Texas House Votes Down Health Coverage

We’re very disappointed to tell you that on Thursday the Texas House shot down Rep. Garnet Coleman’s amendment to increase health coverage on a vote of 68 to 80. You can see below how your Representative voted.

We also want you to know that we’re determined — more than ever — to keep up this fight and win.

The truth is, the House vote is out of step with Texas voters.

And it’s out of sync with the bipartisan support that you’ve helped generate for health coverage legislation. In fact, just this week we reached a critical threshold with 76 Representatives — a majority of the 150-member House — signing on to House Bill 3871! The bill would establish a Live Well Texas program that provides an insurance option to Texas adults below 138% of the poverty level. Despite this level of support, it is unclear at this time if this bill will even get a hearing.

Thursday’s vote is also out of touch with reality: Texas has the worst uninsured rate in the nation — with crushing consequences for families, essential workers, rural communities, and so many others.

So take a look below to see how your Representative voted — then give them a call to say thanks if they voted for the amendment or to tell them you’re disappointed if they voted against it.

Need to check who your Texas House Representative is or find their phone number? Click here.

We also want to take a moment to say thanks to a few people — starting with you. We appreciate you and all the other Texans who have helped get us closer and closer to our goal of making sure all Texans have the health care we need. We’re grateful to the 68 legislators who voted for the amendment. We’re thankful to Rep. Julie Johnson and Rep. Lyle Larson — the lone Republican to vote for the amendment on Thursday — for their strong support for health coverage. In particular, we’re so grateful to Chairman Coleman for the leadership, strength, health care expertise, and unwavering commitment to Texans that he showed not only in championing this amendment but throughout his 30 years in the Legislature.

Thank you for raising your voice. This fight is just getting started.