NAMI Texas #Vote4MentalHealth Region 2 Candidate Questionnaire
For NAMI North Texas, NAMI Southern Sector Dallas, NAMI Grayson, Fannin & Cooke, NAMI Kaufman County, NAMI Tarrant County,
and NAMI Texas of North Central Region
During February 2020 and September-October 2020, NAMI
Texas’ Public Policy Team and our volunteers sent out a six-
question mental health policy questionnaire via Google Forms to
every individual running for a state legislative seat in a contested
race. Candidates were also provided information on NAMI Texas’
public policy platform. We are only sharing the results for
candidates who are in a contested race. If we have not received a
completed questionnaire from a candidate, we will indicate that we
have not received a response yet. Reminders were sent on a weekly
basis to candidates who had not yet responded to the
questionnaire.
NAMI Texas is a non-partisan 501(c)(3) non-profit
organization. We DO NOT endorse any candidates, or rank or alter
their answers in any way. We provide this information to educate
you on where candidates in your district stand on key mental
health issues and let you use this information to inform your vote
on November 3rd. A candidate’s inclusion of answers here does not
indicate a preference or endorsement by NAMI Texas. Inclusion in
this guide does not indicate that NAMI Texas endorses any
candidate's positions provided in the questionnaire. We encourage
NAMI members and mental health advocates to continue asking
important questions of legislative and local candidates and
#Vote4MentalHealth! More information on the
#Vote4MentalHealth campaign can be found at
namitexas.org/vote4mentalhealth-texas.
The candidates were asked the following open-ended questions:
1. Texas is experiencing a shortage of mental health and
addiction care providers, especially in rural and
underserved areas. How will you make sure more people
have access to mental health treatment and services?
2. State and federal law requires mental health parity, or the
equal treatment of mental health conditions and substance
use disorders, compared to physical health conditions, in
insurance plans. However, individuals in Texas still often
receive unequal coverage for mental health treatment and
services. What will you do to improve coverage for
mental health care?
3. At least 30% of individuals in local Texas jails have a
severe mental illness, and more than half of justice-
involved individuals nationwide have at least one mental
health condition. What will you do to divert people with
mental illness from the criminal justice system?
4. Almost a quarter of individuals experiencing
homelessness have a severe mental illness, and mental
illness has been identified as the third leading cause of
homelessness nationwide. How will you help people with
mental illness who are struggling with housing?
5. Half of mental health conditions begin by the age of 14
and 75% begin by the age of 24, but these issues often go
undetected and untreated until they reach a crisis point.
How will you promote earlier intervention for people
experiencing mental illness?
6. Texas has the highest uninsured rate in the country and
has faced serious challenges in ensuring individuals in
underserved areas have access to health care. What will
you do to improve access to health care and reduce our
high uninsured rate?
NAMI Texas #Vote4MentalHealth Region 2 Candidate Questionnaire
For NAMI North Texas, NAMI Southern Sector Dallas, NAMI Grayson, Fannin & Cooke, NAMI Kaufman County, NAMI Tarrant County,
and NAMI Texas of North Central Region
Senate District 1
Bryan Hughes (R, Incumbent)
Bryan Hughes has not responded to the questionnaire yet.
Audrey Spanko (D)
1. System Capacity: Medicaid expansion will play an important
role in increasing access to mental health services, as it will bring
coverage to over 40,000 East Texans, many of whom live in rural
areas. Especially during a pandemic, we need to work to expand
the use of Telehealth services; however, for rural Texans these
services have proved critical, and it will be necessary to continue
the expansion of Telehealth, even when we are no longer facing a
global pandemic.
2. Mental Health Coverage/Parity: For too long, the legislature
has allowed health insurance companies to go unchecked. We
should focus our efforts on holding these for profit companies
accountable, so Texans can attain necessary mental health
coverage, in addition to the physical health coverage they are
receiving. We should also work to increase Medicaid
reimbursement, making it more competitive with Medicare rates.
This would incentivize health care workers to improve and expand
the services they provide.
3. Criminal Justice: This is a part of a broad and necessary
discussion of reimagining our criminal justice system. In order to
truly provide justice, we need to provide services to individuals,
even before they become justice-involved. First of all, expanded
Medicaid will bring coverage to thousands of Texans who may be
suffering from a mental illness that would otherwise go untreated
and potentially could lead them to involvement with our broken
criminal justice system. Additionally, mental health resources in
Texas need to be accessible to all Texans, not just to those who can
pay top dollar. Other ideas, like supportive housing programs, also
show promising results, and I would work to expand access to
creative solutions like that as a member of the legislature.
4. Housing: We need to prioritize affordable housing options for
Texans all over the state. This should include supportive housing,
but even access to affordable housing without extra services is
necessary to curbing homelessness in Texas. Additionally, it will
be important to ensure that people experiencing homelessness also
have access to quality mental and physical health services.
5. Early Intervention: In order to ensure Texans can access
mental health services before they reach a crisis point, we should
encourage mental health screenings to begin at a younger age. One
way we can accomplish this is increasing the number of school
social workers across the state, this would allow public school
students access to a mental health professional whenever they are
on campus.
6. Access to Health Care: Senate district 1 is currently home to
134,000 individuals without health insurance and has the highest
infant mortality rate in the state. I plan to fight for Medicaid
expansion. Over 42,000 uninsured individuals in Senate District 1
would gain medical coverage if Texas expanded Medicaid.
Expanded coverage also means women and children will have the
coverage they need to seek life-saving medical services. Over the
last nine years four rural hospitals have closed in District 1.
Expanding coverage and insurance could help save other hospitals
at risk of closing.
Senate District 12
Jane Nelson (R, Incumbent)
Jane Nelson has not responded to the questionnaire yet.
NAMI Texas #Vote4MentalHealth Region 2 Candidate Questionnaire
For NAMI North Texas, NAMI Southern Sector Dallas, NAMI Grayson, Fannin & Cooke, NAMI Kaufman County, NAMI Tarrant County,
and NAMI Texas of North Central Region
Shadi Zitoon (D)
1. System Capacity: First, we have to expand Medicaid. So many
areas were left without any adequate healthcare due to the lack of
expansion. We also need incentives to encourage healthcare
professionals to move and provide service to rural communities.
2. Mental Health Coverage/Parity: We have to acknowledge that
mental healthcare is healthcare and to work on removing the
stigma associated with it. A large part of that is education and
teaching about mental care. We should be teaching about mental
healthcare in school to increase the public knowledge.
3. Criminal Justice: We need to have options for our law
enforcement. Our prison and jails are one of the largest providers
of healthcare in the state. We need to have addicts getting help
from people who are specialized in addiction treatment and mental
health professionals treating people with mental health issues.
4. Housing: Medicaid expansion would provide coverage for those
individuals to ensure they can get the treatment they need. We also
need to create more programs to help those people without a home,
One thing we can do is increase the minimum wage to a livable
wage so they can afford to house themselves. Also, we need to do
more to encourage the development of affordable housing.
5. Early Intervention: In school, we should be teaching about
mental health as well as physical health. This would help many
people know the signs to look for in loved ones or themselves
before it gets to a crisis point, in addition to the expansion of
treatment options for mental health issues that I have mentioned in
previous answers.
6. Access to Health Care: First, we need to expand Medicaid with
a robust program. We need to increase education on mental health.
We need lower costs for those who want to pursue healthcare as a
career to ensure we have enough professions to meet the ever-
increasing need.
Senate District 22
Brian Birdwell (R, Incumbent)
Brian Birdwell has not responded to the questionnaire yet.
Robert Vick (D)
1. System Capacity: Nine of the ten Counties that make up Senate
District 22 are rural so this issue is of utmost important to my
constituents. The State Legislature can do several things. First,
expand Medicaid, Texas is now only one of twelve States that has
not. Providing health care to 1.6 million Texans will help mitigate
the impact of poverty, unhealthy life-style choices, economic
uncertainty, and will improve the physical, emotional and mental
health of those most in need. Second, increase Medicaid
reimbursements to increase more medical provider participation,
including peer to peer support services. Third, grant APRNs full
practice authority to reduce the shortage of "authorized" medical
professionals. Forth, increase funding and support for mental
health evaluation and treatment services available to schools. Fifth,
develop and fund proven successful group, peer, maternal,
provider and family support programs.
