By:  Jones (Senate Sponsor - Carona)                            H.C.R. No. 125
	(In the Senate - Received from the House May 16, 2003; 
May 19, 2003, read first time and referred to Committee on Health 
and Human Services; May 23, 2003, reported favorably by the 
following vote:  Yeas 7, Nays 0; May 23, 2003, sent to printer.)


HOUSE CONCURRENT RESOLUTION

	WHEREAS, A recent survey of state agencies by the Texas 
Department on Aging (TDoA) found that more than 50 agencies provide 
services that directly address quality of life or independence for 
older Texans; and
	WHEREAS, Survey results also indicate that only 45 percent of 
older Texans know where to get information about these services, 
including housing, transportation, long-term care, and assistance 
and support; and
	WHEREAS, Older Texans are one of the fastest-growing 
population groups served by the state, making it increasingly 
important to ensure that services and programs for them are easily 
accessible and coordinated; and
	WHEREAS, State agencies recognize the need to cooperate with 
each other to maximize resources and expertise, increase the 
efficiency of existing systems and personnel, and eliminate 
duplication of effort; and
	WHEREAS, An example of direct interagency collaboration, the  
Texas Information and Referral Network provides health and human 
services information via the Internet, area information centers, 
and  a 2-1-1 telephone number; and
	WHEREAS, An information and referral system for older Texans 
would build on this effort, offering information and resources in a 
clear and easy-to-use format, regardless of a client's access to 
the Internet; and
	WHEREAS, TDoA is a leader in promoting a full range of 
services and opportunities that allow older Texans to live healthy, 
dignified, and independent lives; now, therefore, be it
	RESOLVED, That the 78th Legislature of the State of Texas 
hereby direct the Texas Department on Aging to lead a partnership of 
state agencies in support of a web-, print-, and phone-based 
information, assistance, and referral system for older Texans; and, 
be it further
	RESOLVED, That the Texas Legislature hereby direct the Texas 
Department on Aging to create a central information hub that 
provides greater transparency and ease of use for customers, 
assures direct interagency collaboration to improve efficiency and 
expertise, and complements development of the Texas Information and 
Referral Network; and, be it further
	RESOLVED, That the Texas Department on Aging submit an annual 
report to the Texas Legislature detailing progress in achieving the 
goals of this resolution; and, be it further
	RESOLVED, That the secretary of state forward an official 
copy of this resolution to the executive director of the Texas 
Department on Aging.



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