Texas AG Files Appeal to Stop Harris County for Unsolicited Mail-In Ballot Applications
Under Texas election law, mail-in ballots are reserved for a few limited categories of qualified voters who are age 65 and older and voters who are disabled.
Press Release
AUSTIN – Attorney General Ken Paxton filed an appeal with the 14th Court of Appeals in Houston, urging the court to prevent Harris County Clerk Chris Hollins from sending over two million unsolicited mail-in ballot applications to registered voters in Harris County, many of whom do not qualify to vote by mail. Hollins’s plan to unlawfully send mail-in ballot applications circumvents the careful limits the Constitution places on county officials’ authority and blatantly violates Texas election law. Harris County is required to respond by 9 a.m. Monday, September 14, and the Office of the Attorney General requested relief be granted no later than 5 p.m. on the same day.
Under Texas election law, mail-in ballots are reserved for a few limited categories of qualified voters who are age 65 and older and voters who are disabled. The proposed mass mailing would sow confusion because applications would go to all registered voters, regardless of whether they legally qualify to vote a mail ballot and regardless of whether they even want to vote by mail. Texas law requires the clerk to send applications to voters who specifically request them.
Read a copy of the appeal 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.
FEMA approved the TWC's request for Lost Wages Assistance
The funding is through the week ending September 5, 2020 and may provide an additional $300 in payments to qualified claimants.
Press Release
The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) approved the Texas Workforce Commission’s (TWC) request for Lost Wages Assistance (LWA) funding for the week ending September 5, 2020. This funding provides for an additional $300 in payments to qualified claimants.
FEMA’s process for releasing funds does not line up exactly with TWC’s payment system. TWC must request the funds weekly and must ensure that funds are available each week before the $300 in benefits is released. Claimants should continue requesting payments on their scheduled payment request day.
Texas was one of the first states to apply and be approved. TWC will continue to provide Texas claimants with updates when FEMA approves requests for LWA funding. Since all states are drawing monies from the same fund, the exact date that FEMA funding will run out is not known.
Texas Officials Recommends big Tech to Stop Censorship of Freedom of Speech
“The improper expansion of Section 230, which was intended to promote free speech, competition, and enforcement of criminal laws online, has inflated to a point where it grants the largest companies in the world the ability to violate state laws, exclude rivals, and squash political speech,” said Attorney General Paxton.
Press Release
AUSTIN – Attorney General Ken Paxton sent a comment letter to Secretary Marlene Dortch of the Federal Communications Commission, supporting the National Telecommunications and Information Agency’s Petition (the Petition) to the Federal Communications Commission to clarify provisions of Section 230 of the Communications Decency Act. Section 230 provides online platforms liability protection for third-party content posted on their sites, and for decisions by those platforms to moderate obscene, lewd, and similarly objectionable content. Overly broad judicial interpretations of Section 230, however, have threatened to expand that immunity to cover broad categories of misconduct by some of tech’s largest players that the plain text of Section 230 does not reach. As a result, the reforms and clarification provided by the Petition are necessary to protect states’ ability to enforce their laws and prevent undue censorship of protected speech.
“The improper expansion of Section 230, which was intended to promote free speech, competition, and enforcement of criminal laws online, has inflated to a point where it grants the largest companies in the world the ability to violate state laws, exclude rivals, and squash political speech,” said Attorney General Paxton. “Reforms must be made to ensure that states are empowered to properly enforce their laws. First Amendment rights, penalties for criminals, and transparency must be maintained for a truly free online community to operate and thrive.”
Read a copy of the letter here.
Asplundh Tree Expert to pay for 2011 Bastrop Wildfires
A settlement awarding $20 million to the Texas Parks & Wildlife Department (TPWD) to remedy devastation caused by the failure of Asplundh Tree Expert, LLC to properly manage vegetation growth.
Press Release
AUSTIN – Attorney General Ken Paxton commended a settlement awarding $20 million to the Texas Parks & Wildlife Department (TPWD) to remedy devastation caused by the failure of Asplundh Tree Expert, LLC to properly manage vegetation growth. Almost nine years ago to the day, unmaintained trees damaged power lines and sparked a wildfire that destroyed 1,700 homes and burned 96 percent of the Bastrop State Park, which is one of only seven state parks across the country that have been designated as a National Historical Landmark.