2. Mental Health Coverage/Parity: A major hindrance to
reaching parity is our failure to expand Medicaid. Rural hospitals
are closing at an alarming rate in Texas, 21 in the last decade.
More than 75% of Texas rural hospitals are hanging on by a
thread. Mental health services are normally and routinely
reimbursed at a lower rate if at all. Scarce hospital resources are
"saved" for those with emergency medical needs. Expand
Medicaid and Medicaid reimbursements and you save rural
hospitals and expand mental health and substance abuse options.
3. Criminal Justice: Drug and substance abuse courts should be
established to divert substance addicted individuals into detox and
treatment programs.
NAMI Texas #Vote4MentalHealth Region 2 Candidate Questionnaire
For NAMI North Texas, NAMI Southern Sector Dallas, NAMI Grayson, Fannin & Cooke, NAMI Kaufman County, NAMI Tarrant County,
and NAMI Texas of North Central Region
Fresh out of graduate school I started my professional career with a
Community Mental Health Center. Witnessing the
deinstitutionalization of the mentally ill, I wrote the first
demonstration grant that created the HUD 202 Section 8 group
homes. We also created the "Open Door" psychosocial
rehabilitation program. We knew that housing, employment and
social skill were necessary to create an environment that reduced
the clients interactions with the police and the penal system. We
thought that the prior funding for inpatient mental health care
would flow to the community based approach, unfortunately it did
not. Housing, intervention and community based treatment will
reduce costs compared to jail, prison and certain recidivism. It's an
investment we should make.
When individuals are in jail, they should have access to needed
medication and support, should be signed up for our newly
expanded Medicaid and should get help planning their release and
transaction back into society. This will also prove to be cost
effective!
4. Housing: Projects for Assistance in Transition from
Homelessness (PATH) and The Healthy Community Collaborative
and two excennely programs dealing with housing and mental
illness, They are only available to residents of major urban areas.
The rural residents of Senate District 22 have no such options. The
rural homeless, often shunned by family, frequently find
themselves in urban areas. There are housing options, Section 8,
Section 811, supervised and supportive housing. The shortage is in
mental health professionals in rural areas to can direct and support
those in transition. I would defer to NAMI, but my first impression
is that these professionals would be community based working in
local rural hospitals recently saved by Medicaid expansion.
5. Early Intervention: In our schools, of course. In some cases,
such as rural areas, schools provide the only mental health services
in the community. Schools are ideal for instituting programs aimed
at mental illness and substance abuse prevention, intervention, and
positive development. Schools also foster communication between
school staff and families, and have the ability to address these
issues. School psychologists, school counselors, school social
workers, and school nurses know the students, parents, and other
staff, which contributes to an accessibility of services. In fact,
research has shown that students are more likely to seek counseling
when services are available in schools. I will introduce legislation,
and make it a priority, to increase funding for these positions and
services.
6. Access to Health Care: Expand Medicaid and Medicaid
reimbursement rates particularly in rural underserved areas.
Senate District 24
Dawn Buckingham (R, Incumbent)
Dawn Buckingham has not responded to the questionnaire yet.
Clayton Tucker (D)
1. System Capacity: We need to create a well-funded public
system of healthcare in Texas. Healthcare must include both
physical and mental health. As we are creating a system that allows
people to seek mental healthcare without fear of abhorrent cost, we
will also need to change our culture to make it socially acceptable
for people to seek mental health.
2. Mental Health Coverage/Parity: I will work to create a public
system of physical and mental healthcare in Texas via the Healthy
Texas Act (HB 4127 in the 2019 session). The HTA will expand
physical and mental healthcare coverage and will push us forwards
towards greater parity.
NAMI Texas #Vote4MentalHealth Region 2 Candidate Questionnaire
For NAMI North Texas, NAMI Southern Sector Dallas, NAMI Grayson, Fannin & Cooke, NAMI Kaufman County, NAMI Tarrant County,
and NAMI Texas of North Central Region
3. Criminal Justice: I will work to pass legislation that anyone
deemed likely to suffer from mental illness to receive treatment
rather than punishment. This can be done by building less
jails/prisons and more hospitals, some of which can specialize in
mental health.
4. Housing: We need to expand physical and mental healthcare to
everyone, regardless of if their rich or homeless. Once we expand
affordable coverage for all, which can be done via the Healthy
Texas Act, we can start getting homeless folks the healthcare they
need.
We also need to expand Medicaid.
5. Early Intervention: We have to change our culture. Thankfully,
the millennial and Y generations are becoming increasingly open
about mental health. We need to encourage and accelerate this
trend by simply being open and vocal about it, while making
mental healthcare significantly more available and cheaper.
6. Access to Health Care: The easiest step is to expand Medicaid.
Beyond that, I plan to promote the Healthy Texas Act that will
provide affordable coverage to all.
House District 2
Bryan Slaton (R)
Bryan Slaton has not responded to the questionnaire yet.
Bill Brannon (D)
1. System Capacity: Expand Medicaid. Better integrate mental
health professionals and training and into the school system. Put
mental health on an equal insurance footing.
2. Mental Health Coverage/Parity: Require the Attorney General
to enforce the law as a requirement for licensing.
3. Criminal Justice: Be sure counties have the diagnostic support
they need to properly identify problems and better finance
appropriate treatment programs.
4. Housing: Homelessness in general needs to be addressed.
Public support for private organizations that are working on the
issue should be encouraged along with potential subsidies for
partial rents. Job training should also be available.
5. Early Intervention: Again better integrate mental health
professionals into the school system and improve mental health
education for parents and teachers.
6. Access to Health Care: First, expand Medicaid under the ACA.
Consider financial and/or tuition inducements for doctors that
agree to practice in underserved areas.
House District 4
Keith Bell (R, Incumbent)
Keith Bell has not yet responded to the questionnaire yet.
K. Nicole Sprabary (L)
K. Nicole Sprabary has not yet responded to the questionnaire yet.
House District 5
Cole Hefner (R, Incumbent)
Cole Hefner has not responded to the questionnaire yet.
LaWyanda Prince (D)
LaWyanda Prince has not responded to the questionnaire yet.
House District 6
Matt Schaefer (R, Incumbent)
Matt Schaefer has not responded to the questionnaire yet.
NAMI Texas #Vote4MentalHealth Region 2 Candidate Questionnaire
For NAMI North Texas, NAMI Southern Sector Dallas, NAMI Grayson, Fannin & Cooke, NAMI Kaufman County, NAMI Tarrant County,
and NAMI Texas of North Central Region
Julie Gobble (D)
Julie Gobble has not responded to the questionnaire yet.
House District 8
Cody Harris (R, Incumbent)
Cody Harris has not responded to the questionnaire yet.
R. Edwin Adams (L)
R. Edwin Adams has not responded to the questionnaire yet.
House District 10
Jake Ellzey (R)
Jake Ellzey has not responded to the questionnaire yet.
Matt Savino (L)
1. System Capacity: I don't have a solution or remedy of my own
but I'm open to hear any ideas there are.
2. Mental Health Coverage/Parity: No response.
3. Criminal Justice: We need a recovery program. Rehabilitate
people in jails and prisons not just hold them. Other countries and
even areas in the US have done this with great success.
4. Housing: Stop limiting and putting restriction on agencies,
private programs and organizations that the government thinks it
needs to get involved in. More can be done if government is not
obstructing it.
5. Early Intervention: It is not the job of government to get
involved and I will do whatever I can to get government out of the
way.
6. Access to Health Care: Cut the red tape of government getting
in the way and let the free market handle medical needs.
House District 33
Justin Holland (R, Incumbent)
Justin Holland has not responded to the questionnaire yet.
Andrew Rose (D)
Andrew Rose has not responded to the questionnaire yet.
House District 58
DeWayne Burns (R, Incumbent)
DeWayne Burns has not responded to the questionnaire yet.
Cindy Rocha (D)
1. System Capacity: We must accept Medicaid funding that Texas
currently refuses. That should be a starting point. Then getting
providers to areas that need help the most perhaps with college
debt relief as an incentive.
2. Mental Health Coverage/Parity: Lawmakers must understand
in layman's terms the harm that is done to our citizens because we
continue to ignore mental health. Follow the laws that are in place,
strengthen or change them.
3. Criminal Justice: Early diagnosis and treatment should help to
divert many. Non-violent criminals should be reassessed.
