Letter to Governor Abbott on Remote Work for non-essential personnel
Today, TexPIRG Education Fund sent a letter to the Governorn, signed by a broad coalition of public health experts and advocacy organizations, asking him to require work from home for all non-essential state personnel. You can download the letter below.
Dear Governor Abbott,
As you know, COVID-19 is a serious threat to the health and financial security of Texans. As coronavirus continues to spread across Texas and the nation, we must reduce the amount of cases to give our first responders and medical professionals more time to deal with the disease and not overwhelm their capacities. Experts have consistently warned that limiting our social exposure is the best way to combat the pandemic.
Across the state, Texans are adjusting to telework and social distancing to avoid unnecessary contact that could spread this disease.
We applaud you for the tough decision to close schools, bars, restaurants, gyms, nursing homes and limit gatherings to less than 10 people. These are some of the bold actions we need if we are to slow the rate of infection.
However, we are disappointed that, even with your recommendation that state agencies provide flexible and teleworking options for their employees, some state employees are being pressured to go into the office or field or take vacation time.
Crises like these require leadership, and you have the opportunity to lead by example. You must send a strong message to the dedicated public servants, and the state more broadly, that everyone has to do their part to limit the worst of this virus’ spread. By requiring remote work, you can save lives.
Every day of inaction matters.
A recommendation is not strong enough. No employee should have to choose between their job and public health.
Governor Abbott, we ask that you lead by example during these overwhelming times and require non-essential state employees to switch to telework.
Sincerely,
Bay Scoggin, Director
Texas Public Interest Research Group
Mia Ibarra, Deputy Legislative and Policy Director
Center for Public Policy Priorities
Edward Espinoza, Executive Director
Progress Texas
Liz Wally, Executive Director
Clean Elections Texas
Deborah Fowler, Executive Director
Texas Appleseed
Adrian Shelley, Director, Texas Office
Public Citizen
Areana Quinones, Executive Director
Doctors for Change
Sarah Ortiz-Shields, Executive Director
Austin Tech Alliance
Dr. William Perkison, MD
Family Medicine and Occupational Medicine Physician
