Texas AG Joins Coalition of Businesses in Lawsuit Against El Paso Judge
The El Paso judge’s unlawful orders include shutting down all non-essential services for a two-week period, including in-person dining, gyms and salons. Attorney General Paxton issued a warning letter to Judge Samaniego.
AUSTIN – Attorney General Ken Paxton joined a coalition of businesses suing El Paso County Judge Ricardo Samaniego for imposing restrictions on local public health orders that are inconsistent with Governor Greg Abbott’s disaster orders. The El Paso judge’s unlawful orders include shutting down all non-essential services for a two-week period, including in-person dining, gyms and salons. Attorney General Paxton issued a warning letter to Judge Samaniego yesterday evening.
“El Paso County Judge Samaniego has no authority to shut down businesses in El Paso County. This is a direct violation of Gov. Greg Abbott’s executive order,” said Attorney General Paxton. “Recommendations must not be confused with requirements, especially those that unlawfully burden private citizens and businesses.”
Read the letter to the El Paso County Judge here.
AG Paxton Warns Brownsville Against Unlawful Order Limiting Restaurant Capacity
As it stands, the city’s order directly contradicts Governor Greg Abbott’s orders and exceeds the city’s lawful authority.
Press Release
Austin - The City of Brownsville is limiting all restaurant capacity to less than 25 percent of total listed occupancy. As it stands, the city’s order directly contradicts Governor Greg Abbott’s orders and exceeds the city’s lawful authority. Executive Order GA-28 expressly allows certain restaurants to “operate at up to 50 percent” and allows restaurants, and not cities, to decide whether to operate at a capacity at or below this limitation.
“The City of Brownsville’s order clearly conflicts with Governor Abbott’s order. It is imperative that we remain consistent in our application of limitations, and that the restaurants operating within the state’s limitations are allowed to do so,” said Attorney General Paxton. “The city should immediately review and revise this unlawful order.” - Attorney General Ken Paxton
Read a copy of the letter here.
Over 50 Employees Positive with or Exposed to COVID-19
The City of Corpus Christi has had multiple employees who have tested positive or have been exposed to COVID-19 recently. COVID-19 has been rapidly increasing throughout Texas, the Coastal Bend, and Nueces County.
Press Release
CORPUS CHRISTI, TX – The City of Corpus Christi has had multiple employees who have tested positive or have been exposed to COVID-19 recently. COVID-19 has been rapidly increasing throughout Texas, the Coastal Bend, and Nueces County.
The City currently has at least 50 employees isolated due to a positive test result or exposure to COVID-19. A management team member in the Gas Department along with a Senior Police Officer in the Training Division are examples of positive cases. Other examples of employees isolated due to exposure include the Public Health Director and Parks employees.
City Manager Peter Zanoni will authorize City work from home protocols beginning Tuesday, June 23, 2020 for the next two weeks. Those employees who can work remotely will be asked to work from home. Employees will be expected to maintain work hours and productivity while working from home.
“It is vital we maintain City operations.The two-week work from home protocol is one step we can take to reduce and slow the spread of COVID-19,” said City Manager Peter Zanoni. “Our number one goal at this time is the safety of our employees and their families,” added Zanoni.