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There is an immediate and urgent need for advocates for community-based services to write letters to Texas Lt. Governor David Dewhurst and House Speaker Tom Craddick.  Urge these state leaders to create a Select Joint Interim Committee to reform Texas’ state schools for persons with mental retardation.  Suggest that, at a minimum, the charge to committee members should include:

• A comprehensive plan to support persons who want to move out of state institutions in the community
• A long-range plan to downsize and consolidate the state schools.
• A long-range plan to assist state employees who work at the state schools with transition to careers outside the facility, as well as lessen any economic impact on the communities in which state schools currently operate.

Persons who are currently on a waiting list for Medicaid waiver services are encouraged to share their personal stories with the legislative leadership, encouraging them to shift dollars that currently support institutions to funds for services in the community.  Read the DPC Issue Brief (new window)