In response to the novel coronavirus (COVID-19), the Partnership will provide a weekly update on public policies and other newsworthy items from local, state and national levels of government.

Executive Summary  
All levels of government continue to respond to the economic and public health impacts of COVID-19. At the federal level, House Democrats have unveiled a $3 trillion proposal for the fourth phase of the coronavirus relief package. Senate Republicans are drafting legislation focused on economic recovery and liability protections.  At the state level, Governor Greg Abbott and the OneStar Foundation announced the creation of the Texas COVID Relief Fund. This will provide necessary funding to organizations across the state supporting the economic recovery of local communities. The funds will be distributed through grants and will be focused on community and economic development, healthcare, and education needs. At the local level, Mayor Sylvester Turner has released the proposed FY 2021 budget, which closes a $169 million gap by furloughing municipal employees, drawing down funds from the city’s General Fund balance, generating new revenue, deferring police cadet classes and a payment obligation to the Houston Zoo. 

Federal 
COVID 4 Stimulus Package 

• House Democrats have unveiled a $3 trillion proposal for the fourth installment of the coronavirus relief package.
  • The package included funding for state and local governments, health systems, additional direct payments to Americans, funding for the Postal Service, and a requirement for passengers to wear masks on airplanes and public transit. 
• Senate Republicans have stated that the relief bill is “dead on arrival.” Senate Republicans stated they are drafting legislation focused on liability protections for businesses and funding to help jump start the economy. 
• Sources: 
  • Washington Post
  • CNN

Numbers

• U.S. is reporting over 81,000 deaths and 1.3 million cases. 

State 

• Governor Abbott has directed the Texas Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC), the Texas Division of Emergency Management (TDEM), and the Texas Department of State Health Services (DSHS) to develop and implement a plan to test all nursing home residents and staff members in the state of Texas. 
• Governor Abbott announced that Texas Division of Emergency Management (TDEM) has applied for Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) assistance that will provide funding support to Texas' food banks. If approved, this will provide about $70 million to Texas' food bank network. 
• Governor Greg Abbott, the Texas Education Agency (TEA), and Dallas Independent School District (DISD) launched Operation Connectivity, a statewide initiative to bring internet and connectivity devices to Texas students. 
• Governor Abbott modified his original executive orders and will no longer allow confinement as punishment for those who violate orders related to COVID-19.  
• Governor Abbott and the OneStar Foundation announced the creation of the Texas COVID Relief Fund. This will provide necessary funding and resources to organizations across the state working on the ground to support the economic recovery of local communities. The funds will be distributed through grants and will be focused on community and economic development, healthcare, and education. Also, the funds will be used to support local priorities and organizations to satisfy the critical needs of vulnerable populations and underserved populations. 
• Governor Abbott announced that the Texas Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC) has received $5.8 million in federal funds and will provide crisis counseling services to those who have been affected by the COVID-19 pandemic.  
• Governor Abbott, along with Lieutenant Governor Dan Patrick, House Speaker Dennis Bonnen, Senate Finance Committee Chair Nelson, Vice Chair Hinojosa, and House Appropriations Committee Chair Capriglione and Vice Chair Longoria submitted a letter to city and county leaders announcing $5.06 billion funding that has been made available to local governments in Texas through the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act. Of this $5.06 billion, the U.S. Department of Treasury has directly allocated $3.2 billion to the 6 cities and 12 counties in Texas with a population greater than 500,000. The remaining $1.85 billion will be available to other cities and counties throughout the state. This funding will go towards reimbursement of direct expenses incurred by cities and counties due to COVID-19. To read the letter, click here.

Numbers 

• A total of 39,869 cases have been reported in Texas. There are currently 17,056 active cases and 1,100 fatalities. To date, 525,697 tests have been conducted across the state. Currently, 219 out of the 254 counties have reported positive cases with Harris County still leading with the most at 7,878. 

Local 

• Mayor Turner has released the proposed budget for FY 2021. To review the budget, click here.  
• The proposed budget closes a $169 million gap: 
  • Draws down $98.3 million from the City’s General Fund balance. Ending fund balance will be 7.15%, which is under the city’s target of 7.5% expenditures less debt service and pay-as-you-go. 
  • Generates $14.5 million in new revenue 
    • $10 million from digital signs 
    • $4.5 million from the garbage and recycle bin fee 
  • Defers 5 police cadet classes ($14 million) 
  • Defers Zoo payment obligation of $10.4 million  
  • 3,000 municipal employees will be furloughed after July 1, 2020 for a maximum of 10 days in the course of a year (will not occur in police and fire, no solid waste employees that will impact collection programs). 

Visit the Partnership's COVID-19 Resource page for updates, guidance for employers and more information. And sign up for daily email alerts from the Partnership as the situation develops.