There has been a lot of talk in recent days (and weeks and months) about the Affordable Care Act (ACA). Unfortunately, much of the focus has been on the attempts to dismantle the law, even though the result could be 32 million Americans losing their health insurance coverage.
The Trump Administration has made it abundantly clear that it wants the ACA
to fail, with no concern for what that will mean for millions Americans, including 1.7 million Texans who rely on health care coverage through the Health Insurance Marketplace.
Last week, Trump announced that he would cut payments to insurance companies. These payments offset the costs to insure low- to middle-income Americans and the impact of this reckless decision will have dire con-sequences and many will no longer be able to afford coverage as a result of this decision. Of course, this is just one of many ways that the Trump Administration has deliberately sabotaged the ACA — if you’d like to see a more comprehensive list of other ways they are trying to deny health care to Americans, click here to read a recent New York Times story on the matter.
With just two weeks until Health Insurance Marketplace open enrollment begins, there must be more focus on ensuring that our neighbors are able find and keep their coverage. Help spread the word — this year’s open enrollment period, which has been shortened considerably from past years — begins November 1st and goes through December 15th.
For more details or to find a health insurance plan, visit the healthcare.govwebsite. For those in House District 101 or in other parts of North Texas, you may also contact the Community Council of Greater Dallas if you have questions about enrolling or about your application.
Arlington NAACP
On the topic of the Affordable Care Act, last Tuesday, I joined the Arlington NAACP at their monthly general meeting, where they discussed the upcomingACA open-enrollment period. Since the Health Insurance Marketplace opened, the Arlington NAACP has been on the frontline spreading information about how to apply and helping members of our community sign up for coverage.
Planned Parenthood Texas Votes
On Wednesday, I was honored to receive the “2017 Legislative Champion Award” from my friends at Planned Parenthood Texas Votes. The organization has been instrumental in fighting to increase access to health care across Texas and protect a woman’s right to choose. I am proud to stand with them.
2017 HD 101 House Christmas Ornament
Every year, members of the Texas House are asked to have an ornament designed to represent their district. For the past several years, talented
students from Tarrant County College Southeast Campus have designed the HD 101 ornament, which will be hung on the Christmas tree on the House floor. On Thursday, I met this year’s artists, Elijio Ledesma (L) and Jose Villa (R), pictured above with TCCSE President Dr. Bill Coppola. The TCCSE students both plan to pursue careers in graphic design. We’ll post close-up pictures of the finished ornament when it’s placed on the tree in the Capitol.
Wednesday, October 18
Arlington State of the City Address, Arlington Convention Center, Arlington
For more details, click here.
Monday, October 23 through Friday, November 3
Early Voting
For locations and times, click here.
Wednesday, October 25
Children First Counseling Center’s Little Lunch of Hope, Pioneer Event Center, Grand Prairie
For more details, click here.
Saturday, October 28
CASA of Tarrant County’s Superhero Walk/Run, Levitt Pavilion, Arlington
For more details, click here.
Sam Houston High School “Destination Success”
For more details, click here.
Tuesday, November 7
Election Day
7:00 AM to 7:00 PM
For polling locations, click here.
Arlington NAACP ACA Enrollment Event
6:00 to 8:00 PM
Greater Community Baptist Church, 126 E. Park Row, Arlington
Saturday, December 2
Arlington NAACP ACA Enrollment Event
10:00 AM to 2:00 PM
Greater Community Baptist Church, 126 E. Park Row, Arlington
If you know of an event in or near HD 101 that you would like us to feature, please send an email to chris.turner@house.texas.gov.
