COVID-19: Reopening Texas

As we begin taking steps to gradually and safely reopen our economy, I was grateful for the opportunity this week to visit with business owners, first responders and health care providers in the 25th District. While barbershops, movie theaters and retail stores reopen in Texas, it's important to remember that the small steps we are taking to keep ourselves and those around us safe are continuing to help flatten the curve of the virus' spread.

To receive updates on the response to COVID-19 in the TX-25, please click here.

CONGRESS DELIVERS MORE RELIEF

Last month, Congress passed the Paycheck Protection Program and Health Care Enhancement Act to provide additional relief for business owners, assistance for health care providers and funding for expanded coronavirus testing in our communities. I also joined my colleagues in calling for rural hospitals to be eligible for funds under the CARES Act and I am proud to announce that our facilities in Texas received between $2-4 million each so they can keep their doors open. While we have made great strides in injecting capital into the economy, there is still work to be done and I am ready to return to Washington to deliver for Texans.

HONORING FRONT LINE HEROES

Health care providers

It was a privilege to deliver breakfast to some of our front line health care workers at the Texas Health Huguley drive-thru testing center in Burleson. As of now, there are 11 drive-thru testing sites across the 25th District and we have tested over 477,000 people statewide. In the Paycheck Protection Program and Health Care Enhancement Act, I voted to allocate an additional $25 billion for necessary expenses to research, develop and manufacture better testing capabilities. Greater testing plays a key role in reopening our economy and instilling confidence in our community.

First responders

I received an update on the COVID-19 response in Burleson from Fire Chief KT Freeman, Police Chief Billy Cordell, Emergency Management Director Will Allen, and Public Health Director Dr. Steve Martin. Our first responders and health officials work around the clock to protect our communities, especially during times of crisis. I'm proud of their work to keep the 25th District safe and healthy.

BUSINESS SPOTLIGHT

H-E-B grocery store

H-E-B grocery stores have always played a large role in our communities. I'm grateful for their investment in their customers, now more than ever, as they have stepped up to launch a delivery service to seniors unable to leave their homes and provided meals for front line health care workers. It was great to tour their Cleburne store and learn more about their operation during COVID-19.

Busy B's Bakery

Busy B's Bakery has been a staple in the Burleson community for 33 years. I'm grateful they are able to keep their doors open during COVID-19 to continue welcoming customers.

We're here to help

Please continue following the guidance of your local officials as we navigate reopening Texas. As always, please do not hesitate to reach out to my team in either our Cleburne or Austin offices with any questions, or send us an email here. You can also stay up to date by following me on Instagram, Twitter or Facebook.

In God we trust,

Roger Williams

Member of Congress