“This settlement marks a monumental step in the continued restoration of the Bastrop State Park and healing of this beautiful Texas community,” said Attorney General Paxton. “After fires and floods brought colossal damage, TPWD has been expertly nursing this state treasure back to health. As more work is still needed, I commend this settlement and the hard work of everyone involved for providing much needed remedy to this stunning Texas landmark and those who fight for its conservation.”
“The Bastrop wildfire was unquestionably a tragedy that took a terrible toll on the local community, Bastrop State Park, and the unique ecology of the Lost Pines,” said Carter Smith, Texas Parks and Wildlife Department executive director. “This landmark settlement will go a long way to help recover the state park and its wildlife and plant communities. By investing in strategic land acquisition and restoration around the park, this will benefit people and wildlife for decades to come. We all owe a debt of thanks to the state Office of the Attorney General for diligent assistance with this case.”
After facing the most economically destructive wildfire in Texas history, the Bastrop State Park is under continued, successful restoration and is now open in accordance with health and safety limitations and guidelines. Learn more about the park at https://tpwd.texas.gov/state-parks/bastrop.
Read a copy of the settlement here.
Healthy Texas Women Program Launches Enhanced Postpartum Care Services
Beginning September 1, approximately 90,000 Healthy Texas Women clients will automatically receive a new postpartum care coverage for up to 12 months.
Press Release
AUSTIN – The Texas Health and Human Services Commission announced today the launch of an enhanced postpartum care services package for eligible women enrolled in Healthy Texas Women, called HTW Plus. Beginning September 1, approximately 90,000 Healthy Texas Women clients will automatically receive this new postpartum care coverage for up to 12 months.
“Routine and timely postpartum care is critical in improving the overall health of mothers and babies in Texas,” said Michelle Alletto, Texas HHS chief program and services officer. “Improving and enhancing these services further ensures continuity of care to women at all stages of life.”
In addition to the array of core women’s health and family planning services offered by the Healthy Texas Women program, HTW Plus provides physical health, mental health, and substance use disorder services that address asthma, diabetes, hypertension, certain cardiovascular conditions, perinatal mood and anxiety disorders including postpartum depression, and substance use disorders including drug, alcohol, and tobacco use.
"Maternal mortality is an important issue for all Texans, and that's why I authored and passed Senate Bill 750 with bipartisan support,” said State Sen. Lois W. Kolkhorst, chair of the Senate Committee on Health and Human Services. “Our state will provide these targeted treatments, such as mental health, diabetes, asthma, addiction, and heart disease, so that we can directly improve our state's maternal mortality rate and keep every Texas woman safe."
Covered services include:
Cardiovascular imaging and laboratory studies, blood pressure monitoring equipment, and antihypertensive, anticoagulant, and antiplatelet medications
Diabetes management services including labs, additional injectable insulin options, blood glucose testing supplies, and voice-integrated glucometers for women with diabetes who are visually impaired
Asthma medications and supplies
Psychotherapy and peer specialist services for postpartum depression and other mental health conditions
Screening, brief intervention, and referral to treatment (SBIRT); medication assisted treatment (MAT); and peer specialist services for the management of substance use disorders
Tobacco cessation drugs
While all women in Healthy Texas Women have access to screening, diagnosis, and medication to treat postpartum depression, women with HTW Plus coverage will also be able to receive outpatient individual, family, and group psychotherapy services, as well as peer specialist services.
Approximately 90,000 postpartum women enrolled in Healthy Texas Women on average each month will be covered by HTW Plus and have access to expanded postpartum care services for up to 12 months after the date of enrollment in the Healthy Texas Women program.
In 2019, Gov. Greg Abbott signed Senate Bill 750, which directed HHSC to evaluate postpartum care services provided to women enrolled in the Healthy Texas Women program after the first 60 days of the postpartum period, and develop a postpartum care services package for women enrolled in the Healthy Texas Women program.
HHSC contracted with The University of Texas Health Science Center at Tyler and The University of Texas System Population Health to conduct an evaluation of services used by women in the Medicaid for Pregnant Women program in comparison to the Healthy Texas Women program. Additionally, findings from the Maternal Mortality and Morbidity Review Committee informed the HTW Plus service package. The evaluation focused on services related to the major health conditions recognized as contributing to maternal morbidity and mortality in Texas—common cardiovascular conditions, substance use disorders, mental health conditions, and certain chronic health conditions.
