Take Action! Protect ECI for TX Toddlers with Disabilities!

Early Childhood Intervention (ECI) makes a world of difference for Texas babies and toddlers with autism, speech delays, Down syndrome, and other disabilities and developmental delays.

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By contracting with community groups like Easter Seals and Any Baby Can, the state's ECI program has proven to be an effective way to help these young Texans communicate with their families, learn to walk, get ready to go to school, or meet other developmental goals.

But kids are missing out on these services after years of state cuts, as we've documented in our recent reports

In fact, the state's own Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC) recently highlighted to state legislators that 18 ECI programs shut down over the last 8 years, making it harder for kids to get the services they need.

HHSC told state lawmakers that ECI needs an additional $71 million to meet the needs of kids — but when the Texas Senate and House wrote their first drafts of the next state budget, they left out that funding.

There's still time to convince state leaders to add that $71 million to the state budget for ECI, but we all need to get to work to make sure they know it's a priority.

Here are two ways you can help:

  1. Testify on Thursday when the House Appropriations Subcommittee holds a hearing on ECI.

  2. Take a moment to visit our online Action Center and email your state legislators to urge them to fully fund ECI:

Thank you for raising your voice to support Texas children!