Open Texas for Business

I am so frustrated over the scope of this shutdown. I represent about 200,000 constituents in the Texas House. Thirty have tested positive for COVID-19. Yet thousands have lost their job or seen their income drastically reduced.

Sheltering is a double-edged sword. Its intent is to protect our health and every life is precious. But when you lose your job you also lose the ability to pay for your child’s asthma medicine or your heart medicine or spouse’s cancer treatment. It’s also hard to think about the greater good when you’re afraid you’ll lose your home or the ability to otherwise provide for your family.

Leaders are in a tough spot. If they err they want to err on the side of public safety. Nonetheless, our Texas hospitals are now prepared, the public is educated on risks, it’s time to go back to work.