4. Housing: Professional diagnosis, treatment, placement in
available housing. Ask groups that have the experience, salvation
army and night shelters, for their help, ideas and opinions in what
has worked best.
5. Early Intervention: We have to be able to diagnose earlier to
help and to prevent crisis. Parents, counselors, teachers,
pediatricians concerns should not be ignored.
6. Access to Health Care: Start with accepting Medicaid funding.
Incentives to serve our underserved. Circuit doctors, telemedicine,
broadband. Emphasize preventative care and ask those that are
NAMI Texas #Vote4MentalHealth Region 2 Candidate Questionnaire
For NAMI North Texas, NAMI Southern Sector Dallas, NAMI Grayson, Fannin & Cooke, NAMI Kaufman County, NAMI Tarrant County,
and NAMI Texas of North Central Region
actually doing the work and providing services what may work
best.
House District 61
Phil S. King (R, Incumbent)
Phil King has not responded to the questionnaire yet.
Christopher Cox (D)
Christopher Cox has not responded to the questionnaire yet.
House District 62
Reggie Smith (R, Incumbent)
Reggie Smith has not responded to the questionnaire yet.
Gary D. Thomas (D)
1. System Capacity:
1) I will introduce a Texas House Bill to establish a
medical tuition waiver program for anyone seeking any
type of medical professional degree/certification or
registry. Modeled on the current federal USPHS 'Costep"
program, graduates get 100% tuition waivers when they
work and equal number of years servicing underserved
communities throughout Texas. Years worked must equal
the same years of training and education. There is no
restriction on type of healthcare profession, up to and
including Ph.D., NP, PA, MD and DO. Graduates are paid
full time with full benefits, during this COSTEP work off
period. Republicans are constantly defunding these
COSTEP type programs to eliminate them. I would reverse
that, and expand it greatly.
2) I would also push for free/low cost rural Broadband 5G
WiFi internet, including remote rural areas. Online ZOOM
counseling and also construction of independent, free
standing Wifi kiosk booths would also be built for patients
who do not have access to internet. These kiosks would be
scattered throughout the district and be linked to mental
health professionals, physicians, NP's, PA's, educational
support facilities and teaching hospitals like UT
Southwestern.
2. Mental Health Coverage/Parity:
1) I would begin preparing Texas for a Public Option health
insurance program, to complete with private sector
insurance corporations, which currently are under no legal
obligation to compete with each other. Texas insurance
companies do not compete with each other. They collude to
fix prices with fellow "competitors" both inside and outside
markets and state lines. All Texas insurance companies are
exempt from anti-trust laws (see McCarren-Ferguson Act).
I would work to immediately repeal the MCCARREN-
FERGUSON ACT in Texas.
2) I would immediately start funding all medical and
mental health by accepting the MEDICAID EXPANSION
in Texas. The Republican led Texas legislature has rejected
the ME every year for the past ten years. That's $10 billion
a year left on the table, $100 billion total to date. The ME is
a payroll deducted tax rebate program that is supposed to
reimburse our rural hospitals for all their unpaid indigent
care. By refusing this critical healthcare tax rebate, the (R)
Texas House has caused 27 Texas Hospitals into
bankruptcy and foreclosure. The Clarksville Hospital in
Red River County closed their doors forever this year.
More hospitals, still struggling may be shut down by 2022.
NAMI Texas #Vote4MentalHealth Region 2 Candidate Questionnaire
For NAMI North Texas, NAMI Southern Sector Dallas, NAMI Grayson, Fannin & Cooke, NAMI Kaufman County, NAMI Tarrant County,
and NAMI Texas of North Central Region
3) We use the Public Option until MEDICARE-FOR-ALL
becomes law. I am 100% for M4A. I have over 20 years
work experience in the medical and insurance fields. I have
been a registered ultrasound tech since 1995, and I perform
exams daily, on the mentally challenged, psychiatric
patients, prisoners as well as the regular public. The more
people we have covered with healthcare insurance, the
cheaper it becomes for everyone.
3. Criminal Justice:
1) I would re-allocate law enforcement funds to develop and
expand mental health representation among all law
enforcement agencies, including County Sheriff's
Departments. All State law enforcement grants would be
withheld until the county and city law enforcement passes
the guidelines set by NAMI and NASW. Mental Health
professions should represent a minimum of 25% of any
Texas police force.
2) Funding, training and employment of these Criminal
Justice Mental Health professionals could be positioned in
underserved, 'trouble spots' using a Texas version of the
USPHS "COSTEP" educational model, that I mentioned
above.
4. Housing: Many success stories are already happening around
Texas, where federal and state grants for new construction are tied
to a percentage of low-income housing construction. It is
happening here in Denison, my hometown. The cottages are
beautiful and well built. And many are built within or near the
tourist spots and historical heritage neighborhoods. This makes for
a fun and interesting diverse community. Low income housing is
not something to be afraid of. It can be done and it can be
successful.
5. Early Intervention: My answers above cover this. M4A,
COSTEP educations, rural broadband internet are where you start.
Accepting the MEDICAID EXPANSION is where you start. In
rural Texas about one in every ten (1:10) primary and secondary
school children are not Shelter Secure. In some areas, a tenth of
any school population is a homeless population. These kids are
shuffled from house to house every night. Some kids sleep in cars
at night. Reading disabilities and other problems spin off
uncontrollably. Hunger is a problem. One girl became so
embarrassed, she dropped out of school altogether. She got head
lice sleeping in a car, and had to have her head shaved. The other
children made fun of her until she cried. So she left school, for
good. This should not be happening in America.
An expanded Texas Mental Health Program would partner
therapists with educators to spot and assist challenged children. I
had a rather severe reading disability as a child, that I did not
correct until my second year of college. It still revisits me from
time to time. So I know how bad this can get when left
undiagnosed.
6. Access to Health Care: Yes. We are #1 in the USA in the
uninsured. You've read my answers above. So let me conclude that
our greatest enemy is - ourselves. We must take back the Texas
House, and begin turning Texas BLUE. We must educate the
public to the evils of medical billing COST SHIFTING. We must
better explain that it is a FISCAL issue. Taxpayers are paying
twice for the poor's healthcare. By our (R)-Legislature not
accepting the ME annual rebate reimbursements, not only are you
denied the funds taken out of your payroll deductions, but you pay
AGAIN when the poor are treated at our local hospital. The
NAMI Texas #Vote4MentalHealth Region 2 Candidate Questionnaire
For NAMI North Texas, NAMI Southern Sector Dallas, NAMI Grayson, Fannin & Cooke, NAMI Kaufman County, NAMI Tarrant County,
and NAMI Texas of North Central Region
hospital (to keep from going bankrupt) will jack up their prices on
those folks with employer based health insurance. And the health
insurance companies will jack up the prices on your premiums and
also increase your co-pays, annual deductibles, while reducing
your services and in-network provider options. Your property taxes
and sales taxes also skyrocket when your public county hospitals
don't get paid. Fire and Police departments also get stressed. We
must do a much better at explaining how medical COST
SHIFTING works. It fleeces the regular middle class tax paying
Texan, in ways he/she is totally unaware of.
If I were elected, I'd try and get on the State Health House
Committee and advance a year long, broad based public
educational campaign (advertising, radio, TV, public relations,
internet blog, etc.,) to explain to how not having healthcare fleeces
the finances of the average working Texas taxpayer.
House District 63
Tan Parker (R, Incumbent)
Tan Parker has not responded to the questionnaire yet.
Leslie Peeler (D)
Leslie Peeler has not responded to the questionnaire yet.
House District 64
Lynn Stucky (R, Incumbent)
1. System Capacity: I have a proven record of supporting policies
that increases funding and expands care options for mental health
in Texas. As a state representative for a State Supported Living
Center, I am committed to protecting funding for these institutions.
I am open to discussing policies that open the door for community
mental health clinics, similar to free health clinics that are operated
on the local level. These would serve in coordination with local
MHMR representatives and could possibly become a resource to
ease the burdens on local law enforcement and hospitals.
2. Mental Health Coverage/Parity: Much like maintaining
physical health, we need options that make mental health care
affordable. I believe a starting point could be programs that
provide low-cost, entry-level education on mental health and
encouraging preventative practices. Many Texans are not aware of
small changes that can be made in their daily lives to improve
mental health and don't have local organizations promoting these
resources.
