This year has shown more than ever how important it is to elect legislators that will fight for and support state employees and the services we provide our communities. We have seen how some legislators can step up in the face of a crisis and do everything in their power to support state employees working on the frontlines providing services to all Texans.
- April 1st – At the urging and pressure of State Rep. Donna Howard, Texas announces they will utilize the Families First Act to give paid sick time and protect state employees who contract COVID 19
- April 6th – Senators Royce West and Jose Menendez publicly endorse efforts of TSEU and demand Governor Abbott increase resources to help with COVID efforts and to protect state jobs
- April 9th Senators Lucio, Zaffirini, Menendez, Rodriguez, Powell, Watson and Nathan Johnson join Senators West and Menendez in publicly endorsing efforts of TSEU and demand Governor Abbott increase resources to help with COVID efforts
- April 29th Representative James Talrico holds a press conference announcing a joint letter to the Governor with 63 bi-partisan representatives. The letter’s demands borrowed language from TSEU E-Board statement released on March 27, 2020
The last few months have also shown we need more allies in office. The COVID-19 crisis has challenged us all. The economic impact of the pandemic, on top of a drop in oil production and prices will add yet another challenge to the 2021 legislative session. Budget cuts are already being proposed because of the decline in state revenue. While our fights seem tough, we have no choice but to organize and build our political muscle with COPE.