State of Texas Updates

• Governor Greg Abbott, Lieutenant Governor Dan Patrick, and House Speaker Dennis Bonnen today sent a letter directing state agencies and institutions of higher education to each submit a plan identifying savings that will reduce respective general and general revenue related appropriations by five percent for the 2020-2021 biennium.

• Governor Greg Abbott has allowed the Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission to waive late fees for license and permit renewals.

• DSHS is distributing 1,200 vials of the drug remdesivir to hospitals to treat patients with COVID-19. The antiviral medication, which has shown promise in early trials in speeding up the recovery time among hospitalized COVID-19 patients, has been provided by the federal government from a supply donated by Gilead, the manufacturer.

• HHSC is encouraging Texans in need of emotional support due to the COVID-19 pandemic to call the Mental Health Support Line. The support line has answered more than 3,000 calls since March 31.

• HHSC is encouraging Texans to connect virtually with their older family members to keep safe distancing during Older Americans Month, and provided a link to services for older adults as well as tips on how to stay virtually connected with loved ones.

• HHSC continues to promote COVID-19 testing sites on Twitter.

• A reminder from TEA: During the COVID-19 pandemic, school-aged children continue to be susceptible to abuse, neglect, and are vulnerable to manipulation and exploitation by traffickers.

• TDEM honors emergency medical services professionals who tirelessly serve communities across Texas during  National EMS Week.