LPC Rule Changes and Legislative Hearings ACTION ALERT from TCA!
Don't Miss Out - Deadlines are fast approaching for professional counselors to apply for loan repayment, to submit comments on Legislative hearings, and provide feedback on proposed SBEPC rules. Take Action TODAY!
#1. ACT NOW!! Loan Repayment for Mental Health Professionals  

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Applications OPEN this MONDAY, February 8 for the Mental Health Loan Repayment Program administered by the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board.  

YOU MUST MOVE QUICKLY!! Applications will be date and time-stamped, and funding will be distributed on a first-come, first-served basis.

The Loan Repayment Program for Mental Health Professionals, authorized by the 84th Texas Legislature, impacts providers who work in a designated Mental Health Professional Shortage Area (MHPSAs) - a majority of the counties in Texas or in secure correctional facilities. A total of $2.125 million was appropriated for the loan repayment program for the FY2016-2017 biennium. This amount is sufficient to allow for financial commitments to approximately 100 providers for two years of loan repayment. For eligibility requirements, award amounts, and to submit an application, visit the  THECB Loan Repayment Program website.

#2. Public Comments NOW OPEN on Legislative Hearings Next Week
   

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TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 9th
House Public Education Committee □ 10:00 am


On Tuesday next week, the House Public Education Committee will meet to make recommendations on implementation of a research-based state strategy to best prepare students at the middle grades for high school retention, success, and postsecondary readiness. Additionally, the committee will discuss promoting high quality programs necessary for gifted and talented students. School counselors stand to serve as an excellent resource for both of these legislative charges. Write to members of the House Public Education Committee (email address links are below) and encourage the use of professional school counselors in supporting the growth and development of students in Texas. Use real-work examples of the services you provide and the positive impact you have.

Public testimony may be limited to 5 minutes. Committee Members are: Aycock, Jimmie Don (R) / Allen, Alma (D) / Bohac, Dwayne (R) / Deshotel, Joe (D) / Dutton, Harold (D) / Farney, Marsha (R) / Galindo III, Rick (R) / Gonzalez, Mary (D) / Huberty, Dan (R) / King, Ken (R) / VanDeaver, Gary (R).

  WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 10th
 
Senate Education Committee □ 9:00 am

TCA Executive Director, Jan Friese, has been invited to provide testimony on Wednesday before the Senate Education Committee at their hearing in McAllen, Texas. Please support TCA and submit your own comments to committee members (email address links are below). If you live in or near McAllen, please try to attend the hearing. The committee is meeting to monitor the implementation of legislation including HB 18 - which addresses, among other issues, training supports for school counselors related to college and career readiness. Write to members of the Senate Education Committee and encourage them to best support students in Texas by providing school counselors with effective training resources and opportunities. Share real-life examples of how you are trained to deliver and address college and career opportunities for students, and also how additional counseling supports will translate to student success.

Public testimony is limited to 3 minutes. If submitting written testimony during the hearing, please submit 20 copies, with your name on each copy. Committee Members are: Taylor, Larry (R) / Lucio, Eddie (D) / Bettencourt, Paul (R) / Campbell, Donna (R) / Garcia, Sylvia (D) / Huffines, Donald (R) / Kolkhorst, Lois (R) / Rodriguez, Jose (D) / Seliger, Kel (R) / Taylor, Van (R) / West, Royce (D).
#3. SUBMIT Comments on Proposed Rules by the Texas State Board of Examiners of Professional Counselors   

February 14, 2016 is the deadline to submit comments on new rules proposed by SBEPC and published in the January 15, 2016 issue of the Texas Register. TCA will submit comments and also encourages all members to review and submit their own comments based on your experience and opinion. Submit your written comments to: Sarah Faszholz, Interim Executive Director, Texas State Board of Examiners of Professional Counselors, Mail Code 1982, P.O. Box 149347, Austin, Texas 78714-9347 or by email to lpc@dshs.state.tx.us - include "Comments on Proposed Rules" in the email subject line
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#4. EXPANDED Coverage of SPEPC Rules and Legislative Hearings (alerts #2 and #3 above

For more details on how the specific rules proposed by SBEPC rules will impact your work, and also for more details on the Legislative Committee hearings that will be held next week,   click here.
Texas Counseling Associaiton | www.txca.org