By Jeff West

SDN Staff Writer

The Scurry County Commissioners’ Court expressed its support for keeping the local offices of the Texas Department of Human Services (DHS) open and to speak against a state plan that could close a number of DHS offices across the state.

Several employees of the DHS were at the court’s meeting this morning to show their concern about Texas House Bill 2292 and the strong possibility the local office will be closed as part of a move to save money.

“We do not represent the Texas Department of Human Services (at the meeting) and our concerns do not, in any way, express representation of the Texas Department of Human Resources,” said Kathy Hall, a DHS employee who works at several different offices in the region.

She said she and the others were there as private citizens and expressed several concerns the group had including loss of employment and affordable insurance for themselves, but she also worries about the clients.

“We’re concerned about loss of services to those who do not have telephones at home and available access to the Internet, or the ability to use it.

“Also the hardship on those who have difficulty understanding programs, what they may be eligible for and what they are responsible to provide.

“And who is going to pay for medical care for persons who are denied Medicaid for whatever reasons?” she asked.

She then asked the judge and the county commissioners and “others in the community” to go a public hearing in Abilene Friday, April 30 at Abilene Christian University Bible Studies Building to speak.