SENATE

NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING

COMMITTEE:    Veteran Affairs & Border Security 

TIME & DATE:  10:00 AM, Tuesday, May 22, 2018 

PLACE:        2E.20 (Betty King Cmte. Rm.) 
CHAIR:        Senator Donna Campbell 

The committee will hear invited and public testimony on the following interim charges:

1) Veterans Health: Study the effectiveness of veterans' health and mental health initiatives in Texas and recommend ways to improve access and delivery. Explore the state of the federal VA Choice Program, including potential expiration, continuation, or expansion of the program. Consider the impact of the VA Choice Program on improving the delivery of health care, and determine ways to raise awareness and increase participation among Texas veterans. Consider the potential connection between chronic pain and mental health and identify strategies to improve the prevention of veteran suicide.

2) State-Delivered Federal Services: Review the veteran services offered by the United States Department of Veteran Affairs and Veteran Benefits Administration. Study those services which are being delivered by the Texas Veterans Commission, including but not limited to the state strike force teams and health care advocacy program. Consider ways to increase utilization of automated services, such as the Texas Veterans App, to reduce the need for additional staff time and to create a resource for veterans to access services at all times of the day.

Public testimony will be limited to 3 minutes per person. If submitting written testimony, please provide 15 copies to the committee clerk with your name on each copy.