Requests for federal help to combat COVID-19
On Thursday, Abbott requested access to interest-free federal loans (known as Title XII loans) to pay unemployment claims and to accelerate release of funds from the Texas account of the federal Unemployment Trust Fund. Title XII is a federal process that allow states to receive these loans in advance from the federal government to help cover the cost of Unemployment Benefits payments without disruption. He has authorized the Texas Workforce Commission (TWC) to officially request access to these funds. If approved, the Department of Labor would allow Texas to apply for interest-free loans through the end of this current calendar year. Governor Abbott also announced that the Texas Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC) has submitted a Section 1135 Medicaid Waiver to the Center on Medicare and Medicaid (CMS). If approved, it would help ensure Texans on Medicaid continue to have their routine needs met, while the state combats COVID-19. In addition, HHSC is seeking the waiver for additional flexibilities related to requirements for long-term care providers, intermediate care facilities, home and community-based services programs, and hospitals. If approved, the Section 1135 waiver would last the duration of the public health emergency. Yesterday, Governor Abbott waived certain Texas Workforce Commission (TWC) regulations to preserve and extend childcare capacity for front line workers. These waivers will help TWC respond to the childcare needs during the COVID-19 response. This announcement is a result of the Supply Chain Strike Force, which was charged with strengthening childcare infrastructure for critical workers during the COVID-19 response.Governor Abbott's Executive Orders
On Sunday, Abbott announced two orders to help ensure hospitals and healthcare facilities across the state are prepared for the COVID-19 outbreak. The first order requires all surgeries and procedures that are not medically necessary to be postponed in order to increase the number of beds. The second order eliminated regulations on the number of patients who can be treated in a room, to increase capacity of hospital rooms. With the removal of restrictions, some hospitals can see capacity increase by 50%. He also announced that he is deploying the National Guard to assist with testing sites and help set up temporary medical facilities in case they are needed. Additionally, to help gather the necessary protective equipment and masks, Abbott announced the creation of a temporary Supply Chain Strike Force led by Keith Miears, Senior VP of Worldwide Procurement at Dell Technologies. Other members appointed to the Strike force include:- Former State Rep. John Zerwas, MD, who will assist with hospital relations and preparedness,
- Clint Harp, Vice President of transmission strategic services for the Lower Colorado River Authority, who will assist with asset research and procurement, and
- Elaine Mendoza, Chair of the A&M Board of Regents, who will assist with statewide child care infrastructure for critical workers.