Quick recap

The ASAP membership meeting focused on legislative updates and advocacy efforts for substance use disorder services in Texas. Duane Gallagher provided updates on upcoming meetings with HHSC's Executive Commissioner and the Texas Opioid Abatement Fund Council, while Noelle Delgado discussed potential rate increases and the need for general revenue funding. The group discussed upcoming Legislative Appropriations Request (LAR) hearings where members will be asked to testify in support of funding increases, with particular emphasis on securing exceptional items for substance use services. Several members, including Heather Ormond and Carrie Smith from Cinecore Foundation, expressed interest in participating in interim committee testimony regarding mental health and homelessness services. Sherri Layton shared updates on federal policy concerns, including funding threats from the "Big Beautiful Bill" and recent guidance on harm reduction services. The conversation ended with a reminder about participating in strategic planning discussions for Texas's behavioral health system through online groups on the ASAP website.

Next steps

• All members: Share any information, requests, or legislative outreach from state representatives, senators, or local chambers regarding legislative priorities or Sunset review with Noelle for Duane and the association

• Duane: Confirm date for meeting with Sunset Commission and loop in relevant members

• All members: Begin identifying and considering individuals who have gone through programs who could potentially testify at the upcoming LAR hearing about the impact of services

• All members: Prepare to participate in or submit comments for the upcoming LAR hearing regarding rate increases (testimony or written comments), especially those who can share program impact stories

• Noelle: Coordinate with members to select and recommend an expert witness for upcoming Senate Health and Human Services interim charge hearing (in collaboration with Duane)

• All members: Provide data from facilities demonstrating cost savings and program outcomes to support testimony and messaging for interim charges (especially for Senate Health and Human Services hearing)

• All members: Provide feedback on gaps/issues for the Texas Statewide Behavioral Health Strategic Plan 2027–2031 via the group discussion boards or directly to Noelle by next week

• Noelle: Compile and submit feedback from members for the Texas Statewide Behavioral Health Strategic Plan roundtable by next week

• All members: Advocate with legislators in support of rate increases and general revenue funding as action items are distributed by Noelle/Duane (expected July/August)

• All members: Use the online group discussion boards to continue sharing information, questions, and updates between monthly meetings

  
  

Summary

New Participant Introduction Meeting

The meeting began with introductions from participants, including Noelle Delgado (Executive Director at ASAP), Anna Unnerstall (Operations Manager at ASAP), and several other leaders from various organizations. The group discussed upcoming meetings and noted some attendance challenges, including one person traveling to Europe and Julie unsubscribing from communications. The meeting appeared to be focused on connecting new participants and allowing them to meet each other, with several new faces joining the regular attendees.

Health and Human Services Advocacy

Guillermo asked the group if anyone had received requests for information from state representatives regarding the upcoming legislative session and sunset review of Health and Human Services. Abigail mentioned she had been less active in behavioral health advocacy due to her mother's Alzheimer's diagnosis but committed to re-engaging. Heather shared that her team was working with North Texas Behavioral Health Authority, Text Protects, and Dallas Regional Chamber on legislative priorities, including support for mothers with substance use disorder. Guillermo requested that anyone gathering information on legislative priorities share it with Noelle to help track advocacy efforts across the state.

Opioid Fund Collaboration Updates

Duane provided updates on several initiatives, including ongoing discussions with Sunset and a recent meeting with the Texas Opioid Abatement Fund Council. He highlighted the potential for collaboration with the Opioid Abatement Fund Council, particularly in areas like recovery housing and wraparound services not funded under state programs. Duane also mentioned an upcoming meeting with HHSC's Executive Commissioner, Stephanie Muth, at the end of the month, which Noelle will help coordinate. He expressed excitement about the opportunity to bring ASAP's issues to the attention of HHSC leadership, particularly as they prepare to finalize their LAR in the coming months.

Funding Increase Advocacy Efforts

Noelle discussed ongoing efforts to increase funding, including potential rate increases that HHSC is researching. She noted that while HHSC supports rate increases, additional advocacy is needed, particularly through legislators. Noelle mentioned that even if rate increases pass, they would still be tied to pass-through funds from SAMHSA, emphasizing the need to pursue additional general revenue funds.

LAR Hearing Budget Preparation

The team discussed an upcoming LAR (Legislative Appropriations Request) hearing scheduled for July-August, where the agency will present its budget request including potential exceptional items for substance use services rate increases. Duane and Noelle explained that they will need staff and program participants to testify at the hearing and submit comments, with particular emphasis on having individuals share personal stories about how substance use services have impacted their lives. The hearing will be attended by senior staff from key budget decision-making bodies including the governor's office and legislative leadership, marking the beginning of the legislative session budget process.

Budget Messaging and Stakeholder Strategy

Carrie and Duane discussed the need for a cohesive message regarding budget outcomes and targeting the right stakeholders, particularly given that key decisions are made behind closed doors. Duane explained that while Texas has a record budget surplus, spending remains siloed, with significant pressure points including potential loss of federal funding due to changes in SNAP payment rules and Governor Abbott's proposal to fund education tax relief, which could divert billions from other areas. Duane outlined plans to testify before the Senate Health and Human Services committee on mental health and homelessness services, and discussed efforts to secure an invited witness for an upcoming hearing on healthcare and insurance costs.

Substance Use Policy Planning Meeting

The group discussed their involvement in addiction and substance use initiatives, with Carrie emphasizing the importance of data-driven cost savings messaging to align with the governor's education spending plans. Sherri provided updates on federal policy issues, including a national sign-on letter regarding substance use disorder services and concerns about funding cuts proposed in the President's budget. Noelle announced an upcoming roundtable discussion to inform the Texas Statewide Behavioral Health Strategic Plan for 2027-2031 and requested feedback from participants on key issues and gaps by the following week.