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Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) Food Benefits
April 25, 2017
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SNAP is a Health and Human Services program that helps financially struggling families buy healthy food to support their well-being and quality of life. People are also able to buy garden seeds with SNAP benefits in order to personally grow some of the food they need to eat every day. SNAP food benefits are put on a Lone Star Card and can be used like a credit card at any store that accepts SNAP. However, SNAP benefits cannot be used to:

  • Buy tobacco.
  • Buy alcoholic drinks.
  • Buy items that are not food or drink.
  • Pay for food bills members owe.
SNAP is for people who both meet program rules, and do not have a great deal of money. Most adults between 18 and 49 without children in the home can only get SNAP for three months out of a three-year period. If they work at least 20 hours a week in a job or training program, they may be able to extend their benefit period. Those who are pregnant or have a disability may not have to work in order to receive benefits. The following chart gives an idea of the income families can receive and still be a part of the program.
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State Supported Living Centers (SSLCs)
April 24, 2017
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Texas’ State Supported Living Centers are operated by the Department of Aging and Disability Services (DADS). They provide campus-based supports and services to people with intellectual and developmental disabilities, who are also medically fragile or have behavioral problems. SSLC services include  24-hour residential services, comprehensive behavioral treatment services and health care services, including physician services, nursing services and dental services. Other services include skills training; occupational, physical and speech therapies; vocational programs; and services to maintain connections between residents and their families and natural support systems.
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Subcommittee
April 23, 2017
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A group of committee members, appointed by the chair of a committee of the house or the senate, to which proposed legislation is referred or a specific task is assigned.…
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Standing Committee
April 23, 2017
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A permanent committee established in the rules of either chamber that specializes in a particular subject area. [Source: Texas Legislative Glossary: Texas Legislative Council for the 85th Legislature, Prepared by…
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Sponsor
April 23, 2017
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The legislator who guides a bill through the legislative process after the bill has passed the originating chamber. The sponsor is a member of the opposite chamber of the one…
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Side-By-Side Analysis
April 23, 2017
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A document that compares two or more versions of the same bill or joint resolution. Examples of side-by-side analyses include a senate or house amendment analysis that shows the differences…
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STAR+PLUS Program
April 19, 2017
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STAR+PLUS is a Texas Medicaid managed care program for people aged 65 or older, or who have disabilities. Enrollees in STAR+PLUS are able to choose a medical plan and get…
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Texas State Hospitals
April 11, 2017
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Texas State Hospitals are comprised of nine state-owned mental health facilities and one state-owned inpatient residential treatment facility managed by the Department of State Health Services [see map below]. They serve…
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