March 27, 2020
Late last week, my office became aware of a glaring need to ease the minds of our first responders and ensure they will be cared for should they contract COVID-19. As a result, my office sent a letter to the Texas Municipal League (TML) strongly urging them to grant first responders who become ill the presumption that they contracted the virus on the job, due to the highly contagious nature of COVID-19 and the lack of available testing and personal protective equipment. Without this presumption and in order to receive workman’s compensation benefits, our first responders would be faced with proving exactly when and where they were exposed to and contracted the virus.
After trading letters and discussions with the TML Intergovernmental Risk Pool throughout this week, I am pleased to announce that they have decided to grant the presumption! This is a huge win for Texas first responders, including those currently in quarantine right here in HD 106.
For many of us, we are facing the spread of COVID-19 at home with our families, only traveling out for groceries, to pick up dinner or to grab medications from the pharmacy. However, our first responders continue to show up to the front lines of this war against this virus, putting not only themselves, but their families at risk of infection. And God bless them for it.
I extend my deep appreciation to the Texas Municipal League Intergovernmental Risk Pool for addressing our concerns and I applaud them for making the right decision to support Texas first responders during this unprecedented situation.
