March 26 COVID-19 Daily Update: “Phase 3” and a new Executive Order

"Phase 3"

Late last night the Senate passed "Phase 3" which is legislation aid to provide economic relief. This bill is now on its way to the House who should vote on the bill this Friday. The House has promised quick passage of this bill, potentially passing it out of the house by Friday night. The Senate bill will provide a one-time $1,200 check for an individual making up to $75,000 per year or $2,400 for couples earning less than $150,000. After that, it will be scaled down until it reaches a $99,000 income threshold for an individual or $198,000 for a couple and then phased out altogether. It also provides an additional $500 per child. For a deeper dive into the Senate version of the bill, go here.

New Executive Order

Today Governor Greg Abbott also announced a new Executive Order. In short, the Order requires anyone who has traveled by air to Texas from New York, New Jersey, Connecticut, or New Orleans to self-quarantine for 14 days. The full order and more details can be found here. Other Governor Abbott Recent Press Releases of Note:

• March 25, 2020: Waives Certain Licensing Renewal Regulations, Fees For Nurses
• March 26, 2020: Abbott Requests Release of Federal Unemployment Funds

Texas Workforce Commission

Lastly, the Texas Workforce Commission (TWC), in an effort to support our working community and families affected by COVID-19, will distribute $40,000,000 of supplemental child care. These funds will allow local Workforce Development Boards to provide child care to the new COVID-19 Essential Workers, and, pending approval of a federal waiver from the Office of Child Care, make supplemental payments to child care programs to cover lost Parent Share of Cost (PSOC) payments. These measures are part of the State’s efforts to address the impact the COVID-19 virus is having on the state’s economy and its workforce. For more details go here. Tomorrow we will be back with more updates and news!