May 1, 2020

On Monday, Governor Greg Abbott outlined the state’s plan for reopening the economy in the wake of COVID-19 response measures. In making the announcement, the Governor stated, “It’s time to set a new course… that responsibly opens up business in Texas.” Governor Abbott outlined steps to begin a three-phase reopening of the state’s economy.

Businesses and activities to resume as of Friday:

Though the Governor’s order allows a return to business, it  does not require  businesses or business owners to do so. Enforcement measures will primarily be done at the local or regulatory level. If a business is found to violate capacity restrictions, it will be subject to lose its license to operate. Additional enforcement measures include penalties of up to $1,000 and 180 days in jail. The Governor’s order supersedes all local ordinances.

DSHS has recommended minimum standard health protocols for all  individuals , all  employers and employees , as well as industry-specific protocols for  retailers ,  retail customers ,  restaurants ,  restaurant patrons ,  movie theaters ,  movie theater customers ,  museums and libraries ,  museum and library visitors ,  outdoor sports participants ,  single-person offices,  and  low COVID-19 counties . These protocols are outlined in the Open Texas Checklists within the  Governor's report  beginning on page 20.

 

Essential services such as farmers and ranchers, grocery and drug stores, banks, and gas stations will continue to operate. Public swimming pools, bars, gyms, cosmetology salons, massage establishments, interactive amusement venues, such as bowling alleys and video arcades, and tattoo and piercing studios will remain closed through Phase I. Nursing homes, state supported living centers, assisted living facilities, and long-term care facilities must remain closed to visitors unless to provide critical assistance.

In two other executive orders, Governor Abbott relaxed certain restrictions related to health care professionals and issued amended requirements related to hospital capacity; and eliminated the mandatory 14-day quarantine period for individuals traveling from Louisiana. You can view all three executive orders from this week online at: https://gov.texas.gov/news

Lastly, the Texas Workforce Commission (TWC) issued new guidance to unemployment claimants concerning their eligibility for unemployment benefits should they choose not to return to work at this time due to COVID-19. Under this guidance, Texans can continue to receive unemployment benefits throughout the COVID-19 response if they choose not to return to work for certain reasons as specified by TWC.

Reason for refusal:

Sincerely,

Capitol & District Office Closure Notice

Both the Capitol office and District office will remain closed in line with Governor Abbot's executive orders. Our offices will remain functioning, with staff working remotely. Please utilize email communication with our office during this time, via the email contact information at the bottom of this newsletter.

Additionally we have set up an additional phone line that our staff will be able to monitor remotely. Our new phone number for the duration of the COVID-19 situation will be (281) 858-3354.

Click the image above to be directed to the DSHS COVID-19 Dashboard

Click the image above to be directed to the Harris County Public Health COVID-19 Dashboard

Governor Greg Abbott and the Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service announced a series of free online trainings for child care providers and parents who are either in need of, or who will be providing care for, children of essential employees throughout the COVID-19 pandemic. 

 

The first three trainings are available on Texas A&M AgriLife’s  online learning platform . 

Additional free training sessions will be rolled out incrementally and will address health and safety guidelines, practices for staffing, essential materials for child care operations, developmentally appropriate activities, adult-child interactions and more. Trainings will also address topics such as emergency management planning, stress management and self-care for caregivers, planning at-home activities for children, parent-child communication, and supporting children’s emotional needs. Additionally, Texas First Lady Cecilia Abbott provided an introductory video for the child care training sessions.

The Texas Armed Services Scholarship Program (TASSP) offers a conditional scholarship to a deserving student dedicated to education and military service. Created in 2009 by the 81st Legislature, the TASSP was designed to financially assist post-secondary students by encouraging them to become members of the Texas Army National Guard, the Texas Air National Guard, the United States Coast Guard, the United States Merchant Marine, or to become commissioned officers in any branch of the armed services of the United States. Each year the Texas Governor and Lieutenant Governor appoint up to two students, and each Texas State Senator and State Representative may appoint one student. 

Visit the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board website for more information.

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