3. Criminal Justice: The biggest challenge is keeping these
individuals engaged in programs that improve mental health and
provide stability. Often times, when someone completes a prison
sentence they lose the mental health care they were receiving; or
the conditions outside of prison prevent them from easily accessing
MHMR resources. One possible solution would be to create a
connectivity component through the Board of Pardons & Parole
that helps these individuals continue to seek mental health
treatment as part of their parole program.
4. Housing: As a veterinarian, I am trained to treat the root cause,
not just the symptoms. Providing housing is only a portion of the
equation and fails to address the underlying cause. It all comes
back to providing access to care that gets these individuals on a
path to health and self-sustaining wellness.
5. Early Intervention: Early education about the positive effects
of diet and exercise on mental health is a great start. We also could
do a better job of educating our children on biology and how our
brains function. We easily recognize the extreme examples of
mental health reaching crisis. It's the understanding and
recognition of early warning signs -- be it by parents, relatives,
NAMI Texas #Vote4MentalHealth Region 2 Candidate Questionnaire
For NAMI North Texas, NAMI Southern Sector Dallas, NAMI Grayson, Fannin & Cooke, NAMI Kaufman County, NAMI Tarrant County,
and NAMI Texas of North Central Region
friends, teachers or other caregivers -- that could truly impact the
number of people reaching a crisis point.
6. Access to Health Care: Technology, I believe, could be the
missing piece of this puzzle. The expansion of telehealth services, I
believe, is a quick solution to both access to care and affordability
-- especially when it comes to mental health. Repealing the
regulations that block this access to care could be a major leap
forward on both of these fronts.
Angela Brewer (D)
Angela Brewer has not responded to the questionnaire yet.
House District 65
Michelle Beckley (D, Incumbent)
1. System Capacity: Medicaid expansion, last session I worked on
a tele medicine bill that would have helped fill gaps in rural areas
2. Mental Health Coverage/Parity: Medicaid expansion, county
by county Medicaid expansion option
3. Criminal Justice: Increase funding for county mental health
facilities, Medicaid expansion
4. Housing: We need a homeless shelter in Denton County,
Medicaid expansion
5. Early Intervention: We need to get additional funding to our
public schools for these programs
6. Access to Health Care: We need Medicaid expansion
Kronda Thimesch (R)
Kronda Thimesch has not responded to the questionnaire yet.
House District 66
Matt Shaheen (R, Incumbent)
Matt Shaheen has not responded to the questionnaire yet.
Sharon Hirsch (D)
1. System Capacity: First of all, expanding Medicaid would make
over a million more Texans eligible for health care. Expanding the
use of tele-health either through video or over the phone could
make services more available and more comfortable for those who
hesitate to meet in person. We could also partner with area
nonprofits to provide incentives to practitioners willing to work in
rural and underserved areas.
2. Mental Health Coverage/Parity: At a minimum, we have to
ensure oversight, enforcement and compliance with state and
federal law. Requiring insurance plans to cover mental health and
prohibiting insurance policies that are short-term or have limited
benefits are options. We should increase funding to Medicaid
providers and community-based services.
3. Criminal Justice: I will continue the progress made in the 86th
legislative session to increase funding that helps local governments
keep nonviolent individuals with mental illness out of jail and into
treatment plans.
4. Housing: I’ve long supported group housing that offers
treatment and long-term solutions to address the needs of the
chronic homeless. So many of these individuals suffer with severe
health issues that require extensive interventions. Being in safe
surroundings with coordinated care over an extended period of
time offers stability and the best path to positive outcomes.
5. Early Intervention: I agree with your position that schools can
serve a critical role in identifying and treating children with mental
health conditions. They also have the opportunity to provide
education regarding mental health and options for treatment to
students and families. In my community, the school district piloted
a tele-health program for students in secondary schools so they
could continue sessions with their therapists without leaving the
campus. The key here is providing schools with the resources they
NAMI Texas #Vote4MentalHealth Region 2 Candidate Questionnaire
For NAMI North Texas, NAMI Southern Sector Dallas, NAMI Grayson, Fannin & Cooke, NAMI Kaufman County, NAMI Tarrant County,
and NAMI Texas of North Central Region
need to be most effective. We frequently ask our schools to do too
much with very little. Texas has a long history of underfunding
education and we must reverse that course.
6. Access to Health Care: As I mentioned in the first question, it’s
critical that Texas expand Medicaid. Rural clinics and hospitals
have shuttered due to uncompensated care cost. I also think it is
unconscionable that our state is fighting in court to dismantle the
Affordable Care Act. We must stop spending millions of taxpayer
dollars to deny insurance to Texans while other states have been
proactive and innovative in improving health outcomes.
Shawn Jones (L)
Shawn Jones’ contact information could not be found.
House District 67
Jeff Leach (R, Incumbent)
Jeff Leach has not responded to the questionnaire yet.
Lorenzo Sanchez (D)
1. System Capacity: Expanding Medicaid is one way that we can
strengthen the healthcare networks in rural areas, by infusing more
federal money into the system. We also need to provide grants to
students who are studying to go into these fields, with the
contingency that they stay in Texas after graduating. I also would
like for Texas to add incentive pay through Medicaid for service
providers in rural areas to encourage more professionals to move
out there and do this work.
2. Mental Health Coverage/Parity: The Texas Legislature should
explore more oversight for insurance plans, including fines or
penalties for managed care organizations who are declining to
cover mental health treatment for their patients.
3. Criminal Justice: Instead of regular police officers responding
to mental health calls, we need other professionals who are trained
in mental health and de-escalation tactics to respond. Every
municipality needs this resource so that we can reduce the amount
of unnecessary arrests that are made. Our judicial system also
needs to have diversion programs for people who have severe
mental health issues so that we can avoid placing them in prison.
Lastly, we need broader resources across the board to treat
people’s mental health issues so that we can prevent incidents that
involve the judicial system.
4. Housing: We need more funding for housing programs for
people who are mentally ill, such as group homes and other
settings. We need to ensure that people with mental illness or
substance use disorders are not discriminated against when they
are looking for housing. We also need to dramatically increase
access to treatment for mental health issues so that people will
have the support they need and have a better chance of staying
housed.
5. Early Intervention: We need universal healthcare so that
everyone can get the care they need. Many Texans do not see
doctors for mental health issues because of prohibitive costs, and
this definitely plays a role in delayed diagnosis. I also support
increasing funding for our schools so that they can hire more
counselors and support staff who can work with students who may
have a mental health issue and refer them to a doctor if an
evaluation is needed.
6. Access to Health Care: I support the immediate expansion of
Medicaid in the 2021 legislative session. I also support increased
funding for health care plans for our teachers and state employees,
so that the plans will cover more of the costs of mental health
services. In addition, I am advocating for a universal healthcare
NAMI Texas #Vote4MentalHealth Region 2 Candidate Questionnaire
For NAMI North Texas, NAMI Southern Sector Dallas, NAMI Grayson, Fannin & Cooke, NAMI Kaufman County, NAMI Tarrant County,
and NAMI Texas of North Central Region
program in Texas that would ensure all Texans have health care
coverage at all times, including for mental health.
House District 68
Drew Springer (R, Incumbent)
Drew Springer has not responded to the questionnaire yet.
Patsy Ledbetter (D)
1. System Capacity: First, I would strongly support Texas'
expanding Medicaid coverage under the Affordable Care Act--this
is primarily why I decided to run for office. Many of my
constituents do not seem to be aware that this an option because
our political leaders so rarely even discuss it.
Existing mental health services in my district are woefully
underfunded, and providers are underpaid. I would work for
expanded state support because rural communities like mine
cannot afford the level of care we need. We can't attract care
providers without adequately compensating them. I volunteer for
the local family violence shelter, for example, so I see the impact
our state’s refusal commit to a strong program has on the quality of
life overall in our community.
Like most Texans, my own family has faced mental health crises. I
know that no family should have to worry about being destroyed
financially while confronting the emotional turmoil of dealing with
a loved one in crisis. Thank you for all you do to alleviate this
burden.
2. Mental Health Coverage/Parity: I would advocate
strengthening state oversight of insurance companies to prevent
them from avoiding the laws that require parity. A federal law
must receive local support in order to be meaningful, and the state
of Texas has not shown the commitment to enforcement that is
needed. I would also support putting in place a meaningful way for
consumers to seek redress when they are harmed by the failure to
provide parity.
