While federal priorities may change, the Texas Department of State Health Services (DSHS) remains best positioned to understand local communities’ needs and how to meet them. Continued state funding is required to keep Texans healthy.
That was the message of written testimony by Maria Monge, MD, submitted Sept. 11 to the state’s legislative budget board.
The Austin pediatrician, testified on behalf of the Texas Medical Association, the Texas Pediatric Society, and the Texas Public Health Coalition. DSHS is asking for more than $230 million to reach all its funding goals during the 2028-29 biennium.
“We support full funding of the agency’s base budget and urge increased funding to mitigate the shortfall for longstanding services within public health preparedness and coordination services; infectious disease prevention, epidemiology, and surveillance; and maternal and child health programs,” Dr. Monge testified.
DSHS’ primary functions include preventing, detecting, and responding to infectious disease outbreaks within the state. The agency also sets minimum standards for consumer protections and collects data to support evidence-based public health interventions.
TMA supports the agency’s top two budget items, which are meant to fulfill its mandated responsibilities and maintain operations. TMA also joins DSHS in requesting further funding that would:
- Modernize health data systems to improve the function and security of Texans’ sensitive health information;
- Fund local health departments for disaster and outbreak readiness throughout the state;
- Sustain the Texas HIV Medication Program, which provides lifesaving medication to more than 20,000 Texans living with HIV. Without additional funding, DSHS would need to reduce the number of people who benefit; and
- Support industry growth to keep Texans safe from numerous food recalls and outbreaks in the food supply.
Follow TMA’s legislative testimony and related Texas Medicine Today coverage on the State Advocacy webpage.
Last Updated On
September 22, 2026
Originally Published On
September 22, 2026