Fellow Texans,
We appreciate our independence and freedom, and many of us (myself included) consider ourselves a bit rebellious at times. Well, this is not the time to be rebellious. We are all in this together and that means we need to socially distance and stay at home for now. For the sake of this awful virus, you are part of my herd and I am part of yours. For goodness sake, Dallas is part of our herd - as is New York City!
As public orders change and new resources become available, continue to follow along via email and social media for the latest. Below are some suggested resources for you as well as information on how you can help your fellow Central Texan, but please don't hesitate to call or email me and my staff as we may be able to help you with specific questions or concerns. We aren't working at the Capitol building, but we continue to work for you.
Economic Resources
SBA Disaster Loan
With the governor's statewide disaster declaration, Texas business owners impacted by COVID-19 can now apply for an Economic Injury Disaster Loan from the U.S. Small Business Administration. To learn more about eligibility and the application process, visit the SBA website.
Unemployment Benefits
Texas has now waived the traditional 10-day waiting period to access unemployment benefits for those eligible. The Texas Workforce Commission (TWC) is also waiving work search requirements for all claimants.
If your employment has been affected by COVID-19, apply for benefits either online at any time using Unemployment Benefits Services or by calling TWC’s Tele-Center at 800-939-6631 from 8 a.m.- 6 p.m. Central Time Monday through Friday. For information, visit the TWC website.
Food Services
School Meal Resources
In light of school closures, many local school districts are providing curbside meal pickup for all students. For more information on services available, please follow the link to your appropriate ISD below:
Austin ISD
Pflugerville ISD
Round Rock ISD
Del Valle ISD
Elgin ISD
Manor ISD
You can also explore Texas Education Agency's new meal finder here: https://txschools.gov/
Central Texas Food Bank
The Central Texas Food Bank continues to be a resource for those in need during this time. Find a food pantry nearest you or if you are able to help others during this challenging time, please consider donating. The Central Texas Food Bank expects a dramatic increase in demand for their services to our region and just $5 can provide 40 meals to Central Texans in need.
Donate Personal Protective Supplies
The Austin Disaster Relief Network is establishing locations for the public to drop off any extra supplies such as hand sanitizer, N95 masks, and latex-free gloves. With growing shortages in protective supplies for our health care professionals on the front lines, every donation is essential.
Further Resources
The Travis County House delegation recently established a COVID-19 Resource Group on Facebook. Here you can ask questions or get connected with additional community resources.
The City of Austin has also compiled information about telehealth services, private resources for buying groceries and other essentials, as well as free at-home entertainment resources for the whole family.
These are of course serious times, but I encourage you to keep your spirits up for yourselves, your family, and your co-workers because we are going to get through this and we will be a much different community after the emergency has passed. Let's make sure we change for the better.
If my office can be of assistance regarding any questions or concerns, please email District50.Israel@house.texas.gov. I will continue to share developments on social media and through further communications to HD 50.
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Sinceramente,
Celia Israel
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