In response to the novel coronavirus (COVID-19), the Partnership will provide a weekly update on public policies and other newsworthy items from local, state and national levels of government.

Executive Summary
All levels of government continue to balance the economic and public health impacts of COVID-19. At the federal level, negotiations for a second CARES Act stimulus package continue. At the state level, Governor Greg Abbott has issued an executive order outlining key dates for the reopening of certain businesses, including hair salons and cosmetology shops, office buildings and non-essential manufacturing. At the local level, the City of Houston approved a $15 million rental assistance fund using CARES Act funding.  

Federal
White House Task Force

• After President Trump and Vice President Trump stated they will be winding down the Coronavirus Task Force at the end of May, President Trump later stated the Task Force will continue indefinitely, but will shift its focus to finding a vaccine.
• Source: Washington Post

CARES 2.0/Phase 4

• There are indications the House may not return to Washington, D.C. as planned next week, and instead return the following week. Negotiations on a second CARES Act stimulus package are still ongoing with Republicans and Democrats at odds with regards to additional state and local funding, liability protections, and unemployment insurance extensions. It may be several weeks before these issues are resolved
• Source: ABC News

State

• Governor Abbott's May 5 Executive Order establishes reopening dates and guidelines for numerous businesses.
• Effective Friday, May 8, hair salons, barber shops, nail salons, tanning salons and other cosmetology shops may reopen, provided employees and customers observe social distancing guidelines. Public and private swimming pools may operate at up to 25% capacity.

• Beginning May 18, non-essential manufacturing facilities may reopen at up to 25% occupancy.

• Offices may reopen with the greater of either five people, or 25% of the total employees in the office at one time with appropriate social distancing.

• Gyms and fitness facilities may operate at up to 25% of occupancy, however, shower and locker room facilities must remain closed.

Numbers

• As of noon on May 6, 15,852 active COVID-19 cases are reported in Texas. 948 Texans have died. An estimated 17,622 Texans have recovered from the disease. 216 of 254 counties report COVID-19 cases, with Harris County having the largest number in the state at 7,128

Local

• The City of Houston City Council voted on Wednesday to approve the creation of a $15 million rental assistance fund using CARES Act funding. 
  • Baker Ripley will provide up to $1,056 of rental assistance per month to qualified low-to-moderate income individuals who are delinquent on their monthly rental payment for April 2020 and/or May 2020 rent.  This program is anticipated to fund a minimum of approximately 13,636 rental months and assist a minimum of approximately 6,818 households.
• The City is also expected to release a plan for expanded COVID-19 testing and contact tracing on Thursday afternoon.

Visit the Partnership's COVID-19 Resource page for updates, guidance for employers and more information. And sign up for daily email alerts from the Partnership as the situation develops.