Health care will likely be top of mind for Texas lawmakers as they return to the Capitol for the 2021 legislative session during the worst public health crisis in a century.

“It is time for us to be very pragmatic and take a common-sense approach to how we cover the health care needs of Texans,” said state Sen. Beverly Powell, D-Burleson, during a Texas Tribune panel discussion on the state Senate’s agenda. She added that, amid a mounting number of uninsured Texans, she was “extremely optimistic” legislators would vote to expand Medicaid this session. Texas lawmakers have been reluctant to expand coverage for people with incomes near or below the poverty line.

The conversation, moderated by Tribune reporter Patrick Svitek, also featured state Sen. José Menéndez, D-San Antonio, state Sen. Larry Taylor, R-Friendswood, and state Sen. Charles Perry, R-Lubbock. Perry said he has “no doubt this is the session” to expand access to broadband internet for rural Texans. More than 800,000 people lack adequate broadband infrastructure, according to a letter sent to Gov. Greg Abbott in September by a bipartisan group of state lawmakers.

The panelists also highlighted new safety protocols that will be in place this session at the Capitol. Members of the public who wish to testify may first have to test negative for COVID-19.

“My hope is that we make it a work environment where we can get the job of the people done in a safe and professional way,” Menendez said.