January 6, 2008

The 81st State Legislative Session is right around the corner, and this week State Representative Abel Herrero is hard at work listening to your concerns. Herrero, has held a series of town hall meetings aimed at generating input from constituents on a variety of issues. These were small gatherings, but there were plenty of concerns out on the table, everything from school funding, to autism, and affordable health insurance for children. The CHIPS Program was a popular issue from citizens who gathered at the Molina Neighborhood Center on Tuesday. Many parents say they don't qualify because their income is just above the cut off point. In Texas, children without health insurance may be able to get services through the Children's Health Insurance Program or Children's Medicaid for a small fee. However, enrollment is based on a families income level. Hererro says there is a bill that legislators will be taking a look in the upcoming session that would help more families enroll in the program by raising the income limit.  To learn more about the CHIPS program and other issues in front of legislators, there will be three more town hall meetings on Wednesday. The first will start at five at the Hilltop Community Center at 11425 Leopard street in Corpus. The second gathering will be in Bishop at the Bishop Senior Center from 6p.m. - 7p.m.  Then a third at the Calderon Building in Robstown.  You can also find out more information on CHIPS by logging onto www.chipmedicaid.org. By the way, the legislative session begins next Tuesday January 13th.