With an increasing number of businesses on “lockdown” and a growing number of people out of work as a result, Texas Gov. Greg Abbott (R) is finding some creative ways to make life easier on those most effected, individuals and businesses alike — and former Navy SEAL Rep. Dan Crenshaw (R-TX) is making sure to celebrate his home state’s “positive moves.”
In one of several COVID-19-related executive orders, Gov. Abbott directed the Texas Department of State Health Services (DSHS) on Tuesday to “allow restaurants to sell bulk retail products from restaurant supply chain distributors directly to consumers,” a press release reads (full text below).
“Restaurants have food supply chains that don’t go through grocery stores,” Abbott explained in a tweet announcing the order. “Help keep our restaurants open [and] their employees working by using them as a source for your food needs. This waiver makes it easier for you as we all work to respond to the [coronavirus].”
Crenshaw — who has been pushing hard for quick action by the his fellow members of Congress on an emergency relief package to help mitigate the devastating economic impact of widespread mandated shutdowns of schools and businesses — cheered Abbott’s action.
“[Gov. Abbott] with another positive move that will help Texas small businesses and the hardworking people who continue to feed us during this difficult time,” the congressman tweeted Wednesday in response to Abbott’s order. “If you need food, think of a local restaurant. Help our economy in anyway you can.”
. @GregAbbott_TX with another positive move that will help Texas small businesses and the hardworking people who continue to feed us during this difficult time.
If you need food, think of a local restaurant. Help our economy in anyway you can. https://t.co/6XSWjZYjuI
— Dan Crenshaw (@DanCrenshawTX) March 25, 2020
Abbott is also attempting to convince the federal government give more flexibility to people who use Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits to help both them and local restaurants.
“Governor Greg Abbott and the Texas Health and Human Services Commission sent a letter yesterday to the United States Department of Agriculture seeking permission to move forward to allow Texas Supplemental Nutritional Assistance Program (SNAP) recipients to use their benefits at take out and drive thru restaurants throughout the state as Texas continues to combat COVID-19. If approved, it would open up another food source for 3.2 million Texans,” a press release from Abbott’s issued Wednesday reads.
“As we continue in our efforts to combat COVID-19, the state must do everything it can to make life more manageable for citizens and ensure that Texans can provide meals for their families,” said Abbott. “This waiver will go a long way in doing just that. I urge the federal government to quickly approve this waiver, giving Texans another food option during this public health emergency.”
Crenshaw made a point of also calling attention to this move. “Another good idea,” wrote Crenshaw Wednesday. “Note how many examples there have been of burdensome regulations getting in our way in dealing with this crisis.”
Another good idea.
Note how many examples there have been of burdensome regulations getting in our way in dealing with this crisis. https://t.co/wh58HlKf8t
— Dan Crenshaw (@DanCrenshawTX) March 25, 2020
On Wednesday, Abbott also “waived certain regulations from the Texas Board of Nursing regarding licensing renewal and subsequent fees for nurses in Texas,” a press release of the governor’s office explained. “The Governor’s waiver authorizes a six-month grace period for nurses with expired licenses. This grace period will allow nurses who are otherwise in good standing to continue practicing and will give them additional time to renew their license without added fees and penalties. “”With these temporary waivers, nurses in Texas can continue caring for patients without worrying about potential delays or barriers imposed by the licensing renewal process,” Abbott said. “We are grateful for the nurses serving throughout our state, and Texas are committed to ensuring they have the resources and support they need to do their jobs as we face this public health emergency.”
Some of Governor Abbott’s tweets and press releases announcing the state’s coronavirus response measures below:
Restaurants have food supply chains that don't go through grocery stores.
Help keep our restaurants open & their employees working by using them as a source for your food needs.
This waiver makes it easier for you as we all work to respond to the #coronavirus.#COVID19 https://t.co/ArlKF7XM45
— Greg Abbott (@GregAbbott_TX) March 25, 2020
Texas is asking the federal government to allow families that rely on SNAP benefits for food to use them at drive-thru restaurants.
This helps those families and the businesses in Texas that provide food. #coronavirus #COVID19 #txlege https://t.co/375AIdzkwV
— Greg Abbott (@GregAbbott_TX) March 25, 2020
Governor Abbott Authorizes Restaurants To Sell Bulk Retail Product From Distributors To The Public (March 24, 2020)
Governor Greg Abbott has directed the Texas Department of State Health Services (DSHS) to issue guidance allowing restaurants to sell bulk retail products from restaurant supply chain distributors directly to consumers provided that such foods are in their original condition, packaging, or presented as received by the restaurant. Under this guidance, restaurants will be able to sell items like packaged meat, fruit and vegetables, and dry goods directly to the public to prepare and consume at home.This guidance will allow distributors and restaurants to provide Texans another source of food outside of grocery stores and prepared food from restaurants. These bulk food items would be available for purchase through restaurants offering drive-thru, delivery, pick-up, and curbside service.“A vital part of our COVID-19 response is to ensure that there are readily available supplies of food and resources, whether that is at grocery stores or, in this case, restaurants,” said Governor Abbott. “This guidance gives Texans another easily accessible option to buy the food they need to support their families. The State of Texas continues to work with distributors, retailers, and restaurants to ensure they have the support they need to continue providing for Texans. I thank Representative Tan Parker, the Texas Restaurant Association, and the Department of State Health Services for their collaboration to take this important step to help Texas families as our state responds to COVID-19.”
Governor Abbott Sends Letter Seeking Permission For SNAP Recipients To Use Their Benefits At Take Out And Drive-Thru Restaurants (March 25, 2020)
Governor Greg Abbott and the Texas Health and Human Services Commission sent a letter yesterday to the United States Department of Agriculture seeking permission to move forward to allow Texas Supplemental Nutritional Assistance Program (SNAP) recipients to use their benefits at take out and drive thru restaurants throughout the state as Texas continues to combat COVID-19. If approved, it would open up another food source for 3.2 million Texans.“As we continue in our efforts to combat COVID-19, the state must do everything it can to make life more manageable for citizens and ensure that Texans can provide meals for their families,” said Governor Abbott. “This waiver will go a long way in doing just that. I urge the federal government to quickly approve this waiver, giving Texans another food option during this public health emergency.”
Governor Abbott Waives Certain Licensing Renewal Regulations, Fees For Nurses (March 25, 2020)
Governor Greg Abbott has waived certain regulations from the Texas Board of Nursing regarding licensing renewal and subsequent fees for nurses in Texas. The Governor’s waiver authorizes a six-month grace period for nurses with expired licenses. This grace period will allow nurses who are otherwise in good standing to continue practicing and will give them additional time to renew their license without added fees and penalties.”Nurses are essential to protecting the public health and safety of our communities as we combat the COVID-19 virus,” said Governor Abbott. “With these temporary waivers, nurses in Texas can continue caring for patients without worrying about potential delays or barriers imposed by the licensing renewal process. We are grateful for the nurses serving throughout our state, and Texas are committed to ensuring they have the resources and support they need to do their jobs as we face this public health emergency.”
Related: WATCH: Dan Crenshaw Gives Urgent Message On Relief Package, Unloads On Democrats For Tanking It