HHSC will issue new HTW Plus pink cards and an updated information packet to women eligible for the new service package.
About Healthy Texas Women
The Healthy Texas Women program provides family planning services and other women’s health services that contribute to preconception care and better birth outcomes. The program provides a wide variety of women’s health and core family planning services, including contraception, cancer screenings and pregnancy testing. In Fiscal Year 2019, about 279,000 women on average each month were enrolled in the Healthy Texas Women program.
Beware of Entities Posing as State Agencies to Send Purchase Orders
The company receiving the fraudulent purchase order then processes the order, ships the goods and never receives payment from the scammers.
Press Release
AUSTIN – Attorney General Ken Paxton issued a consumer alert warning Texans and Texas companies to exercise caution with any purchase order purporting to come from a state agency when they have not established prior contact with that agency. Recently, scammers and entities posing as state agencies have sent out purchase orders for goods. The company receiving the fraudulent purchase order then processes the order, ships the goods and never receives payment from the scammers.
“All Texans should be aware of unsolicited purchase orders and requests from fraudsters impersonating leaders in their government. This is a scam that deceitful individuals are using to enrich themselves at the expense of hardworking citizens,” said Attorney General Paxton. “My office has a long history of pursuing those who attempt to defraud Texans and we stand ready to assist anyone harmed by these schemes.”
Texas state agencies have detailed procurement procedures for purchase orders and contracts. All unsolicited purchase orders supposedly sent from state agencies should be independently verified through direct contact with the agency.
Texas Work Force Lost Wage Assistance Program
Texas Gov. Greg Abbott authorized TWC to submit the application for the additional $300 made available under President Trump’s Lost Wage Assistance Executive Order.
Press Release
On August 20, 2020, Texas Gov. Greg Abbott authorized TWC to submit the application for the additional $300 made available under President Trump’s Lost Wage Assistance Executive Order. TWC is working to implement this change as quickly as possible.
To help you understand how this program may impact your benefits, we've compiled frequently asked questions on the Lost Wage Assistance Program.
What is the LWA program?
President Trump signed four Presidential Memorandums on Aug. 8, 2020, including one to offer enhanced unemployment insurance benefits of $300 per week. The U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) and the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) continue to provide guidance to each state for the proper administration of the benefit. The Department of Workforce Services will continue to communicate the guidelines of the program as they are finalized by these federal agencies.
Who is eligible to receive the $300?
To be eligible for LWA benefits:
Your weekly benefit amount must be $100 or more.
You must receive at least $1 of benefits from one of the following programs:
Regular unemployment insurance
Unemployment Compensation for Federal Employees (UCFE)
Unemployment Compensation for Ex-Servicemembers (UCX)
Pandemic Emergency Unemployment Compensation (PEUC)
Pandemic Unemployment Assistance (PUA)
Extended Benefits (EB)
Shared Work
Trade Readjustment Allowances (TRA)
You must certify that you are unemployed, partially unemployed, or unable or unavailable to work due to disruptions caused by COVID-19.
LWA is not payable to individuals collecting Disaster Unemployment Assistance (DUA).
I did not certify that my claim was COVID-19 related when I first applied, can I do so now?
If you have not previously certified that your claim is COVID-19 related you will be given the opportunity to do so on your next payment request.
I’m on a shared work program, how do I certify that my reduced hours are COVID-19 related?
If you are on a shared work program, TWC will reach out to clarify if your reduction of hours is COVID-19 related.
How do I apply for the additional $300?
If you are already receiving benefits, no application is required. Continue requesting payments as normal. Our team is updating the system. Eligible claimants should receive the additional $300 a week on their first payment request on or after 8/23/2020.
Will the additional $300 be backdated?
Yes, the President’s Executive Order allows for additional $300 a week to be backdate to the week of August 1, 2020.
Will the additional $300 appear on my account?
Like the previous additional benefits, this amount will not be added to the weekly benefit amount visible on your account but will be added when deposited.
Why is it an additional $300?
This is the amount set forth in the Presidents Executive Order and agreed upon by the State of Texas.
If my weekly benefit amount is less than $100, do I receive the additional $300?
If you receive less than $100 a week of unemployment benefits you are not eligible to receive the additional $300.
Is the additional $300 paid per week?
Yes. Since TWC deposits payments every two weeks, eligible claimants will receive an extra $600 every two weeks.
I returned to work between 8/1 and 8/23, do I qualify for backdated payments?
