Efforts to reduce the safety net – a patchwork of funding for health and social services for indigent, elderly and the disabled populations- are a key part of the current Republican agenda. Congressional Republicans and the President himself have recently made statements about their upcoming focus on welfare reform, including entitlement reforms, despite the fact that the administration has previously vowed not to reduce Social Security or Medicare. Entitlements include Social Security, Medicare and Medicaid benefits. This posting provides an overview of some of the most controversial safety net funding in Texas. Parts 2 through 4 of this series will delve into the specific programs making up this funding and the impact to reductions on Texans.