Advocacy group asks Governor to send employees home

 As the coronavirus continues to spread across Texas and the nation, the Texas Public Interest Research Group (TexPIRG) today issued a call for Governor Abbott to require all non-essential state employees to work from home. Many schools, businesses and local governments have taken such  strong measures to reduce unnecessary contact and contain the spread of the disease. 

Bay Scoggin

 As the coronavirus continues to spread across Texas and the nation, the Texas Public Interest Research Group (TexPIRG) today issued a call for Governor Abbott to require all non-essential state employees to work from home. Many schools, businesses and local governments have taken such  strong measures to reduce unnecessary contact and contain the spread of the disease. 

“In a time of uncertainty and confusion, Texans need clear and consistent policy from our highest state leaders,” says Lauren Banister, TexPIRG Associate.  “By requiring non-essential state employees to switch to telework, Governor Abbott is delivering a clear message that the best thing we can all do right now is limit our contact with others.”  

Texans across the state are adjusting to telework and switching to online classes. The City of Austin has directed most city employees to work remotely. Dallas and Houston have closed bars and dine-in restaurants. In New York, Governor Cuomo has directed New York state employees to do the same. 

Governor Abbott has stated that state employees are free to work from home if they choose, but the advocacy group says he needs to go further.

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Bay Scoggin