3. Criminal Justice: This is one of the most serious contributing
factors to the mental health crisis in our state. It seems it's easier to
lock sick people up than it is to treat them. Our jails and prisons
should not be the front line options for mental health patients. I
support a putting in place a system that identifies those in need
early on in the criminal justice system so that the mentally ill are
redirected to mental health providers. I would seek help from
experts in groups like yours in working out details on how to make
this happen.
4. Housing: This is a predictable result from the overall
inadequacy of Texas' failure to have in place the means of
identifying, referring and staffing agencies that can intervene prior
to full blown mental health crises. I think the best approach would
be early treatment to prevent a mental health issue from escalating
until the sufferer loses everything, but I understand the difficulties
in detecting a crisis before it becomes overwhelming, especially
when complicated by poverty. I know that without family support
and economic resources, my own family crises could easily have
led to homelessness. When a mentally ill person is identified
among the homeless, a system should be in place to provide
treatment at that time, meaning that treatment must be an integral
part of any program for addressing homelessness. Again, I would
rely on the experience of those who work in this field to provide
details and procedures for putting this in place.
5. Early Intervention: We need more school counselors and better
trained personnel to identify problems and work with parents to get
help. My son is a lead teacher in a school for emotionally disturbed
children so I have personal insight into just how serious mental
illness is for children and how inadequate our care for them is. I'm
NAMI Texas #Vote4MentalHealth Region 2 Candidate Questionnaire
For NAMI North Texas, NAMI Southern Sector Dallas, NAMI Grayson, Fannin & Cooke, NAMI Kaufman County, NAMI Tarrant County,
and NAMI Texas of North Central Region
so proud of the work he does but I also see how tired he is at the
end of the day and how discouraged he can become when help is
not available for kids he loves.
A serious problem in dealing with children is the shortage of
mental health care providers available to help them specifically. I
have a friend whose pre-teen daughter has been diagnosed with
mental illness. He has almost gone bankrupt trying to get her help
and has to drive over an hour just to see a psychiatrist for a few
minutes a few times a year.
I teach in a community college and have noted an increase in the
number of students dealing with mental health problems. While we
have an excellent counseling staff, they do not have the personnel
to deal with this escalating crisis, and when about 30% of college
age youth have no insurance it is almost impossible to get them
help.
6. Access to Health Care: First and foremost, I would demand the
expansion of Medicaid in Texas. I determined I had to run for
office when I watched a young man die of skin cancer, a disease
that could have easily been treated in a doctor's office if he had had
the resources or if Texas had expanded Medicaid. Our rural
hospitals are dying because it is impossible to provide quality
medical care to people who can't afford it unless we get help
funding them. When the hospitals die, the entire community
suffers.
I believe the first step to reform is in the campaign process itself.
My goal is to run an issue-focused campaign that forces candidates
to address problems that actually impact Texans' lives, instead of
the name-calling and insult-trading process that our politics has
degenerated into. For example, I intend to hold a public forum on
the mental health crisis, inviting experts in the field to explain the
problems in an non-partisan, fact-based approach. Would your
organization be interested in participating in such a forum? I will,
of course, invite my Republican opponent to participate also. My
goal is for the campaign to demonstrate that health care, especially
mental health care, is not just an individual problem but a quality
of life issue for the entire community.
House District 70
Scott Sanford (R, Incumbent)
Scott Sanford has not responded to the questionnaire yet.
Angie Bado (D)
Angie Bado has not responded to the questionnaire yet.
House District 89
Candy Noble (R, Incumbent)
Candy Noble has not responded to the questionnaire yet.
Sugar Ray Ash (D)
1. System Capacity: Insist that Texas opt into the Affordable
Care Act and take the $10 Billion that they refuse each year for
Medicaid expansion.
2. Mental Health Coverage/Parity: Follow the law.
3. Criminal Justice: Defund a portion of the police budget and
apply those funds to hire professionals trained in dealing with
these patients.
4. Housing: Allocate funds to Habitat For Humanity to build
more housing for the homeless.
5. Early Intervention: Teach about mental illness in high
school.
NAMI Texas #Vote4MentalHealth Region 2 Candidate Questionnaire
For NAMI North Texas, NAMI Southern Sector Dallas, NAMI Grayson, Fannin & Cooke, NAMI Kaufman County, NAMI Tarrant County,
and NAMI Texas of North Central Region
6. Access to Health Care: Insist that Texas opt into Obama
Care and expand Medicaid.
Ed Kless (L)
Ed Kless has not responded to the questionnaire yet.
House District 90
Ramon Romero (D, Incumbent)
1. System Capacity: It is critical that we tackle the issue of mental
health provider shortfalls across our state this legislative session.
Texans are dealing with a recession, a global pandemic, and social
unrest - they need mental health supports now more than ever. My
office will support common-sense legislation that secures a living
wage for mental health providers and makes internet access a
reality for all Texans. In rural areas, internet access is particularly
crucial so that telehealth services can reach folks struggling with
mental health conditions and addiction. And in order to make sure
that we have the providers to help those folks, we need to pay a
wide range of mental health providers a living wage.
2. Mental Health Coverage/Parity: Mental health care is health
care. I have fought against the stigma associated with mental
health care on the house floor, in interviews, and in my time with
the Texas Veterans Commission. I look forward to continuing that
fight this session by improving how we reimburse mental health
care in our state and continuing to push for needed and overdue
Medicaid expansion.
3. Criminal Justice: The fact that our state's jails are the largest
mental health provider is simply unacceptable. I will support the
enhanced provision of mental health services and mental health
first responders in our communities. When someone calls 911
because of a serious mental health crisis, we simply cannot ask our
law enforcement professionals to act as trained mental health
professionals - the legislature must invest in mental health
response teams across our state.
4. Housing: Mental health services for our community members
experiencing homelessness are needed, especially as a growing
number of Texans are unable to pay their rent during the current
recession. A housing-first model for care is my focus because
safety and stability must be established alongside wraparound
mental health supports. This session, I look forward to working
alongside my colleagues in the House to find ways to expand and
support existing housing first models while keeping Texans who
are struggling financially in their homes.
5. Early Intervention: We need a mental health care system that
meets folks where they are, regardless of age. One concrete step in
this direction will be the provision of peer support services to
young people so that they can talk to someone that has lived with a
mental health condition. We must make these services available to
young Texans so that they have the support they need to thrive.
6. Access to Health Care: Texans need Medicaid expansion and
we need it now. We have waited too long while our governor plays
politics with our lives and wellbeing. We need postpartum
Medicaid coverage for women up to 12 months, and we need
increased coverage for children covered by Medicaid. I will fight
for all of these changes.
Elva Camacho (R)
Elva Camacho has not responded to the questionnaire yet.
House District 91
Stephanie Klick (R, Incumbent)
Stephanie Klick has not responded to the questionnaire yet.
NAMI Texas #Vote4MentalHealth Region 2 Candidate Questionnaire
For NAMI North Texas, NAMI Southern Sector Dallas, NAMI Grayson, Fannin & Cooke, NAMI Kaufman County, NAMI Tarrant County,
and NAMI Texas of North Central Region
Jeromey Sims (D)
Jeromey Sims has not responded to the questionnaire yet.
House District 92
Jeff Cason (R)
Jeff Cason has not responded to the questionnaire yet.
Jeff Whitfield (D)
1. System Capacity: One of my priorities if elected is increasing
affordable access to healthcare, which must include mental health
treatment and services. I will work to make sure mental health
services are regarded as essential healthcare. We also must
adequately fund public sector services to ensure folks in rural and
underserved areas who qualify for those services are receiving
satisfactory care and attention.
2. Mental Health Coverage/Parity: I will support any efforts to
make sure mental health services are regarded as essential
healthcare. We must ensure that current law is enforced so that
adequate mental health services are available to those who require
them.
3. Criminal Justice: I will encourage the creation and expansion
of trauma-informed prevention, diversion and treatment options to
reduce incarceration and recidivism rates among those with mental
illness or addiction. I'd also advocate for the increased
implementation of specialized mental health courts to encourage
options other than incarceration.
4. Housing: We should build upon the existing supportive housing
infrastructure to more adequately meet the needs of those
individuals with mental illnesses. I will also advocate for more
vocational training and employment programs specialized for those
with mental illness, in order to provide a more stable work
environment.
5. Early Intervention: I will advocate for more adequate funding
where our young people need it the most - in our schools. Within
increased public education funding, we should include funding for
professionals who are trained to detect and treat these mental
health issues before they reach a crisis point.
