TNA Applauds Early Support from Texas Legislature

For Immediate Release

January 19, 2023

Contact: Lisa Maxwell
Texas Nurses Association
lmaxwell@texasnurses.org
512.452.0648 x 130

Texas Nurses Praise Texas Legislature for Paying Heed to Nursing Crisis

In base budgets published today, both Senate and House increased funding for nursing education.

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Austin, TX — Both the Texas Senate and House of Representatives issued base budgets for the 88^th legislative session yesterday which included increased funding for the Nursing Shortage Reduction Program (NSRP), a bill passed in by the_{­­­­-­­­} 77^th legislature which has proven to positively impact the number of qualified nursing students entering the education pipeline. In addition, the budget included funding for the Nursing Faculty Loan Repayment Program, another essential tool for addressing the state’s nursing faculty shortage. Today's announcement of the base budget represents a significant step in rebuilding from the pandemic.

“Having these funds proposed so early in the legislative session shows that Texas leaders understand the seriousness of the ongoing shortage and are rising to meet the demand,” said Serena Bumpus, DPN, RN, NEA-BC, CEO of the Texas Nurses Association. “It is a relief to know that our state leaders understand the urgency of addressing the nursing workforce challenges and are willing to invest in Texas nurses now and in the future. The NSRP will continue paying returns if the Legislature chooses to further fund the program.”

“We have existing programs that are proven to increase the numbers of working nurses in Texas,” said Jack Frazee, JD, Director of Government Affairs at the Texas Nurses Association (TNA). “Rather than creating new legislation, we can fully fund what we already know works. The state will continue to see returns on its investment in this crucial part of our healthcare system’s workforce.”

“We are pleased to see the sums allocated to nursing education and we appreciate House and Senate leaders who are clearly making nursing a priority this session,” said Bumpus. “The NFLRP is an essential tool for addressing the state’s nursing faculty shortage. The Legislature’s investment in this program will help remove a significant bottleneck in the number of qualified applicants our schools of nursing can admit per semester. In addition to these appropriations, it is essential for the Legislature to pass HB 901 by Klick and SB 244 by Kolkhorst, which would extend the Nursing Innovation Grant Program and streamline the Nursing Faculty Loan Repayment Program.”

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About Texas Nurses Association
The Texas Nurses Association (TNA) is a statewide membership-based professional association of registered nurses. Our vision is to empower Texas Nurses to advance the profession. Founded in 1907, TNA is the oldest and largest nursing association in Texas.

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