The Sunset Commission took its final votes Wednesday on a body of all recommendations, including a 2,300-page rewrite of the health and human services code to align the code to both current practices and recommended changes at its related agencies.
Combining all five health-related state agencies into one is an idea that is picking up momentum.
“We have to reorganize,” said Chair Sen. Jane Nelson, R-Flower Mound. “Status quo is not a solution. We would be doing a terrible disservice if we left the (health and human services) enterprise the way it is today.”
A no-bid contract steered to a former business partner of top Health and Human Services Commission lawyer Jack Stick led to Stick’s resignation and serious scrutiny of contract awards out of state agencies. An initial $20 million contract to Austin-based defense contractor 21CT was to be extended for another $90 million before the deal was cancelled by the state — resulting in a mass layoff at 21CT.