Because of the pandemic, access to the state Capitol could be limited this year: Many Texans with disabilities, including Broussard, do not want to risk testifying in person.
With uncertain rules on virtual testimony, and at such an urgent and precarious time, many worry pandemic process changes could leave them out of an all-important session focused on managing a virus that has killed people with disabilities at uniquely high rates.
Instead, advocates for those with disabilities and some lawmakers worry that high-profile lobbyists will have the ears of the policy makers if virtual testimony is limited and in-person visits remain the norm.
āWe would have a lot more concerns if we had any clue what they were going to do,ā said Jeff Miller, a policy specialist at Disability Rights Texas.
āWe always need to be at the table when you're making big decisions,ā Broussard said, directing his request toward lawmakers.