LeadingAge Texas Applauds Investment in Senior Care in Base Budget Proposals

LeadingAge Texas applauds the Texas Legislature for prioritizing seniors in budget bills filed by State Senator Joan Huffman and Representative Greg Bonnen last week. The appropriations bills make critical investments to support nursing homes and the nursing workforce which have been heavily impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. 

“We deeply appreciate the investments made in senior care this session. We understand difficult decisions are made when preparing budget proposals. This funding will help address some of the challenges not-for-profit aging services providers have expressed for more than a decade, but particularly over the last two years, “ said George Linial, president & CEO of LeadingAge Texas. “Caregivers in nursing homes have done a remarkable job caring for residents throughout the pandemic. The financial impact of COVID-19, an unprecedented workforce shortage and record-high inflation isn’t sustainable. These initial investments will help ensure older Texans have continued access to high-quality care.”

Rodney Rueter, LeadingAge Texas Board Chair and CEO of Lutheran Sunset Ministries said, “Not-for-profit providers are thrilled to see nursing homes prioritized in the budget. Our ministry is dedicated to serving seniors that rely on Medicaid for their care but underfunding poses a real threat to our mission. This investment is a step in the right direction. It will allow us to begin to recognize and reward the incredible commitment of our staff and continue providing dignified and compassionate care to our rural community."

SB 1 and HB 1, the base budgets filed by Senator Joan Huffman and Representative Greg Bonnen last week, make critical investments to prioritize Texas seniors and the caregivers serving them.    

The 2024 – 2025 budget proposals include: 

• Approximately $400M to increase support for nursing homes. 
• $32M to increase support for nursing programs and repayment programs.

Contact: Alyse Meyer
alyse@leadingagetexas.org | 512- 467-2242 x105