6. Access to Health Care: The fact that Texas has the largest
uninsured population in the country is not just ethically wrong, it’s
economically irresponsible. We must accept the billions of dollars
(of our own money, which we paid in taxes) from the federal
government to expand health coverage in Texas. I will fight to
expand access to affordable healthcare for every Texan. For this
issue and of the issues mentioned in this questionnaire, I will seek
input from the professionals in this space, such as NAMI, to listen
and learn how I can be the most effective in implementing
practical changes as a state legislator.
Brody-Andrew Mulligan (G)
Brody Andrew-Mulligan has not responded to the questionnaire
yet.
House District 93
Matt Krause (R, Incumbent)
Matt Krause has not responded to the questionnaire yet.
Lydia Bean (D)
Lydia Bean has not responded to the questionnaire yet.
House District 94
Tony Tinderholt (R, Incumbent)
Tony Tinderholt has not responded to the questionnaire yet.
NAMI Texas #Vote4MentalHealth Region 2 Candidate Questionnaire
For NAMI North Texas, NAMI Southern Sector Dallas, NAMI Grayson, Fannin & Cooke, NAMI Kaufman County, NAMI Tarrant County,
and NAMI Texas of North Central Region
Alisa Simmons (D)
Alisa Simmons has not responded to the questionnaire yet.
Jessica Pallett (L)
Jessica Pallett has not responded to the questionnaire yet.
House District 96
David Cook (R)
1. System Capacity: It is important that we find a way to expand
telemedicine for mental health care. This would go a long way to
eliminate the travel issues that are faced in many rural and
underserved Texas communities. We must also find ways to
increase funding for state schools and facilities that provide care
for those unable to care for themselves due to their mental illness.
2. Mental Health Coverage/Parity: I would work with our mental
health professionals to examine where, in our current law, we can
make improvements to ensure parity between treatments for mental
health and physical health in our insurance plans.
3. Criminal Justice: Texas should start by bringing back state
schools to give individuals, and their guardians, a choice to place
them in a facility that offers a safe, supervised environment, where
they can get the care that they need to recover. In the 90s, when
funding was cut to these facilities, many were forced out onto the
streets with little to no additional assistance, where they were
victimized. We must work to end the victimization and
exploitation of those suffering from mental illness.
4. Housing: In addition to increasing funding for state schools we
should look at adding community housing on campus so that as
individuals transition back to a more independent life they still
have access to critical mental health and job training resources to
help them re-establish themselves as contributing members of
society.
5. Early Intervention: The work starts in schools, we must offer
more training to our teachers and counselors to identify and help
get resources to students who may be dealing with mental health
conditions. We also must use schools as a way to educate parents
on mental health and introduce them to programs, like those
available through the CHIP program, that can help loved ones who
are at high risk.
6. Access to Health Care: Texas should continue to support the
expansion of programs that increase access to low cost
preventative health services. Telemedicine will also be a key cog
in increasing healthcare access throughout the state. Technology
can assist us in ensuring that all Texans, regardless of where they
live, are able to connect with high quality care.
Joe Drago (D)
1. System Capacity: Access to mental healthcare and addiction
treatment is crucial in these areas. I support a collaborative effort
among those in the local community, mental healthcare providers,
addiction treatment providers, and local officials to coordinate and
implement mental healthcare and addiction treatment in
underserved communities. Additionally, I support the expansion of
Medicaid in Texas so that all individuals in Texans have more
affordable access to quality healthcare, including mental healthcare
and addiction treatment. Funding the treatment of mental
healthcare is just as important as any other type of healthcare.
Mental illness is a real health issue just like any other and should
be treated as such. Finally, the opioid crisis must be addressed so
that early signs of addiction can be recognized and treatment
provided.
2. Mental Health Coverage/Parity: As indicated above, coverage
for mental healthcare is just as important as coverage for any other
health condition. Even many with employee provided insurance
NAMI Texas #Vote4MentalHealth Region 2 Candidate Questionnaire
For NAMI North Texas, NAMI Southern Sector Dallas, NAMI Grayson, Fannin & Cooke, NAMI Kaufman County, NAMI Tarrant County,
and NAMI Texas of North Central Region
plans are unable to obtain affordable access to mental healthcare
needed. I fully support the expansion of Medicaid to support this
need and help close the gap of coverages being provided.
Additionally, we must take a closer look at private insurance and
the coverages provided to ensure that this health need is addressed
appropriately.
3. Criminal Justice: Pure and simple, those suffering from mental
illness must be treated. The fact that some individuals needing
treatment are incarcerated or justice-involved should not infringe
on one's basic human right to healthcare and mental healthcare.
The treatment of such individuals during their time in the justice
system will lead to reduced recidivism and hopefully address
underlying issues in individuals that hinder their continued growth
and meaningful contribution to their communities.
4. Housing: This is a community effort. I will work with cities and
counties to implement and sustain an outreach program to the
homeless community. Unfortunately, homelessness is becoming an
ever increasing issue. Mental illness can sometimes be the cause
and/or the product of homelessness. Without a real concentration
of services from the community through the local government, the
state and various non-profits, people trapped in the cycle of
homelessness with mental illness have a hard time escaping. A
community that takes care of its own, no matter what, is a
community that thrives to be a better place for all people living
there.
5. Early Intervention: Early intervention is the key. School
administration needs to be keenly aware that these issues are real
in children, adolescents and young adults. Many are often silent
because of the fear and stigma so often unjustly associated with
mental illness. Community based and school based mentorship
programs and outreach focused on the most vulnerable is necessary
to treat mental health issues before severe consequences occur. De-
stigmatizing mental illness is necessary so children and young
adults can feel like there is hope, there is someone to talk to, and
there is a way out from how they are feeling.
6. Access to Health Care: For a state like Texas to have the
highest uninsured rate in the country is unacceptable. Similar to
my response to question No. 1, the immediate expansion of
Medicaid in Texas is necessary. From there, improvements
regarding access, availability and affordability must be addressed
on the local, state and federal level with private healthcare
providers to make sure that those in underserved areas are able to
get the mental healthcare they need.
Nelson Range (L)
Nelson Range has not responded to the questionnaire yet.
House District 97
Craig Goldman (R, Incumbent)
Craig Goldman has not responded to the questionnaire yet.
Elizabeth Beck (D)
Elizabeth Beck has not responded to the questionnaire yet.
Rod Wingo (L)
Rod Wingo has not responded to the questionnaire yet.
House District 98
Giovanni Capriglione (R, Incumbent)
Giovanni Capriglione has not responded to the questionnaire yet.
Debra Edmondson (D)
1. System Capacity: The state needs to help create a strong mental
health care system by offering greater incentives to join the mental
NAMI Texas #Vote4MentalHealth Region 2 Candidate Questionnaire
For NAMI North Texas, NAMI Southern Sector Dallas, NAMI Grayson, Fannin & Cooke, NAMI Kaufman County, NAMI Tarrant County,
and NAMI Texas of North Central Region
health workforce. We can offer incentives for people to return to
their own communities and expand the loan repayment program
passed by the Legislature in 2016. We must also also create
incentives and expand training programs for "community health
workers" in rural areas who have limited training but can work
with people with chronic diseases.
2. Mental Health Coverage/Parity: The state can pass a mental
health parity bill wherein insurers will have to prove that their
behavioral health coverage is on par with what they offer for
physical ailments and require the companies to submit annual
reports to the state.
3. Criminal Justice: The state should establish integrated data
systems to maximize good outcomes and prevent people from
falling through “gaps” in the system. Data-driven strategies to
divert low-risk offenders with mental illness from the criminal
justice system to appropriate care should be established and
instituted. Law enforcement officials and first responders must also
be trained with protocols to assess and divert people to service
providers rather than the default of the criminal justice system.
Examples of gaps include people being incarcerated without
knowledge of the person’s mental health history and treatment
plan, people being released from incarceration into the community
without any effort to coordinate with the mental health system to
ensure follow up services, etc.
4. Housing: The state must work with local governments and help
them establish programs to connect homeless people having a
mental illness with vital services including talking with trained
social workers who can identify and assess them and then work to
provide them with the appropriate assistance. Social workers serve
in emergency rooms, libraries, shelters, jails, and food banks to
help those in need.