Yes, if someone returned to work between 8/1/2020 and 8/23/2020 they may be eligible. We will review those claims and if needed reach out to those individuals.
Defunding Police in Austin is Dangerous
AUSTIN – Attorney General Ken Paxton give a statement following the Austin City Council to cut $150 million from the Austin Police Department.
Press Release
AUSTIN – Attorney General Ken Paxton gave this statement following the Austin City Council’s decision today to cut $150 million from the Austin Police Department’s budget:
“The unwarranted attack by the Austin mayor and city council on their police department’s budget is no more than a political haymaker driven by the pressures of cancel culture. Unfortunately, the targets of this ‘cancelling’ are the brave men and women who selflessly put their lives on the line to keep our families safe. The city council’s action to slash funding disregards the safety of our capital city, its citizens, and the many guests who frequent it. The City of Austin already struggles to combat widespread crime, violence and homelessness. In light of rising violent crime rates in many cities across the country as well the majority of Austinites opposing defunding police, the mayor and the city council should immediately reconsider this ill-advised effort at virtue signaling; which will endanger lives and property in Austin.”
$16.5 Million to Texans in Medicaid Fraud Lawsuit
The 126th Judicial District Court of Travis County ordered final judgment against Dr. Richard Malouf, former owner of All Smiles Dental Center, holding him responsible for 1,842 unlawful acts under the Texas Medicaid Fraud Prevention Act and liable for approximately $16.5 million to the State of Texas.
Press Release
AUSTIN – Attorney General Ken Paxton today announced that the 126th Judicial District Court of Travis County ordered final judgment against Dr. Richard Malouf, former owner of All Smiles Dental Center, holding him responsible for 1,842 unlawful acts under the Texas Medicaid Fraud Prevention Act and liable for approximately $16.5 million to the State of Texas.
“I applaud my litigation team, the court and the Health and Human Services Commission for stopping this misconduct and recovering taxpayer money,” said Attorney General Paxton. “Identifying and preventing Medicaid fraud continues to be a top priority for my office and I remain committed to ensuring that Medicaid dollars are preserved for those who most need them.”
Dr. Malouf operated orthodontics clinics for many years in the Dallas area and billed tens of millions of dollars to Texas Medicaid. The Court previously found that Malouf fraudulently billed Medicaid for services that he did not deliver, including over 100 claims he filed while he was vacationing out of the country.
Read a copy of the order here.
Congress to Consider Safe to Work Act
These protections will help mitigate the threat of frivolous COVID-19-related litigation against first responders, healthcare workers, law enforcement, and healthcare facilities.
Press Release
AUSTIN – Attorney General Ken Paxton joined 21 other states in a letter to the United States Congress urging the adoption of federal pandemic liability protections contained in the Safe to Work Act. These protections will help mitigate the threat of frivolous COVID-19-related litigation against first responders, healthcare workers, law enforcement, and healthcare facilities, among other entities, while ensuring victims have legal options where appropriate.
“A common-sense framework is necessary to provide liability protections as we restart our economy safely and appropriately in the midst of this pandemic. Businesses need clearly defined expectations for safe operations and protection from baseless COVID-19-related claims while operating in good faith,” said Attorney General Paxton. “Criminal penalties, regulatory fines and agency oversight must be reserved to stop those who recklessly inflict harm, and civil lawsuits should be available for any citizens hurt by those actually acting with disregard for safety.”
The COVID-19 pandemic has caused tragic loss of life across the nation, and countless livelihoods were lost and businesses closed. As stated in a previous letter, States believe federal pandemic liability protections will benefit all states and citizens as we continue working to slow the spread of COVID-19 and minimize the detrimental impact is has had on state economies.
Read a copy of the letter here.
Women’s Health and Safety
Attorney General Ken Paxton joined ten other states in a friend-of-the-court brief requesting that the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fourth Circuit stay a nationwide injunction suspending important health and safety requirements imposed by federal law for prescription of the abortifacient mifepristone.
Press Release
AUSTIN – Attorney General Ken Paxton joined ten other states in a friend-of-the-court brief requesting that the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fourth Circuit stay a nationwide injunction suspending important health and safety requirements imposed by federal law for prescription of the abortifacient mifepristone. Federal and state laws require physical examinations and in-person dispensing of mifepristone to ensure that physicians check for contraindications and inform women of the significant risk to her own body, including possible infection, hemorrhage, and even death.
