October 2, 2025
Quick recap
The meeting focused on discussing the ongoing government shutdown and its potential impacts on federal funding and operations, with participants sharing updates on how different agencies might be affected. The group reviewed current federal budget negotiations and congressional activities, including discussions about proposed restructuring of HHS and the status of key funding programs. The conversation ended with conversations about upcoming advocacy efforts, regulatory changes, and implementation of SB12, along with plans for future stakeholder meetings and briefings.
Next steps
Vaughan to forward the HHSC regulatory reform stakeholder meeting information to Sherri and Duane.
Sherri to forward Philip Sharp's contact information to Duane.
Duane to attend the HHSC regulatory reform stakeholder meeting on October 20th in person.
Guillermo to share updates on redistricting after meeting with state representative.
Members to consider booking flights for the DC advocacy trip that can be credited if canceled.
Members to monitor the government shutdown situation for potential impact on the DC advocacy trip.
Members to notify Noelle of any concrete problems or challenges related to SB12 implementation.
Summary
Government Shutdown Impact Assessment
The meeting began with Guillermo welcoming participants and introducing the topic of the government shutdown, emphasizing its potential impact on organizations with federal grants, contracts, or services. Duane was invited to share his insights on the shutdown, but the transcript ends before he provides his input. The discussion aimed to assess the challenges and uncertainties surrounding the shutdown, with a focus on its implications for various organizations.
Government Shutdown Impact Discussion
The group discussed the ongoing government shutdown and its potential impact on federal funding and operations. Duane shared his perspective on the political situation, noting that the shutdown could linger and affect negotiations. Jen and Guillermo provided updates on how the shutdown might affect their respective federal grants, with CDC and other agencies indicating that while technical assistance might be limited, drawdowns and payments would continue. The group also discussed the possibility of the shutdown affecting an upcoming advocacy trip scheduled for October 21-23, with Sherri cautioning to monitor the situation closely.
Federal Budget and Advocacy Updates
Sherri discussed the current status of federal budget negotiations, noting that Congress is working on a continuing resolution to extend existing funding levels rather than passing a new budget for 2026. She explained that while Robert Kennedy Jr.'s proposed restructuring of HHS, including consolidating SAMHSA and HRSA into the Administration for Healthy America, was not supported by Congress in their budget proposals. Congress maintained level funding for key programs and slightly increased substance use block grant funding, sending a clear message against the proposed restructuring. Sherri emphasized the importance of continued advocacy to maintain current funding structures and highlighted that harmful Medicaid changes won't take effect until after the 2026 elections, giving advocates time to push back on these changes.
Importance of In-Person Legislative Meetings
Guillermo emphasized the importance of in-person meetings with legislators, highlighting the impact of personal visits compared to written communications. He noted that while travel is challenging, it is crucial to show appreciation for legislative efforts and to ensure that concerns are heard clearly. Guillermo stressed the significance of humanizing issues for legislators by sharing personal stories and experiences, and he encouraged everyone to consider making the trip to D.C., even if it requires adjusting schedules.
Texas Redistricting and Addiction Services
Sherri discussed plans to organize meetings between addiction services providers and new congressional candidates in Texas after the first of the year, noting that redistricting could lead to new representatives. Duane expressed confidence that the congressional redistricting plan would likely be upheld, despite potential legal challenges, and mentioned that Chip Roy is leading in the Attorney General race. Guillermo shared that he would meet with a state representative who opposed the redistricting plan to gather updates on its likelihood of passage. Duane also highlighted the start of the HHSC sunset review process, noting that the agency's self-evaluation report lacks substantial recommendations impacting addiction services but includes areas like IT and contract management that could affect CMBHS.
Agency Sunset Review Discussion
The group discussed the upcoming sunset review process for an agency, with Duane emphasizing the importance of "first, do no harm" and noting that chemical dependency counselor licensure might be transferred to TDLR. Vaughan mentioned a stakeholder meeting on October 20th in Austin regarding regulatory reform and chemical dependency treatment licensing changes, which Sherri had not yet received notice about.
Regulatory Changes and SB12 Implementation
The group discussed two main topics: regulatory changes and SB12 implementation. Duane explained that recent rulemaking changes required restarting the process, providing an opportunity for stakeholder feedback, which Sherri noted should involve multiple responses rather than a single submission. The team also addressed SB12's impact on prevention programs, with Duane reporting that HHSC was exploring potential workarounds for the education code requirement regarding parent consent for health screenings. The conversation ended with Sherri announcing that Deborah Steinberg from the Legal Action Center would brief the group on Tuesday night before Hill Day, providing insights into current legislation and issues.