Providers of early childhood intervention programs in Texas are deeply troubled by budget cuts,reports The Texas Tribune.In-home therapy providers have been warning that the work they do for families and children could be in jeopardy because of severe budget cuts. The cuts were ordered last year by Republican lawmakers in the Texas Legislature.
The state’s two-year budget includes a roughly 25 percent reduction in payments to child therapists. Lawmakers argued that home therapy providers were being overpaid by Texas Medicaid. By slashing those payments, GOP lawmakers hope to save $150 million in state revenue. But in the process, legislators will also forfeit $200 million in federal funds.
Laci Phillips, the Early Childhood Intervention coordinator for Texas Panhandle Centers, said her nonprofit was bracing for a loss. “It’s definitely hurting people,” she said.