“This medication is strictly required to be dispensed in-person due to the serious risks it poses to women’s health. The ongoing pandemic does not change the need for close examination and observation of a patient using mifepristone,” said Attorney General Paxton. “The COVID-19 pandemic only reinforces the need to follow reasonable guidelines when prescribing potentially dangerous medications to prevent patients from being forced into hospitals already dealing with the strain of the pandemic. To argue otherwise demonstrates lack of true interest in women’s health and safety.”
The district court’s current injunction prevents the Food and Drug Administration from enforcing provisions of the Elements to Assure Safe Use for the mifepristone Risk Evaluation & Mitigation Strategy (REMS). Use of abortion medications with close physician supervision presents risks to patient health and safety, and mifepristone is approved strictly through 10 weeks of pregnancy, with later use involving a higher risk of failure, infection, and risk to the patient’s life.
Read a copy of the amicus brief here.
AG Paxton Issues Legal Guidance on School Reopening
Local health authorities may not issue sweeping orders closing schools for the sole purpose of preventing future COVID-19 infections. Rather, their role is limited by statute to addressing specific, actual outbreaks of disease.
Press Release
AUSTIN – Attorney General Ken Paxton today issued guidance on the opening of local schools for the upcoming school year, during the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, responding to a request from Stephenville Mayor Doug Svien. While playing an important role in protecting the health of school children and employees, local health authorities may not issue sweeping orders closing schools for the sole purpose of preventing future COVID-19 infections. Rather, their role is limited by statute to addressing specific, actual outbreaks of disease. School officials, both public and private, are the appropriate ones to decide whether, when, and how to open school.
“Education of our children is an essential Texas value and there is no current statewide order prohibiting any school from opening,” said Attorney General Paxton. “While local health authorities may possess some authority to close schools in limited circumstances, they may not issue blanket orders closing all schools on a purely preventative basis. That decision rightfully remains with school system leaders.”
Read a copy of the letter here.
Fraudsters Selling Counterfeit, Mislabeled, Non-Existent PPE
As demand for personal protection equipment increases, scammers may advertise equipment they do not actually have in attempts to make a quick profit. These PPE products may be counterfeit and mislabeled, and some may not exist at all.
Press Release
AUSTIN – Attorney General Ken Paxton, in partnership with the U.S. Attorney’s Offices for the Northern, Southern, Western, and Eastern Districts of Texas, today informed the public about several fraudulent schemes involving masks, personal protection equipment (PPE), and other COVID-19 related equipment. They urge everyone to exercise increased due diligence and caution when dealing with new suppliers or vendors, especially when using a third-party broker.
As demand for PPE increases, scammers may advertise equipment they do not actually have in attempts to make a quick profit. These PPE products may be counterfeit and mislabeled, and some may not exist at all. Some fraudsters reach out directly to consumers and government entities through email or social media to push their products. Red flags that a seller may be engaging in a scam include:
Unusual payment terms
Last-minute price changes
Last-minute excuses for delay in shipment
Unexplained source of a large quantity of material
Evidence of re-packaging or mislabeling
There are ongoing federal and state prohibitions on charging exorbitant prices for PPE during this time of national emergency. Texans who believe they have encountered scams or price gouging should call the Office of the Attorney General’s toll-free complaint line at (800) 621-0508 or file a complaint online. For additional information on disaster scams, please visit our disaster scams website.
More information on unapproved or counterfeit PPE can be found at cdc.gov/niosh. You can also find information on the U.S. Food and Drug Administration website and the Environmental Protection Agency website. If you have information about PPE-related fraud, or about hoarding or price gouging of critical supplies, you can report it without leaving your home to the National Center for Disaster Fraud by calling the National Hotline at (866) 720-5721 or by submitting the NCDF Web Complaint Form.
Students Rights to Free Speech and Due Process
Attorney General Ken Paxton led 15 states in an amicus brief filed in the United States District Court in the Southern District of New York, defending the Department of Education’s reaffirmation of Title IX’s commitment to protecting students from actual harassment while upholding free speech and fair process.
Press Release
AUSTIN – Attorney General Ken Paxton led 15 states in an amicus brief filed in the United States District Court in the Southern District of New York, defending the Department of Education’s reaffirmation of Title IX’s commitment to protecting students from actual harassment while upholding free speech and fair process. The Department of Education’s “Final Rule” bolsters the anti-discrimination purposes of Title IX without infringing free speech or due process rights.
