Rep. Goodwin’s 89th Legislative Session Priorities: Healthcare
Healthcare Priorities
Keeping Texans healthy is critical for a thriving state. Rep. Goodwin knows ensuring Texans have access to quality, affordable healthcare is essential, as is the ability to access the full spectrum of reproductive healthcare. During the 89th Legislative Session, Rep. Goodwin’s health priorities include:
Prioritizing mental health: taking steps to support our first responders struggling with PTSD through education and support systems upon diagnosis, establishing a bullying prevention pilot program in schools (HB 687), and increasing access to mental health care (HB 1537).
Expanding Medicaid (HJR 100/HB 1423): Texas is one of only 10 states that have not expanded Medicaid. Not only are 21.7% of adult Texans ages 19-64 uninsured, but Texas leads the nation for the highest rate of uninsured children at 11.9%. Medicaid expansion would make our state healthier, reduce rural hospital closures, create jobs, and provide coverage for roughly 726,000 uninsured adults.
Supporting Students with Epilepsy: Not all Texas students with epilepsy can carry their anti-seizure medication at school, even if their doctor recommends it. Time is of the essence when a child has a seizure. Allowing children whose seizure action plans state they can carry their anti-seizure medicine to keep it on their person is a crucial step to make sure all Texas children with epilepsy are safe in school.
Allowing Access to Drug Testing Tools: Over 2,300 Texans died from fentanyl poisoning in 2023, accounting for more than 45% of all the nearly 5,000 drug poisoning deaths in Texas that year. While steps must be taken to stop the flow of illegal drugs, we must give Texans the tools to test for deadly substances like fentanyl, other opioids, and newer substances like xylazine.
Accommodating Breast Milk Donors (HB 1558): Breastfed babies are healthier babies, but often, many mothers are unable to breastfeed their children. Currently, some Texas moms use accrued time at work to make breastmilk donations. Allowing time off without penalty for nursing moms to easily donate breastmilk is common sense and good for Texas families.
Increasing Awareness about Melanoma: In 2024, an estimated 5,340 melanoma cases are expected to be diagnosed in Texas, with approximately 490 deaths. Catching melanoma early allows for more treatment options and often better outcomes. The Melanoma Education Act requires chiropractors, nail technicians, cosmetologists, and massage therapists to receive abnormal skin growth education to obtain or renew their license.
Reproductive Healthcare
Texans deserve to access the full spectrum of reproductive healthcare, including abortion care and fertility treatments. Rep. Goodwin will be filing legislation that will broaden medical risk indications for abortion and protections for doctors, ensure reproductive healthcare information is protected, and that pregnant people receive the necessary care in the case of miscarriage.