5. Early Intervention: Texas should pay for extra training for
health professionals who work in the schools so they can spot
potential mental health conditions in students. Implicit in the
public health model is the identification of risk and protective
factors—whereby risks increase the likelihood of a problem and
protective factors help to enhance resilience and/or mitigate such
risks. Family physicians must also have access to training in how
to recognize mental illness in patients at a young age.
6. Access to Health Care: Texas must begin to accept the full
amount of Medicaid money available to them. This was already
critical before the pandemic but since the pandemic started another
1.4 million Texans have lost their health insurance.
House District 102
Ana-Maria Ramos (D, Incumbent)
Ana-Maria Ramos has not responded to the questionnaire yet.
Linda Koop (R)
1. System Capacity: I will work to increase telemedicine mental
health services. I will also propose more mental health psychiatric
slots at our medical schools and loan forgiveness programs for
those professionals willing to practice in underserved and rural
areas.
2.. Mental Health Coverage/Parity: Propose legislation that
addresses increasing mental health coverage.
3. Criminal Justice: I will expand mental health courts and
encourage neighborhood mental health treatment groups.
4. Housing: Continue to work on adding SROs to the mix of low
income housing with wrap around services.
5. Early Intervention: I helped get a UTSW mental health
program in RISD. The program is a required program for every
middle aged student. It teaches them how to handle anger, stress
NAMI Texas #Vote4MentalHealth Region 2 Candidate Questionnaire
For NAMI North Texas, NAMI Southern Sector Dallas, NAMI Grayson, Fannin & Cooke, NAMI Kaufman County, NAMI Tarrant County,
and NAMI Texas of North Central Region
and other issues that could trigger mental health issues.
Additionally, it helps identify children who are having difficulties.
6. Access to Health Care: I will expand Medicaid for the
uninsured.
House District 103
Rafael Anchia (D, Incumbent)
Rafael Anchia has not responded to the questionnaire yet.
Jerry Fortenberry II (R)
Jerry Fortenberry II has not responded to the questionnaire yet.
House District 105
Thresa “Terry” Meza (D, Incumbent)
1. System Capacity: As a new member of the House Agriculture
Committee, I was pleased to learn that the committee is about more
than crops and cows, but also is concerned with the quality of life
in our rural areas. Of course, this includes health in general and
mental health in particular. The pandemic has exposed fault lines
that already previously existed but were made more pronounced by
the virus. One of those is lack of access to health care. Our
committee supports the use of telemedicine in underserved areas.
Having worked in the past on the education team for the Tarrant
Council on Alcoholism & Drug Abuse, I understand the value of
having someone to talk to during times of sadness and stress.
Telemedicine helps provide that sympathetic ear. I would also add
the allocation of more funds to address the shortage if it were not
for the budget shortfall this next session.
2. Mental Health Coverage/Parity: Since state and federal law
already requires parity, improving coverage will necessitate
increased enforcement.
3. Criminal Justice: My home district is in Dallas County. Our
court system is blessed to have diversionary programs which are
not only supported by the judges but also by the District Attorney's
Office. One of the many diversionary programs is for mental
illness. Those who are mentally ill need services not imprisonment.
It's a disgraceful statistic that the County Jails in Harris and Dallas
are the biggest providers of care to the mentally ill in Texas.
Equally disgraceful is the fact that the biggest provider of mental
health services to our youth is Juvenile Detention. Programs like
those in Dallas County should be replicated throughout the state.
4. Housing: The City of Dallas has invested in a custom housing
project for the mentally ill. It will be worth watching to see if that
can be a model for housing for the mentally ill.
5. Early Intervention: Increasing the number of counselors in
schools would help. Peer-to-peer programs have also had some
success. Universities such as UT Arlington offer free counseling
for their students.
6. Access to Health Care: My voting record shows my support for
the expansion of Medicaid in Texas as the best way to address our
high number of uninsured. Expansion of access to health care not
only helps the uninsured individual but it also helps the hospital to
be reimbursed for patient care. It will also help address the loss of
hospitals in small towns in rural areas. It is our intent to support the
expansion of Medicaid again in the next session.
Gerson Hernandez (R)
Gerson Hernandez has not responded to the questionnaire yet.
House District 106
Jared Patterson (R, Incumbent)
Jared Patterson has not responded to the questionnaire yet.
NAMI Texas #Vote4MentalHealth Region 2 Candidate Questionnaire
For NAMI North Texas, NAMI Southern Sector Dallas, NAMI Grayson, Fannin & Cooke, NAMI Kaufman County, NAMI Tarrant County,
and NAMI Texas of North Central Region
Jennifer Skidonenko (D)
Jennifer Skidonenko has not responded to the questionnaire yet.
House District 107
Victoria Neave (D, Incumbent)
Victoria Neave has not responded to the questionnaire yet.
Samuel Smith (R)
Samuel Smith has not responded to the questionnaire yet.
House District 108
Morgan Meyer (R, Incumbent)
Morgan Meyer has not responded to the questionnaire yet.
Joanna Cattanach (D)
1. System Capacity: Immediate expansion of Medicaid and
extended telehealth services that includes expansion of
broadband/Internet access to make these services accessible and
not interrupted by technical issues . I am from rural Texas and
know the limitations in these communities. We should also invest
in placement of individuals in these communities that could
include a student debt forgiveness for serving in under-served,
rural communities.
2. Mental Health Coverage/Parity: We must improve coverage
for mental health care, especially in this pandemic as our children
and individuals are undergoing serious mental health issues and are
in need now more than ever. Beyond basic health care expansion
and telehealth expansion, being an advocate for comprehensive
mental health services that are affordable and necessary is a
priority for me in Austin.
3. Criminal Justice: Mental health-centered policing models in
which a mental health professional is sent with an officer, or an
officer with specialized mental health training is called to assist an
individual in a mental health crisis, are already being implemented
in HD108 and in a growing number of urban police agencies. I
support this type of community-based policing, and will support
the state funding that will be needed to help fund these types of
mental health models including diversion courts to better address
the full scope of mental health needs.
4. Housing: Our own county has begun to address this issue and
through the District Attorney's office following a similar model in
Harris County. Housing, wrap around services, making sure mental
health professionals are available and providing funding for both
are some of the ways we are addressing a mental health care crisis
locally in HD108, but at a state level that continued funding,
grants, and advocacy will be needed in Austin.
5. Early Intervention: Part of advocacy in Austin is making sure
that the public tax dollars used better address real issues our
students face, and the pandemic has only highlighted the need for
mental health access, mental health services and a broader, stigma-
free discussion on mental health needs in Texas. We cannot simply
pretend this pandemic has not affected families including the stress
of job loss, loss of housing, online learning, etc. and this next
session is an opportunity to talk about the need for early
intervention in schools and expanded mental health insurance
coverage.
6. Access to Health Care: EXPAND MEDICAID ACCESS!! We
cannot keep denying the need for these tax dollars back into our
health care system nor can we deny the partisan votes that stop the
needed expansion. As a former Medicaid recipient, as someone
who has also been uninsured, I know the fear of not having health
care coverage and the danger it poses should you get sick.
NAMI Texas #Vote4MentalHealth Region 2 Candidate Questionnaire
For NAMI North Texas, NAMI Southern Sector Dallas, NAMI Grayson, Fannin & Cooke, NAMI Kaufman County, NAMI Tarrant County,
and NAMI Texas of North Central Region
Ed Rankin (L)
1. System Capacity: Where appropriate and possible, we should
deregulate mental, along with other health services. This will help
facilitate creative solutions.
2. Mental Health Coverage/Parity: Additional deregulation of
insurance will create greater competition among insurers and
plans. I also support the expansion of Health Savings Accounts to
expand insurance coverage.
3. Criminal Justice: Decriminalizing drugs would help keep
people from being incarcerated for victimless crimes.
4. Housing: Relax zoning and housing regulations to reduce the
cost of housing construction and allow the free market to offer
solutions.
5. Early Intervention: Seems educating, parents, teachers and
school administrators on how to recognize early signs of mental
health issues.
6. Access to Health Care: We need to implement Health Savings
Accounts for all. These accounts could be subsidized by state and
federal governments to ensure everyone has access to healthcare.
House District 109
Carl O. Sherman (Incumbent)
Carl O. Sherman has not responded to the questionnaire yet.
