Testimony to the House Appropriations Committee on Article II
Not all infant and child health challenges can be prevented, but many can, leading to long-term savings in our health system. These savings represent healthier students, more productive workers, and a more prosperous Texas. Ensuring all children have access to quality school health is not only a smart investment in the future; it is essential to keep Texas children healthy, ready to learn, and to put a stop to unnecessary costs related to obesity and chronic disease. Unfortunately, when a child develops type II diabetes due to obesity, the financial, social, and economic costs only grow — while taxpayers and businesses foot the bill. We believe the following recommendations represent wise investments on the part of the Department of State Health Services to put Texas on a path to success while also ensuring our own economic wellbeing as a state. Thank you for your time and consideration.