The following statement was made by Michelle Tremillo, Executive Director of Texas Organizing Project (TOP), in response to Gov. Greg Abbott opting Texas out of the $300-per-week federal unemployment assistance Congress approved earlier this year:
“Gov. Abbott is shortchanging Texas families still recovering from the massive economic fallout of the pandemic. He’s callously denying money already appropriated to help unemployed Texans regain their financial footing, and he’s doing so to appease his wealthy corporate donors.
“It’s also hypocritical and disingenuous of the governor to tout “job openings” while adamantly opposing pro-worker policies, such as raising the state’s minimum wage to $15 and passing a statewide paid sick leave bill.
“With many Texans still struggling to find employment, and only one-third of our state’s population fully vaccinated against COVID-19, Abbott’s heartless announcement today only further shows his political party’s contempt for our state’s working-class Black and Latino residents who have fueled its prosperity.”
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Texas Organizing Project organizes Black and Latino communities in Dallas, Harris and Bexar counties with the goal of transforming Texas into a state where working people of color have the power and representation they deserve. For more information, visit organizetexas.org.