August 27, 2020
"The Abbott Alerts newsletter allows you to stay up to date on the latest news, and I'll let you know what we are doing to keep Texas the most exceptional state in America."
PROVIDING AN UPDATE ON RESPONSE AND RECOVERY EFFORTS IN SOUTHEAST TEXAS
Today I traveled to Southeast Texas to meet with local officials and provide an update on our efforts to respond and rebuild following Hurricane Laura.
Texas is already initiating recovery efforts and ensuring all affected communities have the resources they need to rebuild.
I am thankful for the proactive leadership from local officials and for the way Texans took action to protect themselves and others by evacuating ahead of this storm.
Those who were affected by the storm should continue to heed guidance and direction from local officials as you seek to return to your homes.
For more information on:
- Disaster services, dial 2-1-1
- Finding and open shelter, click HERE
- For flooded roads and conditions, click HERE
Texas is already initiating recovery efforts and ensuring all affected communities have the resources they need to rebuild.
I am thankful for the proactive leadership from local officials and for the way Texans took action to protect themselves and others by evacuating ahead of this storm.
Those who were affected by the storm should continue to heed guidance and direction from local officials as you seek to return to your homes.
For more information on:
- Disaster services, dial 2-1-1
- Finding and open shelter, click HERE
- For flooded roads and conditions, click HERE
SURVEYING DAMAGE IN SOUTHEAST TEXAS WITH THE U.S. COAST GUARD
While visiting Southeast Texas today, I surveyed damage from the hurricane with local, state, and federal officials.
Thank you to the United States Coast Guard for the tour around areas severely impacted by Hurricane Laura.
This overhead tour helps show where the state needs to focus resources for recovery efforts.
Texas is ready to help communities rebuild.
Thank you to the United States Coast Guard for the tour around areas severely impacted by Hurricane Laura.
This overhead tour helps show where the state needs to focus resources for recovery efforts.
Texas is ready to help communities rebuild.
TEXAS' PROACTIVE RESPONSE TO HURRICANE LAURA
Texas began preparing for Hurricane Laura long before this storm hit our shores. Last week, I issued a Disaster Declaration for dozens of Texas counties and FEMA swiftly granted our request for a Presidential Disaster Declaration to assist in our anticipated response.
We also pre-positioned state resources ahead of Hurricane Laura's landfall and took action to ensure Texans were able to evacuate if needed by waiving tolls along SH 99/Grand Parkway.
I also waived several regulations related to commercial vehicles to expedite the delivery of food, water, equipment, medical supplies, and other resources to help communities in the path of Hurricane Laura. These suspensions will ensure Texans are able to receive critical resources as the state responds to the damage from this storm.
No matter the challenge, Texas is prepared.
We also pre-positioned state resources ahead of Hurricane Laura's landfall and took action to ensure Texans were able to evacuate if needed by waiving tolls along SH 99/Grand Parkway.
I also waived several regulations related to commercial vehicles to expedite the delivery of food, water, equipment, medical supplies, and other resources to help communities in the path of Hurricane Laura. These suspensions will ensure Texans are able to receive critical resources as the state responds to the damage from this storm.
No matter the challenge, Texas is prepared.
TEXAS RECEIVES $1.4 BILLION IN UNEMPLOYMENT BENEFITS FOR TEXANS
Last week, Texas received approval for an additional $300 per week in benefits for qualifying Texans receiving unemployment benefits.
These funds will help support Texans in need as we work to revitalize the economy in the Lone Star State.
These funds will help support Texans in need as we work to revitalize the economy in the Lone Star State.
TEXAS SECURES OVER 1 MILLION DEVICES, WIFI HOTSPOTS FOR STUDENTS
The Texas Education Agency (TEA), in partnership with Local Education Agencies, has procured more than 1 million personal devices and internet WiFi hotspots to close the digital divide and ensure access to virtual learning for the 2020-21 school year.
These devices and WiFi hotspots will help meet the connectivity needs of students across the state. As school districts delay in-person instruction for the 2020-2021 school year, it is critical that the State of Texas close the digital divide and ensure access to virtual education for students who are learning at home.
These devices and WiFi hotspots will help meet the connectivity needs of students across the state. As school districts delay in-person instruction for the 2020-2021 school year, it is critical that the State of Texas close the digital divide and ensure access to virtual education for students who are learning at home.
CONGRATS TO UT RGV'S CRISTINA VILLALOBOS ON WINNING PRESTIGIOUS WHITE HOUSE HONOR
Congrats to University of Texas Rio Grande Valley's (UT RGV) Cristina Villalobos on winning the prestigious Presidential Award for Excellence in Science, Mathematics, and Engineering Mentoring.
Villalobos, founding director for UT RGV's Center of Excellence in STEM Education, is one of just 15 professors to receive the White House honor this year.
Villalobos, founding director for UT RGV's Center of Excellence in STEM Education, is one of just 15 professors to receive the White House honor this year.
COVID-19 STATEWIDE TESTING LOCATOR
If you are in need of a COVID-19 test, there are over 1,700 COVID-19 testing locations across the state.
To find a test in your area, visit TDEM's locator here and follow the directions to register.
To find a test in your area, visit TDEM's locator here and follow the directions to register.
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