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Advocacy 101

Why is Advocacy Important?

Advocacy empowers you to influence policies that impact your profession and daily life. With less than 5% of state legislators having a healthcare background, your expertise as a medical professional is critical to sharing informed, effective legislation. Elected officials rely on the insights of their constituents, and your voice - especially on issues like emergency medicine and healthcare delivery - is both unique and valuable. If you’re not actively engaged, you risk having decisions made without your input. Getting involved helps ensure your interests and those of your patients are represented.
Although the Texas Legislature meets in regular session only once every two (2) years, legislators’ offices are open year-round and welcome constituent input.

How to make your voice heard

  • Contact your Legislator
  • Visit legislators in their Austin and local offices
  • Write emails and letters
  • Provide public testimony at hearings
  • Share stories - while data and statistics provide context, it’s your firsthand experiences and insights that truly resonate with policymakers and drive meaningful change
  • VOTE!

Texas Legislature Basics

  • Meets Every Two Years: the Texas Legislature meets every ODD numbered year for 140 days to pass laws and adopt a budget for the biennium (two-year cycle).
  • Bicameral Structure: comprised of two chambers - the Texas House of Representatives and the Texas Senate.
  • Representation:
    • House: 150 members, each serving two-year terms and represent ~ 194,000 constituents.
    • Senate: 31 members, each serving four-year terms and represent ~ 940,000 constituents.
  • How a Bill Becomes Law:
    • Introduction
    • Committee Action
    • Floor Action
    • Enrollment
    • Governor Review (sign into law, veto, or pass without signature).
  • Governor’s Power: can sign or veto legislation, veto individual line-items in the budget, and call special sessions between regular legislative sessions to address specific issues.
  • Know the basics of the legislative process

YOU are the expert. Make your voice heard.