HBA-BSM H.C.R. 139 77(R)    BILL ANALYSIS


Office of House Bill AnalysisH.C.R. 139
By: Wohlgemuth
Ways & Means
4/12/2001
Introduced



BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE 

Health insurance in Texas has become increasingly expensive for families.
One in four families does not have any form of health insurance, making
Texas one of the states with the highest percentage of uninsured families.
This situation is occurring in the midst of sustained economic growth and
stability, when most families should have the means to obtain health
insurance.  Employers are exempt from taxation for expenditures made on
health insurance, a benefit that is not extended to individuals.  Because
of the expense of health insurance, most people choose to get their
insurance from their employers even if the plan is not ideal for them.
Many workers who are part-time, self-employed or work for small businesses
do not have the option of buying into a company insurance plan, and must
either buy private insurance or go without.  House Concurrent Resolution
139 urges the Congress of the United States to provide tax credits to
individuals for the purchase of private health insurance. 

RULEMAKING AUTHORITY

It is the opinion of the Office of House Bill Analysis that this bill does
not expressly delegate any additional rulemaking authority to a state
officer, department, agency, or institution. 

ANALYSIS

House Concurrent Resolution 139 urges the Congress of the United States to
provide tax credits to individuals for the purchase of private health
insurance.