TEXAS PRESS ASSOCIATION
STATE CAPITAL HIGHLIGHTS
About one million Texans over the age of 45 who receive health insurance coverage through the federal Affordable Care Act will likely face monthly premiums of more than $1,000, the Austin American-Statesman reported. That accounts for one-fourth of the state’s four million ACA enrollees.
The Republican-led Congress has thus far refused to extend pandemic- era subsidies that reduced ACA premiums, a factor in the recent government shutdown. Part of the deal to reopen the government includes a promise to hold a vote on the issue in December, but it appears unlikely to pass.
Texas insurers have raised ACA premiums by an average of 35%, but the hikes have been even higher for older enrollees.
“So price impacts tend to hit older folks the hardest,” said Laura Dague, who is the James M. Griffin professor of health policy at Texas A&M University. That is because insurance companies consider them higher risk, she added.
Rules on state’s voucher program are released The comptroller’s office has finalized rules for the state’s $1 billion school voucher program, the Houston Chronicle reported. Applications for families are scheduled to open in February.
Among the features:
• Families seeking prekindergarten services will be able to access accounts worth $10,500, which can be spent at private pre-K schools or childcare centers that have pre-K classes.
• A clarification in the rules means that private schools or charter school networks already established in other states can open new campuses in Texas. The law says private schools must have been accredited for at least two years. The new rules mean this includes operating a campus in another state.
• The application window opens on Feb. 4 and will last around six weeks.
• Students approved for vouchers will not need to reapply in the following years.
$1.2 billion headed to Texas broadband access Federal funding included in the 2021 infrastructure law passed during the Biden administration has been slow to reach states, The News reported. But the Trump administration announced recently that it has approved a plan to spend more than $1.2 billion in federal funds to improve broadband access in Texas, delivering highspeed internet to rural areas.
That amount is considerably less than the $3.3 billion allocated to Texas under the original infrastructure law passed in 2021. Texas is the 19th state to win approval of a final plan.
Acting Texas Comptroller Kelly Hancock said the approved plan will make it possible for nearly every Texas location to connect to high-speed internet.
“The Texas broadband plan reflects our state’s commitment to responsible stewardship and to creating an environment where families, students and businesses can continue to thrive for generations to come,” Hancock said.
PUC provides money-saving tips as winter nears
The Public Utility Commission of Texas has launched a new website, Ways to Save, to help Texans conserve energy and save money during frigid weather.
“Small changes at your home or business can make a big impact on your electric and water bills,” PUCT Executive Director Connie Corona said. “It’s important to prepare ahead of the cold winter months, especially ensuring you are enrolled in the electricity plan that is right for your home and family.”
The page includes tips on how consumers can prepare their home or business for cold weather and reduce energy and water use to save money on utility bills. Tips range from small lifestyle changes to physical updates consumers can make to prepare their homes for winter.
You can find the site at: puc.texas. gov/waystosave.
