We need LMFTs and LMFT-Associates to go to the Hill to testify on bills we support. The TAMFT has an amazing lobbyist, Tris Castañeda, who will work with the Legislative Committee and PAC to help prepare and brief any member testifying on a bill.
The Ask
At a recent TAMFT board meeting, the board adopted its 2025 advocacy goal: to engage more members in the Austin areas and beyond to join our legislative efforts.
The committee also wants to pursue license portability in the next session. This has been an essential part of our efforts that will take center stage next year. As you know, next year (2025) is a legislative year, with the legislative session from January 14 to June 2, 2025. Our legislators are interested in what their constituents, us, think about topics. The importance of mental health has definitely grown in our society and culture, but how that is implemented, attained, and nurtured is largely misunderstood. We are the ones who understand this better than anyone. So what does that mean? We need LMFTs and Associates willing to go to the Hill to testify on bills we support.
Our plan is to recruit 60+ members who can be on call for a few days mid-week in Austin. If a bill goes up for testimony, the member can respond quickly and get to the Hill to testify. With this many volunteers, we should be able to easily cover the time we could potentially be called on. And, as we said above, our lobbyist, Tris Castañeda, will work to help prepare you before testifying on a bill!
