President Trump approves major disaster declaration for Texas in wake of coronavirus

Mar. 25--President Donald Trump issued a major disaster declaration for Texas on Wednesday afternoon, as the state continues to log a growing number of coronavirus cases.

This gives the state the ability to gain federal help through assistance programs.

"Texas is aggressively pursuing and implementing all necessary strategies to limit the impact of COVID-19, and I thank President Trump for his swift action to issue a Major Disaster Declaration for the State of Texas," said Texas Gov. Greg Abbott, who had requested the declaration.

"The President's declaration opens up new sources of funding for individual and public assistance that will help Texas respond to this public health emergency and protect public health and safety."

Trump's declaration helps state and local recovery efforts in areas impacted by the coronavirus, or COVID-19.

It frees up federal money for crisis counseling for impacted Texans.

It also provides funding to the state, local governments and some private nonprofit groups "for emergency protective measures," Trump said in a release.

The Texas Association of Counties praised Trump's declaration.

"Today's major disaster declaration from President Trump provides welcome relief for state and county governments in combating the outbreak of COVID-19," Susan M. Redord, the association's executive director, said in a statement. "Texas counties are on the front lines fighting this pandemic, making critical decisions to stop the spread of the virus, while dedicating unprecedented resources and manpower to save lives.

"We thank the President for expediting Gov. Abbott's request for this declaration and look forward to reviewing its details as they relate to Texas counties in the coming days."

Texas Democratic Party Chairman Gilberto Hinojosa said he believes Texas is on pace to become one of the states most impacted by coronavirus.

"Trump declaring Texas a major disaster without Abbott declaring a statewide 'stay-at-home' order shows how much Texas Republicans have failed to protect everyday Texans during this public health emergency," Hinojosa said. "Both Trump and Abbott have left difficult decisions to city and local governments, who have been forced to make tough judgment calls without the resources necessary to curb the spread of the virus."

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