April 24, 2019

Dear Speaker Bonnen:

We, the undersigned elected and public health officials, are writing on behalf of nearly 11 million
Texans to oppose proposed legislation that prohibits local governmental entities from partnering
with trusted health care providers and from advocating on behalf of women’s health interests,
which would ultimately jeopardize public health outcomes.

SB 22 and SB 389 both by Sen. Donna Campbell (R-New Braunfels), companion to HB 1929 by
Rep. Candy Noble (R-Allen), are a direct threat to local control and would be devastating to our
cities and counties, where many residents already face significant challenges in accessing
affordable and quality health care. In the state with the highest uninsured rate in the country,
every resource we have to support the health of our citizens is essential.

Local governments and health officials must have the ability and authority to partner with trusted
health care providers and other qualified nonprofit organizations to address the health needs of
our communities. By restricting local resources the state would threaten the health and well-
being of our citizens.

For example, community-based health care providers offer preventive exams, lifesaving cancer
screenings, immunizations, contraceptive services, education and counseling, HIV testing, and
STI testing and treatment, in many instances with a particular focus on at-risk or hard to reach
populations. Without these critical partnerships, Texans may delay or go without this vital care.

Texans are looking to their elected officials for real solutions that will improve the lives of
working families and everyday citizens. We are committed to driving economic growth, ensuring
the safety and security of our communities, and increasing opportunity for all. Access to
affordable health care is critical to those efforts and politicizing health care only undermines
them.

We urge you to put the health of Texas communities first and not allow SB 22, SB 389 or HB
1929 to move forward in the legislative process.

Sincerely,

Mayor Steve Adler Council Member Alison Alter, District 10

Austin Mayor Austin City Council

Delia Garza*
Mayor Pro Tem Delia Garza, District 2 Council Member Sabino “Pio” Renteria, District 3
Austin City Council Austin City Council

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Council Member Kathie Tovo, District 9 Council Member Alexsandra Annello, District 2
Austin City Council El Paso City Council

Commissioner Justin Rodriguez, Precinct 2 Council Member Peter Svarzbein, District 1

Bexar County Commissioners Court El Paso City Council

Deputy Mayor Pro Tem Adam Medrano, Commissioner David Stout, Precinct 2
District 2 El Paso County Commissioners Court
Dallas City Council

Council Member Mark Clayton, District 9 Judge Lina Hidalgo

Dallas City Council Harris County Commissioners Court

Council Member Philip Klingston, District 14 Commissioner Rodney Ellis, Precinct 1

Dallas City Council Harris County Commissioners Court

Council Member Omar Narvaez, District 6 Commissioner Adrian Garcia, Precinct 2

Dallas City Council Harris County Commissioners Court

Judge Clay Jenkins Mayor Sylvester Turner

Dallas County Commissioners Court Houston Mayor

Commissioner Dr. Theresa Daniel, District 1 Mayor Pro Tem Ellen Cohen, District C
Dallas County Commissioners Court Houston City Council

Commissioner Dr. Elba Garcia, District 4 Council Member Dwight Boykins, District D
Dallas County Commissioners Court Houston City Council
Council Member Karla Cisneros, District H Council Member Ana Sandoval, District 7
Houston City Council San Antonio City Council

Council Member Jerry Davis, District B Council Member Roberto C. Treviño, District 1
Houston City Council San Antonio City Council

Amanda Edwards*
Council Member At-Large Amanda Edwards Council Member Rebecca Viagran, District 3
Position 4, Houston City Council San Antonio City Council

Council Member Mike Laster, District J Commissioner Devan Allen, Precinct 2

Houston City Council Tarrant County Commissioners Court

Mayor Ron Nirenberg Judge Sarah Eckhardt

San Antonio Mayor Travis County Commissioners Court

Council Member Shirley Gonzales, District 5 Commissioner Jeff Travillion, Precinct 1

San Antonio City Council Travis County Commissioners Court

Council Member Greg Casar, District 4 Council Member Ann Kitchen, District 5
Austin City Council Austin City Council

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