By: Emily Gruver, BS, BA, TSHA Graduate Student Representative
Politics can be divisive, leading to disagreements and strained relationships. Students in speech-language pathology and audiology are in those fields because they want to help others, regardless of their clients’ and patients’ political views. Speech-language pathologists (SLPs) and audiologists, however, cannot help others without jobs, salaries, resources, and support from legislation. This is where politics comes in.
Students should care about Texas politics because their futures are intertwined with the fates of Texas House and Senate bills that are being worked on right now, during Texas’ 88th legislative session. The Texas legislature only meets every two years from January through May to discuss bills that can significantly impact the ability of SLPs and audiologists to make a difference. Those 140 days are crucial and demand students’ attention as they lay the foundation for the jobs students may have in the future and the clients, patients, and students who will be able to receive their services. Any political occurrences during the 2023 legislative session have the potential to impact students’ careers and quality of life for years to come.
For example, in the most recent session, House Bill (HB) 1875, the Interstate Compact Bill, needed support from students, SLPs, and audiologists to be sent to the House Floor for a vote. HB 1875 has massive implications when it comes to students’ futures; it would allow professionals in Texas to practice in other Compact states without paying for additional licensure and lessen the shortages of speech, language, and hearing professionals in Texas, hopefully decreasing caseloads and the burnout felt by overworked SLPs and audiologists. If HB 1875 has not been passed by the end of the legislative session on May 29, Texas professionals will not have relief from shortages and cannot reap the benefits of cooperation with professionals from other states. While students may be thinking that this does not affect them because they are not yet professionals, they should think again. Shortages in the numbers of speech-language pathologists and audiologists mean decreased numbers of internships, clinical fellowship (CF) placements, and job opportunities, and it means that future professionals are limited to job placements in Texas as licenses in multiple states can be expensive.
School Choice and Voucher Legislation and Teacher Pay Raise Legislation (Senate Bill 9 and House Bill 1) are two more areas of Texas politics this session that have the potential to impact the lives of students in the next couple of years. Bills passed in these areas may restrict school districts’ abilities to hire additional speech-language pathologists and audiologists, which is especially impactful given that most speech-language-hearing professionals are employed by schools. Current students looking to work in schools in the next couple of years may have to settle for lower wages and higher caseloads if the Texas legislature does not provide them with adequate support. With fewer speech-language-hearing professionals comes higher group session ratios, decreased MTSS/RTI interventions, and lessened impacts on students who depend on SLPs and audiologists for academic success.
As a student, you might be asking, “How do I stay up-to-date on Texas politics?” The answer is simple—join TSHA as a student member for $35 a year and follow “The Latest on Capitol Watch” emails sent from the Vice President for Advocacy and their team. Capitol Watch emails include current events and issues, the relevance of legislation regarding speech-language-hearing professionals, and how to contact senators and representatives. So, students, while you are thinking about your future as a speech-language pathologist or audiologist, be sure to consider how politics may impact you. Advocate for students and professionals now so you can advocate for your clients, patients, and students later.