State Affairs Forum
State Affairs Forum is a platform that allows participants to propose practical solutions for current issues using parliamentary procedures. By engaging in debates on these solutions, students can develop a better understanding of the topics. SAF aims to encourage active participation, empower participants to speak intelligently about significant problems in Texas and the global community and enhance their comprehension of news events. Through debates on these solutions, students can gain a deeper understanding of the topics. We encourage active participation to empower participants to speak intelligently about practical ways to address significant problems in Texas and the global community, enhancing their comprehension of news events. In the current election for the State Affairs head chair, Matthew Wooton prioritizes improving parliamentary procedures, assisting evaluators, and selecting proposal topics. Conversely, Zoe Moreno focuses on increasing statewide involvement for those without a Youth and Government program and enhancing various aspects of SAF.
On February 3, 2024, Sofia Dominguez-Trejo presented a compelling proposal to improve healthcare access for rural Texas’s most vulnerable residents, particularly crucial figures like farmers. The urgency of this proposal arises from the alarming rate at which hospitals in rural areas are closing. Sofia highlighted a concerning statistic: in 2022, 26% of rural hospitals were at risk of closure, marking a 10% increase from the previous year’s 16% risk. Sofia’s proposal advocates for Texas to adopt Medicare and Medicaid expansion under the Affordable Care Act. Additionally, she emphasized the importance of telehealth, allowing patients to receive remote consultations and healthcare plans. The overarching goal is to alleviate the burden on individuals, especially those in remote areas, who would otherwise have to endure long distances for expensive treatments while awaiting the proposal’s implementation. The proposal’s impact extends to crucial sectors, including hospitals and governmental funding programs. Recognizing this initiative’s significance, the day’s first proposal received unanimous approval.
Written by: Lynette Huang