this state is the passage of HB3450, and its partner, SB319. This bill, officially signed by Governor Perry on May 28th, assures that the functions of TICH will continue, and hopefully expanded upon with member agencies committing more of their own resources. TICH is currently engaged in a series of strategic planning meetings, so they will be able to effectively address the mandates of the Legislature. One noteworthy amendment to the bill adds the word hunger, in effect incorporating aspects of HB 854 (Dutton), thereby responding to the recommendations of THN.

Another positive step in addressing poverty in Texas is the passage of SB 43, which streamlines Medicaid, thereby making it easier for families to apply. This is a long awaited response to the some 1.4 million Texas children that do not have health insurance. The amended bill includes a single consolidated application process that is parallel with the Children's Health Insurance Program's(CHIP) application process, mail in application and recertification and phasing in of continuous eligibility for children through age 19.

We, the service providers and community members concerned about homelessness in Texas, can feel positive about steps made by the Legislature to address homelessness and poverty in Texas. Let's hope this is the start of something even bigger. For more information log onto the Texas Legislature Online, www.state.tx.us or The Center For Public Policy Priorities, www.cppp.org. And f course, you can always send a letter or email to your area representative.