“The Constitution applies to every American, and the Department of Education’s ‘Final Rule’ provides robust protection for individual rights where previous regulations and guidance failed. The Supreme Court has long recognized that students subject to disciplinary proceedings are entitled to due process,” said Attorney General Paxton. “Academic institutions cannot unlawfully deprive students of their constitutional rights to free speech, due process, or fair trial.”
Without safeguards, academic institutions can and have eschewed due process and imposed life-altering consequences on students without affording them the opportunity to defend themselves. The vast majority of colleges and universities currently deny students the right to present evidence or cross examine witnesses, and less than half require that fact-finders be impartial during investigations.
Read a copy of the amicus brief here.
AG Paxton Defends Humane Treatment of Fetal Remains
The Fifth Circuit is currently considering a challenge to a Texas law requiring the humane treatment of fetal remains through interment or scattering of ashes.
Press Release
AUSTIN – Attorney General Ken Paxton filed a letter brief with the United States Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit addressing the impact of a recent decision from the United States Supreme Court that held unconstitutional a Louisiana law requiring abortion doctors to have admitting privileges at a nearby hospital. The Fifth Circuit is currently considering a challenge to a Texas law requiring the humane treatment of fetal remains through interment or scattering of ashes. Abortion providers sued the State, seeking an injunction that permits them to treat the remains of unborn children as medical waste that is incinerated and placed in a landfill. But they have yet to provide any evidence that this law imposes a burden on women or prevents access to abortion.
“The abortion industry will go to extraordinary lengths to obscure the fundamental reality that the child in the womb is a human being. The requirement to treat the remains of unborn children with dignity and respect would do nothing to affect the availability of abortion in Texas,” said Attorney General Paxton. “The Supreme Court has repeatedly recognized that States have an interest in the lives of the unborn, and this Texas law serves to honor their dignity rather than treat them as medical waste.”
Today’s letter brief also asserts that abortion providers lack standing to sue on behalf of what they imagine their patients’ subjective beliefs to be and that the humane disposition of fetal remains does not create an obstacle to abortion access. Last year, the Supreme Court upheld a similar Indiana fetal-remains law, stating that the State had “legitimate interest in proper disposal of fetal remains,” and the humane disposition of remains is directly and rationally related to that interest.
Read a copy of the letter brief here.
Texas A&M System Will Have Access to Free Testing for COVID-19
Each campus will establish an on-line test registration, and anyone wishing to be tested must first sign up there. Trained personnel will monitor the self-administered oral swabbing required.
Press Release
Students, faculty and staff at all 11 Texas A&M System universities across the state will soon have quick and easy access to free testing for COVID-19.
“Ensuring the health and safety of our students is our top priority,” said John Sharp, chancellor of the Texas A&M University System. “Facilitating increased accessibility and availability of COVID-19 testing will help us mitigate the spread and help to protect each other by taking preventative and proactive measures.”
Approximately 15,000 test kits will be sent to system campuses each month. Each campus will set up a central location for the testing, which will consist of a simple, painless mouth swab. Testing could start as early as late this week.
The testing is possible thanks to an agreement Chancellor Sharp negotiated with Curative Inc., a national testing company based in California. Curative has committed to turning around lab results within 30 hours from when the sample arrives at their lab.
To date, Curative has released more than 1.2 million test results and is processing 55 to 60 thousand test kits per day with plenty of capacity. A major benefit of the Curative testing system is it is a turn-key operation, offering tests, shipping, processing and a software system that collects and reports results.
Students, faculty and staff are encouraged to get tested if they experience COVID-19 symptoms, or suspect they have been exposed to someone with COVID-19. Close contact is defined by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention as being within 6 feet of someone with COVID-19 for more than 15 minutes at any time, beginning 48 hours before the individual had symptoms, regardless of wearing a face mask.
While the tests are free, those who have insurance are encouraged to use their primary care physician to access the test so that their test can be paid for by insurance. The on-campus tests will not be available to the general public.
Each campus will establish an on-line test registration, and anyone wishing to be tested must first sign up there. Trained personnel will monitor the self-administered oral swabbing required.
