TFVC Political Director Advocates for DSHS Reform

The recent public hearing conducted by the Department of State Health Services (DSHS) shed light on a significant fiscal issue concerning Texas taxpayers: the antiquated vaccine exemption process. As Texas allocates billions of dollars for various health programs, including vaccine administration, it’s imperative to address inefficiencies that unnecessarily drain taxpayer funds.

Currently, Texans seeking vaccine exemptions must navigate a cumbersome process that not only creates privacy concerns but also squanders taxpayer money. The requirement to request exemption affidavits through an online DSHS portal results in significant expenses. This outdated system entails printing and mailing each affidavit, incurring costs for specialty cardstock paper, ink, envelopes, postage, and labor.

In fiscal year 2022 alone, hundreds of thousands of dollars were spent on these administrative tasks, diverting resources that could be allocated more effectively elsewhere. TFVC Political Director Michelle Evans seized the opportunity of the public hearing to advocate for a legislative remedy to this issue: allowing Texans to print exemptions at home.

Evans rightly emphasized that enabling individuals to print exemptions at home would streamline the process, eliminate unnecessary expenditures, and uphold taxpayer interests. By empowering Texans to handle exemptions independently, the state can achieve significant cost savings while ensuring that citizens retain control over their personal information and are able to freely express their deeply held beliefs without undue barriers.

Moreover, Evans urged DSHS to collaborate with TFVC to champion this statutory reform. By joining forces, DSHS and TFVC can amplify advocacy efforts and drive meaningful change that benefits both taxpayers and individuals seeking vaccine exemptions.

TFVC proposed this change to our newsletter subscribers in March, and a whopping 86% of them agreed that Texans should be able to print their exemptions at home!

In essence, reforming the vaccine exemption process is not only about fiscal responsibility but also about respecting individual rights and autonomy. Texans deserve a more efficient and cost-effective system that aligns with the principles of liberty and privacy. It’s time for Texas to modernize its approach to vaccine exemptions and prioritize the prudent use of taxpayer dollars.