1. United States
2. Texas
3. Letter

I am writing to express my strong opposition to the proposed legislation often referred to as the "Big Beautiful Bill." As a counselor working within our district, I directly witness how legislative decisions impact individuals' access to essential health and mental health services. I urge you to vote against this bill. While specifics remain unclear, the broad, vague, and all-encompassing nature of this "Big Beautiful Bill" raises serious concerns for our community's well-being. Omnibus legislation often contains hidden provisions that could significantly undermine our health infrastructure. My primary concerns focus on the potential for this bill to severely diminish access to care: * Undermining Health and Mental Health Services: Large, complex bills frequently lead to cuts or restructured funding for critical programs like Medicaid, a primary payer for mental health and substance use disorder treatment nationwide. This could result in fewer available services, longer wait times, and a disproportionate impact on vulnerable populations, including youth and those in rural areas. * Fiscal Irresponsibility and Resource Strain: Excessive or unrelated spending in such bills can divert crucial resources from community health initiatives. This fiscal instability directly threatens the ability of clinics, hospitals, and private practices to provide consistent, quality care. * Erosion of Transparency: The lack of detailed scrutiny for each provision within a massive bill prevents proper evaluation of its long-term effects on patient access and provider networks. Unintended consequences could mean reduced insurance coverage or new bureaucratic barriers, impeding individuals from receiving needed treatment. Effective governance demands careful consideration of policies, especially those affecting our citizens' health. This "Big Beautiful Bill" appears to contradict these fundamental principles by potentially jeopardizing the very services many in our community rely upon for their health and mental well-being. I respectfully request that you stand with your constituents and vote against this bill. I expect you to advocate for a legislative process that is open, accountable, and prioritizes stable, accessible health and mental health care for all.