COVID-19 has impacted patient care, physician practices, and the economy. The 2021 Texas legislative session – which starts in January – won’t be immune to this disruption.
The legislature’s only constitutional requirement is to pass a state budget for the next two years. Fallout from the pandemic already has created a sizeable budget shortfall, and competition for scarce state funds will be intense in the upcoming session.
To ensure the house of medicine’s priority issues – such as access to care, scope of practice expansion, tort reform, prior authorization, and telemedicine payment parity – are not overlooked, physicians like you must help elect medicine-friendly candidates.
To do that, you must be registered to vote. If you’re new to Texas, never registered before, or have moved since the last election, you will need to register by Monday, Oct. 5, to be eligible to vote in the November elections.
“Politicians can determine the future of the practice of medicine in Texas,” said Brad Patt, MD, chair of TEXPAC, TMA’s bipartisan political arm. “We must help elect and advocate for those who understand the practice of medicine should be in the hands of doctors who are responsible for their patients.”
The general election is Tuesday, Nov. 3, and the last day to register to vote in that election is Oct. 5. Early voting begins Tuesday, Oct. 13.
The November general election features several races that could shift the balance of power in the state House of Representatives during the next session.
Make sure lawmakers hear your voice by becoming a registered voter today. And then make sure you get out and vote!
Last Updated On
September 10, 2020
Originally Published On
September 10, 2020