November 29, 2016      6:21 PM

Straus: Cuts to Medicaid services for disabled kids was a mistake, will be reversed

Speaker Straus said the cuts were “not an initiative of the Texas House,” will be fixed in the supplemental budget

When The Legislature convenes in January, one of the first orders of business will be to reverse deep cuts made to Medicaid services for disabled children across the state, Speaker Joe Straus said Tuesday morning.

In an interview before a live audience at the University of Texas, Straus noted that the controversial cuts in medically necessary therapies were “not an initiative of the Texas House” and will be reversed in the supplemental budget.

"It means that maybe we made a mistake," he said. "It was not an initiative of the Texas House and I think you'll see us address it."  

The severe cuts targeted at these programs, first reported by Quorum Report contributing writer Emily DePrang, sparked outrage among Democrats and many Republicans and led to a prolonged court fight.

Speaker Straus made his brief comments the day after the state announced the cuts would be implemented following the conclusion of the legal fight.

After the morning interview, Straus spokesman Jason Embry said:

"Speaker Straus believes that the reductions have not been implemented well. The Speaker hopes that the Legislature will address the issue in the supplemental budget bill so that children have access to the services they need. Speaker Straus also welcomes the opportunity to take a thoughtful look at these rates, with access to care being the priority."

Copyright November 29, 2016, Harvey Kronberg, www.quorumreport.com, All rights are reserved