Eugene Allen (R)
1. System Capacity: Thank you for your question, I believe the
approach to the shortage to mental health care workers, would be
to partner up with, Government churches, on-profits and
technology companies that would develop skills schools run by
volunteers of Seniors who would be trained to be compassionate
care providers with incentives, and tax breaks on their homes. In
these schools there would be treatment and services.
In these schools the Government would provide grants to give
stipends to Instructors and students, would give tax breaks to the
tech company for developing and providing new and innovated
devices and technology that would assist the caregivers, and
develop a program that pay for housing, and benefits for care
providers.
As for the addiction, In these same schools ,I think we should use
some of the same initiatives to train the addicted, to teach the
addicted, train the mental health to teach the mental health at a
social level.
2. Mental Health Coverage/Parity: Thank you for that question,
from a business and profit point of view I would be inclined to say
that coverage to treat physical illness, is probably less than mental
health and substance use disorders, but if the law states and calls
for equal treatment then coverage should be by the treatment, and
not the dollar. If elected I would initiate legislation to subsidize
coverage to improve the coverage and help the dollar.
3. Criminal Justice: Thank you for your question, If elected I
would support and develop legislation for programs that would
work with that which was considered a crime to be an illness to
identify and treat actions, educating lawmakers and policymakers
to the health conditions that cause actions and the different
treatments, educate the individuals of themselves.
4. Housing: Thank you for your question, as temple director, who
has helped individuals with illness and homelessness. If elected, I
would love to see legislation that required, or reserved special
homes for individuals diagnosed with mental illness with on site
director and staff to assist with housing, and structured living,
reporting developing
living condition to policymakers to improve the life and condition
of home life for individuals with disabilities and illnesses.
NAMI Texas #Vote4MentalHealth Region 2 Candidate Questionnaire
For NAMI North Texas, NAMI Southern Sector Dallas, NAMI Grayson, Fannin & Cooke, NAMI Kaufman County, NAMI Tarrant County,
and NAMI Texas of North Central Region
5. Early Intervention: Thank you for that question, If elected, I
would work for legislation to institute a program that would reward
2 year campaign of study to start early detection at the age of 12,
identify patterns of mental illness, develop strategy and treat by the
age of 14.
6. Access to Health Care: Thank you again for your question, If
elected as Texas Representative, I will seek incentives, tax breaks
and partnerships to develop micro-treatment centers ( hospitals). to
provide quick and accessible treatment to health care. To reduce
high insurance rates by reducing patient hustling, treat the
compliant, don't drive up the bill. Pay for only what you need and
get a good deal on that.
House District 112
Angie Chen Button (R, Incumbent)
Angie Chen Button has not responded to the questionnaire yet.
Brandy Chambers (D)
1. System Capacity: My first priority is to expand Medicaid.
People won't get treatment if they can’t pay for it. Expanding
Medicaid will help with that. Secondly, I will work with
professional associations and agencies to:
1) speed up the credentialing process;
2) create and support loan forgiveness programs for service in rural
areas;
3) support tuition assistance programs with promise of service in
rural areas.
2. Mental Health Coverage/Parity: I will work with professional
agencies to provide legislation which will require equal coverage
for mental health treatment through standard insurance policies and
not extra EAP coverages. Also, to ensure mental health providers
are classified the same as general practitioners for the purpose of
co-pay and deductibles.
3. Criminal Justice: Part of this issue is because Texas has
eliminated mental health facilities, leaving those with only the jail
to render treatment. The city of Dallas has created a diversion
program where addiction related crimes are not treated by prison
but into rehabilitative therapy. This should be mandated
throughout the state.
This model should be instituted regarding mental health issues.
Nonviolent offenders with mental health issues should be diverted
into therapeutic programs and not incarcerated.
4. Housing: Texas is at a loss for rapid rehousing structures. It is
nearly impossible for people to maintain mental health intervention
without having a stable place to live. Therefore, we should
prioritize providing rapid rehousing options in all areas of the state.
Also, we need to have a central repository, if you will, of
information to be able to coordinate interventions and guide
outcomes. Houston was able to do this. Dallas is currently working
on it. By providing stable housing alternatives, we will be able to
maintain structure mental health therapy.
5. Early Intervention: Add funding to the public school budget to
allow (and mandate) one mental health counselor per campus (or
up to 3 campuses- depending on campus size); provide paid
training for teachers for identifying mental health issues.
6. Access to Health Care: 1) expand Medicaid
2) support financial assistance to cities and local governments to
expand services to the public
3) support existing providers by blocking punitive legislation
aimed at abortion providers.
NAMI Texas #Vote4MentalHealth Region 2 Candidate Questionnaire
For NAMI North Texas, NAMI Southern Sector Dallas, NAMI Grayson, Fannin & Cooke, NAMI Kaufman County, NAMI Tarrant County,
and NAMI Texas of North Central Region
Shane Newsom (L)
1. System Capacity: Try to relax some of the laws that will allow
mental health providers to talk over phone or video. Support being
pro active on mental health and no need to look down on people
with mental health issues.
2. Mental Health Coverage/Parity: I would try to remove some
of the laws that the government has put in place that restrict a good
free market of insurance plans and fixable payment for docs.
3. Criminal Justice: Make sure each police area has the right
information to send metal health areas then the jail cell.
4. Housing: If they are picked up by the police, have them take to
a mental health facility and not jail. There is only so much we can
do if the person does not want help.
5. Early Intervention: Be proactive about metal health and the
symptoms. Voice the views of nothing wrong with having metal
health issues.
6. Access to Health Care: The issue is not being uninsured. The
issue is the high rates. High rates b/c of some of the laws that the
government has put in place. I would try to remove some of the
laws that the government has put in place that restrict a good free-
market of insurance plans and flexible payment for docs.
House District 113
Rhetta Bowers (D, Incumbent)
1. System Capacity: I will work with our hospital system leaders
and representatives to make sure mental health treatment and
services are a priority especially as needs arise as we continue
through this pandemic.
2. Mental Health Coverage/Parity: I will advocate for mental
healthcare and make sure equal treatment of mental health
conditions and substance use disorders is a priority when working
with insurance companies.
3. Criminal Justice: I will file House Bill 2405 again that asked
for more training for peace officers when dealing with the
homeless population. I conducted a Law Enforcement Listening
Series during the interim and I'm prepared to work with law
enforcement officers to make sure the right reforms are including
in the bill as we prepare to file this bill again, in the 87th
Legislative Session.
4. Housing: I will work with city officials to find and improve
housing opportunities for the homeless population and make sure
to include that as part of House Bill 2405, a bill I filed last session
that dealt with this issue. During my Law Enforcement Listening
Series one of my police chiefs in House District 113 mentioned the
need for places to take homeless individuals or organizations that
they can work with to assist them with housing. I will work to
include these types of reforms in my bill, next session.
5. Early Intervention: I will be an advocate and help educate my
fellow Texans on early intervention for people experiencing mental
illness. I believe that early interventions could save lives.
6. Access to Health Care: I will continue fighting for Medicaid
expansion.
Will Douglas (R)
Will Douglas has not responded to the questionnaire yet.
House District 114
John Turner (D, Incumbent)
John Turner has not responded to the questionnaire yet.
Luisa del Rosal (R)
Luisa del Rosal has not responded to the questionnaire yet.
NAMI Texas #Vote4MentalHealth Region 2 Candidate Questionnaire
For NAMI North Texas, NAMI Southern Sector Dallas, NAMI Grayson, Fannin & Cooke, NAMI Kaufman County, NAMI Tarrant County,
and NAMI Texas of North Central Region
House District 115
Julie Johnson (D, Incumbent)
Julie Johnson has not responded to the questionnaire yet.
Karyn Brownlee (R)
Karyn Brownlee has not responded to the questionnaire yet.
Running Unopposed
Senate District 28 - Charles Perry (R, Incumbent)
House District 1 – Gary VanDeaver (R, Incumbent)
House District 59 - Shelby Slawson (R)
House District 60 – Glenn Rogers (R)
House District 95 – Nicole Collier (D, Incumbent)
House District 99 – Charlie Geren (R, Incumbent)
House District 100 – Jasmine Crockett (D, Incumbent)
House District 101 – Chris Turner (D, Incumbent)
House District 104 – Jessica Gonzalez (D, Incumbent)
House District 110 – Toni Rose (D, Incumbent)
House District 111 – Yvonne Davis (D, Incumbent)
Top Related