Despite the positive steps Governor Greg Abbott has taken to deal with the COVID-19 Virus, many state agencies are struggling to adapt and take measures to ensure that staff and the public remain safe and that services continue.
State employees are being asked to do more than the average Texan. We are currently working without proper protection, for wages that are less than adequate, in environments that don’t warrant any real way to social distance. Yet we proudly serve all citizens of Texas! Our work is essential, and millions rely on us to stay, safe, educated and fed during this time of crisis.
While it’s impossible for every state employee to work from home, we must limit the number of individuals allowed into public offices and operate with skeleton crews where applicable.
Our communities must rely on State Resources until this crisis concludes. Because of this we need increased resources to allow hiring more employees, along with the training and needed technology to increase temporary telework.
We also need on-site medical care at State Supported Living Centers, Health Science Centers, and State Hospitals to protect both clients and staff who become infected. On top of guaranteed paid sick-time for any state employee who becomes infected or quarantined or needs to attend to an infected family member.
To stabilize the workforce and prevent added turnover, a permanent pay raise for ALL state employees is also essential. Above all we need open and honest transparency with all communication from the top of the chain of command all the way to the bottom.
We are in this struggle together and want to keep our agencies running at full steam to help overcome this State Health Emergency. Governor Abbott, please listen to the voices of working people who make our state run and drive our economy. State employees need these incentives and assurances to keep Texas running.