John, Governor Greg Abbott failed Texans this week.
On Monday, Abbott declared Texas would opt out of federal unemployment benefits tied to COVID-19 including the $300 weekly unemployment supplement. For some families, $300 is the difference between paying rent or buying groceries. If Abbott truly cared about workers, then he should be leading efforts to pay people more, provide universal health care, and make Texas a Right to Organize state.
Then, on Tuesday, Abbott announced that all cities, counties, and public schools in Texas can no longer mandate mask-wearing and that they will be fined if they attempt to do so. This decision is careless and puts schoolchildren, families, and teachers at risk. Instead of focusing on vaccinating Texans (including children 12 and older), Abbott is choosing to focus on partisan politics.
That's not all, John. On Wednesday, Abbott signed SB 8 — which bans abortions after six weeks, before most people know they are pregnant — into law. The majority of Texans support access to safe and legal abortion, but this law is unashamedly dangerous and one of the most restrictive in the entire country.
This week has been a new low for Governor Abbott.
John, these are only the latest examples of Abbott's cruel behavior. During this unprecedented pandemic, Abbott has undermined public health and local leadership at every turn. As a result, we've lost friends, family, and neighbors to COVID-19, small businesses have been sidelined, hospitals have closed in rural Texas, and millions lost power during winter storms.
It's plain and simple: Texans deserve better than Greg Abbott. But defeating him and other bad actors in Texas isn't going to be easy — it will take a multi-year effort centered around community organizing and voter registration.
That's why Powered by People is doing the work now, with over a year to go until the next statewide election. Beto and our volunteers are talking with residents in counties that have historically low voter turnout and registering new voters every day.
Thank you for your support,
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