Gov. Abbott and state government officials have failed us once again, this time through their complete lack of preparation leading up to and gross negligence during Winter Storm Uri’s tear through Texas last week. TOP is now working to make sure our communities are getting ample resources to recover, as we hold Abbott accountable for choosing deregulation and corporate profits over our lives.
Since last week, TOP has made nearly 5,000 calls to our members and supporters across the state in partnership with the Movement for Black Lives to complete wellness checks and provide some direct cash assistance for immediate relief. Our staff has also been on the ground in Houston, Dallas, and San Antonio assisting with mutual aid fund efforts to make sure our communities’ most vulnerable have adequate shelter, water, and food. No matter the challenge, we’re here for making sure our Black and Latino communities recover from this mess to the fullest extent.
Also, it was announced today that 31 more Texas counties have been added to the federal major disaster declaration. That’s in addition to the 77 counties approved late last week. Learn more here how you can apply for disaster relief from FEMA.
This winter storm was brutal for all Texans affected, but even more so for low-income and Black and Latino communities already marginalized by Gov. Abbott and his right-wing allies. These are households that have been struggling to make ends meet because of Abbott’s failed pandemic response that has left many financially struggling.
As the overseer of the Public Utility Commission of Texas and ERCOT (Energy Reliability Council of Texas), Abbott must take full responsibility and answer for this failure that has since caused millions to suffer and has already cost the lives of dozens.
TOP in the news
Texas Tribune: Gov. Abbott prioritized changing how bail is set. He isn’t addressing people stuck behind bars because they can’t afford to pay.
Telemundo San Antonio: Inquilinos denuncian problemas de moho en complejo de apartamentos
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