AUSTIN –The Texas Workforce Commission (TWC) reminds individuals, whose employment or self-employment was impacted by the winter storm, that the deadline is approaching to file for Disaster Unemployment Assistance (DUA). TWC continues to accept applications for DUA from individuals whose employment or self-employment was impacted by the winter storm.

AUSTIN ? The Texas Workforce Commission (TWC) announced the kickoff of the Summer Earn and Learn (SEAL) and Explore STEM! 2021 programs. These summer initiatives provide career guidance, hands-on learning and work opportunities to students with disabilities aged 14-22. An estimated 6,800 students have participated in these summer work experiences and summer camps since launching in 2017.

Governor Greg Abbott today announced that the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has approved an additional 31 Texas counties to be added to the President's Major Disaster Declaration for Individual Assistance. The Governor originally requested Individual Assistance for all 254 Texas counties on February 13th. On February 20th, the White House partially approved Texas' request for a Major Disaster Declaration. The partial approval included Individual Assistance in 77 counties and for Public Assistance (Emergency Protective Measures Only) in all 254 counties.

Disaster Unemployment Assistance available for workers who apply by March 26, 2021 AUSTIN –The Texas Workforce Commission (TWC) is accepting applications for Disaster Unemployment Assistance (DUA) as a result of the February winter storm. Under Presidential Disaster Declaration (FEMA 4586-DR) dated February 19, 2021, workers who lost their jobs and self-employed individuals who have been unable to work due to damage sustained from February winter storm may be eligible for Disaster Unemployment Assistance benefits. Applications for DUA must be submitted by March 26, 2021. TWC’s website contains more information about Disaster Unemployment Assistance (http://www.twc.state.tx.us/jobseekers/disaster-unemployment-assistance).

Governor Greg Abbott and the Texas State Board of Plumbing Examiners (TSPBE) today announced that the board has identified an additional 500 licensees, as of Sunday, who are capable of performing plumbing under general supervision. These additional licensees have been identified through previously granted waivers to increase the availability of plumbers and Plumber's Apprentices to repair burst pipes as the state recovers from the winter storm.

Governor Greg Abbott has waived certain regulations for certain registered and qualified Plumber's Apprentices in Texas. These waivers allow a Plumber’s Apprentice, who has met all other qualifications, to temporarily perform plumbing repairs without 'direct' supervision by a licensed plumber so long as the qualified Plumber’s Apprentice works under the general supervision of a responsible master plumber.

Governor Greg Abbott has issued waivers to temporarily allow for the Texas Department of State Health Services (DSHS) to cover overtime payments for meat inspectors in Texas. DSHS will pay overtime costs for meat inspectors that are working to restore the meat supply in Texas over the next week.

Governor Greg Abbott today is convening an emergency meeting with Lieutenant Governor Dan Patrick, Speaker Dade Phelan and members of the Legislature to discuss the spike in energy bills affecting many Texans following the recent power outages throughout the state.

Governor Greg Abbott and the Texas Division of Emergency Management (TDEM) are encouraging Texans to complete the Self Reporting Damage Survey to help the state identify damages across Texas and help emergency management officials gain an understanding of damages that occurred during the recent winter weather. This data is also needed to provide information to FEMA and highlight the need for federal disaster assistance for individuals.

Governor Greg Abbott today announced that the Texas Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC) has received federal approval to allow Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) recipients to apply for replacement benefits for food lost or destroyed due to the severe winter weather by dialing 2-1-1. "I thank our federal partners for swiftly approving SNAP benefit replacements for food lost or destroyed in the wake of this winter weather disaster," said Governor Abbott. "This support is essential to help Texans continue to provide nutritious meals for their families in these challenging times."

Governor Greg Abbott today held a call with oil and gas refinery organizations to discuss efforts to support refineries following the severe winter weather and water and power outages. The Governor was joined for the call by refinery representatives who explained the challenges and needs facing their industry as they work to get their operations up and running to provide gasoline for Texas families and businesses.

Governor Greg Abbot today held a call with the Texas State Board of Plumbing Examiners (TSBPE) to discuss the current response to severe winter weather that has impacted Texas. A readout of the call can be found below: The Governor thanked the members of the TSBPE for helping their fellow Texans throughout the severe winter weather over the past week. Governor Abbott discussed actions that the State has already taken to help Texans with burst pipes and other plumbing-related damages from the winter weather. The Governor heard from members of the TSBPE on other ways the state can assist Texans in need, as well as ways to support plumbers who are working across the state of Texas. The Governor ended the call by extending the state of Texas' gratitude for plumbers across the state, and assured TSBPE that the state will continue to do whatever it takes to help plumbers efficiently and safely serve their fellow Texans.

February 10, 2021 -- Mayor Sylvester Turner released the following statement after President Biden's administration announced that FEMA will open a vaccination site at NRG Park.

February 9, 2021 -- Mayor Sylvester Turner, the Comcast Corporation, and several community leaders gathered at City Hall today to announce the Comcast RISE Investment Fund, which will award $5 million dollars of grants to hundreds of Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC)-owned, small businesses in five cities nationwide, including $1 million in Houston.

Governor Greg Abbott today announced that the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) is establishing mass community vaccination sites in the DFW Metroplex and Houston. These federal pilot sites, which will be based at AT&T Stadium, Fair Park, and NRG Stadium, are part of a joint effort to support vaccination efforts in underserved areas. The sites will be operated by FEMA in partnership with the state of Texas through the Texas Division of Emergency Management (TDEM) and local officials.

Governor Greg Abbott today announced that the Texas Department of Housing and Community Affairs (TDHCA) has launched the Texas Rent Relief Program — the first statewide rent and utility assistance program for qualifying households throughout Texas. This program has been created to administer the more than $1 billion allocated to Texas through the latest federal COVID-19 stimulus bill. TDHCA will begin accepting applications for the program on Monday, February 15th, but Texans can visit TexasRentRelief.com starting today to learn more about qualifications, required documents, and the application process.

AUSTIN – The Texas Workforce Commission (TWC) and the Texas Economic Development Corporation (TxEDC) announce the launch of a statewide effort to develop a shared workforce development strategy. The launch of this effort is a direct result of the work done during Governor Greg Abbott’s Tri-Agency Workforce Initiative, which charged the Texas Education Agency (TEA), the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board (THECB) and TWC to ensure Texans are prepared for jobs in the industries that power the state’s economy.

Governor Greg Abbott today issued a statement after the U.S. Census Bureau ranked Texas the top exporting state for the 19th consecutive year. With $279.3 billion in exports in 2020, Texas exports accounted for more than California and New York combined. The Lone Star State also led the nation in tech exports for the eighth year in a row.

Governor Greg Abbott today announced that the Texas Division of Emergency Management (TDEM), in partnership with the Texas Military Department (TMD), is deploying State Mobile Vaccination Teams (SMVT) to five additional underserved counties this week: Motley, Glasscock, Kenedy, Terrell, and McMullen. SMVTs previously deployed to DeWitt, Marion, Real, Sherman, and Starr counties last week as part of the State Mobile Vaccine Pilot Program, where they vaccinated over 550 Texans.

February 3, 2021 -- Today, Mayor Sylvester Turner issued the following statement in support of the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo.