Governor Greg Abbott attended the Texas Organization of Rural & Community Hospitals (TORCH) fall conference in Austin, where he signed House Bill 18 and House Bill 3000 into law. The legislation aims to address healthcare challenges in rural areas across Texas.
During his remarks, Governor Abbott stated, “The hardworking people in rural Texas provide the food, fuel, and fiber that all Texans depend on. It is essential that we do more for rural Texas and rural healthcare. That is why we made one of the largest investments ever for mental health hospitals and facilities to cover the entire Panhandle and the Uvalde community. This funding will make Texas more efficient in delivering preventative healthcare. Here today, together through House Bill 18 and House Bill 3000, we are dramatically improving healthcare in rural Texas.”
More than 350 healthcare leaders and advocates from rural communities were present at the event. Governor Abbott spoke about a recent roundtable discussion on rural healthcare initiatives with U.S. Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., which included input from industry stakeholders in Texas. He also referenced recent investments by both the Trump Administration and the Texas Legislature that have increased support for healthcare needs in these communities.
The event included participation from Senator Charles Perry, Representative Ken King, Representative Gary VanDeaver, TORCH Chair Lorenzo Serrano, TORCH Interim CEO Terry Scoggin, as well as other leaders from the healthcare sector.
House Bill 18 creates strategic planning measures and funding mechanisms intended to help sustain hospitals and clinics serving rural populations. House Bill 3000 establishes a grant program managed by the Comptroller’s office to provide financial assistance to ambulance providers operating in rural counties.
Photos from the event are expected to be released when available.
