Friends,
Welcome back to Capitol Update.
As we continue preparing for the 90th Legislative Session, I remain focused on studying the issues that matter most to Texas families and identifying practical solutions that can make a meaningful difference in their lives.
The interim provides an important opportunity to learn from experts, engage with policymakers and industry leaders and bring those lessons back to Texas Capitol.
In this edition of the Capitol Update, you will read about:
- Discussing Health Care Costs with the Texas Public Policy Foundation
- Learning About Home Fortification at the IBHS Research Center
Discussing Health Care Affordability with TPPF
Health care affordability continues to be one of my top priorities as we prepare for the 90th Legislative Session. As both a physician and a legislator, I have seen firsthand the challenges facing patients, providers and the health care system.
Recently, I had the opportunity to join the Texas Public Policy Foundation’s Spotlight podcast to discuss the financial pressures facing Texas hospitals and taxpayers as a result of uncompensated care, federal mandates and gaps in our current health care system. We also discussed the impact of both legal and illegal immigration on Texas’ health care system and the costs associated with providing care that is not fully reimbursed.
The conversation also explored potential policy solutions, including ways Texas can strengthen accountability and recover costs associated with certain programs. As we work to make health care more affordable and accessible, it is important that we examine the underlying drivers of rising costs and ensure that taxpayer dollars are being used responsibly.
I appreciate the Texas Public Policy Foundation for the opportunity to have this important conversation. I encourage you to listen to the full discussion as we continue examining these issues and preparing for the 90th Legislative Session.
Learning About Home Fortification Methods at IBHS
One of my top priorities as we prepare for the upcoming legislative session is reducing the cost of homeowners insurance.
Recently, I traveled to South Carolina to visit the Insurance Institute for Business & Home Safety (IBHS) Research Center, where researchers conduct full-scale testing of homes and building materials against severe weather hazards. The facility allows researchers to recreate conditions such as hurricane-force winds, hail and other severe weather events to better understand how homes perform and how they can be made more resilient.
The visit gave me an opportunity to see firsthand the science and research behind home fortification and to learn more about how stronger, more resilient homes can help reduce property damage and insurance claims. The IBHS FORTIFIED program provides voluntary construction standards designed to strengthen homes against severe weather, including high winds, hail, hurricanes and tornadoes.
During the trip, we also joined the National Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC), whose work includes helping state insurance regulators develop and improve programs focused on catastrophe risk management and resilience. The NAIC has worked closely with IBHS on efforts to advance mitigation and resilience programs across the country.
This experience reinforced my belief that strengthening homes before disaster strikes can be an important part of addressing Texas’ homeowners insurance challenges. In the 90th Legislative Session, I intend to continue championing legislation that would encourage and support home fortification, helping Texas homeowners better protect their property while addressing the long-term cost of severe weather losses.
I will continue learning from experts, listening to Texans and working with policymakers across the country to identify solutions that can work here in Texas.
Thank you for allowing me the privilege of representing House District 130 in the Texas House of Representatives. It is an honor to serve you and your family, and I am grateful for the opportunity to continue working on the issues that matter most to our community.
As always, please do not hesitate to contact my office if we can be of assistance.
God Bless,
Tom Oliverson, M.D.
Republican State Representative
House District 130