About Curative
Curative Inc. was founded to develop tests for sepsis in January 2020 and pivoted to COVID-19 in early March 2020 upon realizing the urgent need for test development and production in the United States. Founded by Fred Turner and comprised of a team of doctors, scientists, engineers and health industry experts, the Curative test is a simple-to-use oral fluid COVID-19 test that can be rapidly scaled to enable widespread access to testing to keep our communities. For more details on Curative, please visit www.curativeinc.com.
About The Texas A&M University System
The Texas A&M University System is one of the largest systems of higher education in the nation with a budget of $6.3 billion. The System is a statewide network of 11 universities; a comprehensive health science center; eight state agencies, including the Texas Division of Emergency Management; and the RELLIS Campus. The Texas A&M System educates more than 151,000 students and makes more than 22 million additional educational contacts through service and outreach programs each year. System-wide, research and development expenditures exceeded $1 billion in FY 2019 and helped drive the state’s economy.
TWC - $600 Per Week Will End
The Federal Pandemic Unemployment Compensation or the additional $600 per week will end with the benefit week ending in July 25, 2020.
Press Release
The Federal Pandemic Unemployment Compensation or the additional $600 per week will end with the benefit week ending in July 25, 2020. The CARES Act was passed by the U.S. Congress. TWC is responsible for overseeing the payments but only the U.S. Congress can extend the Act.
Will I continue to receive my state unemployment benefits?
Yes. You will continue to receive your state unemployment benefits for as long as you are eligible.
Why is this additional $600/week ending?
TWC does not have the authority to extend the $600 a week benefit. The additional $600/week is part of the CARES Act that was passed by the U.S. Congress. TWC is responsible for overseeing the payments but only the U.S Congress can extend the Act.
When is my last payment with the additional $600/week?
If you request payment for the weeks of 7/18 and 7/25: You will receive the additional $600 for both weeks.
If you request payment for the weeks of 7/25 and 8/1:You will receive the additional $600 for only the week of 7/25.
Why does the additional $600/week end in Texas on 7/25 when the CARES Act lists 7/31?
The CARES Act provides federal reimbursement to states for an additional $600 per week. The Act states that the program ends July 31, but benefits must be discontinued before the end of the month because by law TWC cannot pay partial week benefits. The last full benefit week for the extra $600 is the week ending July 25th. As a result, only payment requests for weeks ending on or before July 25 can include the additional $600.
For more information about the CARES Act or your unemployment benefit, please visit our FAQ page.
Those in need of local assistance with utilities or rent are encouraged to call 211.
Keystone Pipeline to Restart Infrastructure Construction
Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton applauded the United States Supreme Court for partially staying a district court order that halted energy infrastructure construction nationwide and impeded economic growth.
Press Release
AUSTIN – Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton applauded the United States Supreme Court for partially staying a district court order that halted energy infrastructure construction nationwide and impeded economic growth. Despite the original lawsuit focusing on a permit the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers used to authorize the Keystone XL pipeline, the district court’s order needlessly affected new oil and gas pipelines in every state, regardless of length, purpose, or minimal environmental effects.
“I applaud the Supreme Court for staying this erroneous injunction and ensuring that energy pipeline construction continues smoothly,” said Attorney General Paxton. “The successful production and transportation of oil and gas is lifeblood for the states and is not possible without a dynamic pipeline network. The need for a stable electrical grid is vital, and that need has been consistently met by the growing production of oil and gas.”
Read a copy of the order here.
TWC to pause work search requirements
The Texas Workforce Commission (TWC) paused the reinstatement of work search requirements for unemployment benefits in Texas.
Press Release
The Texas Workforce Commission paused the reinstatement of work search requirements for unemployment benefits in Texas effective immediately.
What does this mean for current UI claimants?
Individuals receiving unemployment payments in Texas will not need to enter the number of work searches they completed while requesting payment; they may continue to enter 0 until the Commission moves to reinstate work search requirements.
Why has the reinstatement of work search requirements been paused?
This action was taken in response to the rising number of COVID-19 cases in Texas. From the outset, TWC has stated that bringing back work search would be conditions-based.
When might work search requirements be reinstated?
Work search requirements are federal stipulation to unemployment insurance benefits. TWC will continue to monitor the situation and make further recommendations in late July.
Please continue to request payments, every two weeks and continuously check your mail and electronic correspondence for updates from TWC.
For more information and frequently asked questions visit our COVID-19 UI FAQ Page or connect with Larry the Chat Bot on the TWC homepage.