Texas Lawmakers in Congress: Key updates and legislative news - Page 108 of 194

Mark Sonego sought a test for the new coronavirus in March. “I was nervous, like, ‘Geez do I have this thing?’” he said.

Coronavirus tests are supposed to be free. Some Texans are still being saddled with large bills.

By Shannon NajmabadiMay 13, 2020

Congress directed most insurance companies to cover test costs for insured patients in March, and has promised to reimburse providers for testing those who are uninsured.
But experts say there are gaps in the protection that can leave patients surprised with bills.

Coronavirus in Texas

“We need herd immunity”: U.S. Rep. Chip Roy of Texas says Americans can’t wait for a vaccine to return to normalcy

By Abby LivingstonMay 6, 2020

The firebrand Austin conservative spoke with The Texas Tribune’s Evan Smith about reopening the economy, voting in person and how he practices social distancing.

The three companies within Monty Bennett’s network — Ashford Hospitality Trust Inc., Braemar Hotels & Resorts Inc. and Ashford Inc. — operate hotels that fall under some of the most prominent national hotel brands.

COVID-19 Recession in Texas

A prominent Texas man’s network of hotels got millions in taxpayer loans, irking smaller businesses and some lawmakers

By Abby LivingstonMay 1, 2020

Monty Bennett’s Dallas-based hotel network applied for $126 million from the government’s Paycheck Protection Program and has received $76 million, according to data compiled by The Washington Post.

Texas voters' views of Congress have improved since February, but not by much. Less than a quarter of poll respondents approve of federal lawmakers' performance.

Coronavirus in Texas

Only 23% of Texas registered voters approve of the job Congress is doing — and that’s an improvement over 18% in February

By Ross RamseyApril 25, 2020

There’s no partisan split among Texas voters when it comes to assessing Congress’ performance: 53% of Democrats and 57% of Republicans disapprove of the job federal lawmakers are doing.

Coronavirus in Texas

Congress approves another $484 billion to help people and businesses hit by coronavirus’ economic crisis

By Abby LivingstonApril 23, 2020April 23, 2020

The bill will temporarily replenish about $320 billion into a forgivable loan fund earmarked for small businesses.

A quiet downtown San Marcos during the coronavirus pandemic.

Coronavirus in Texas

As Congress rushed coronavirus aid to Texas business owners, some small companies fell through the cracks

By Abby LivingstonApril 23, 2020

Congress is preparing to send billions more to businesses. Some say the first round of money was depleted as larger enterprises beat smaller businesses to the punch.

In the face of the new coronavirus pandemic, Huston-Tillotson University has had to transfer its brick-and-mortar style online without losing the hands-on support that has made the school a stepping stone out of poverty for more than a century.

Coronavirus in Texas

At Huston-Tillotson University, a stepping stone from poverty gets steeper

By Carrington TatumApril 23, 2020

The historically black school in Austin moved online as coronavirus shut down college campuses. The loss of community is difficult for a school with a hands-on tradition of boosting students, many poor and the first in their families to attend college.

Emergency room visits at Titus Regional Medical Center in northeast Texas have dropped from about 65 a day to a low of 25. With some 40 to 50 procedures canceled a week, revenue has declined 33%.

Coronavirus in Texas

Bracing for coronavirus but losing money every day, this East Texas hospital had to cut employees

By Shannon NajmabadiApril 16, 2020

Health care facilities are under financial pressure after a steep drop-off in lucrative surgeries, meant to free up hospital space and preserve protective equipment for the coronavirus outbreak.

Bars on Austin's Sixth Street are shuttered durning the coronavirus pandemic.

Coronavirus in Texas

Texas’ small-business owners tap patience and experts to navigate coronavirus relief options

By Abby LivingstonApril 6, 2020

Companies trying to prevent layoffs are turning to banks, accountants and nonprofits to help them apply for federal assistance during the coronavirus pandemic.

Licensed vocational nurse Ahmad Nejat, right, meets with the COVID-19 testing team at the Austin Regional Center testing site in Kyle.

Coronavirus in Texas

Health care workers on the front lines of coronavirus don’t get expanded paid sick leave protections

By Shannon NajmabadiApril 6, 2020

The Labor Department has urged employers to “be judicious” in exempting their workers. Critics say the exemption hurts nurses and doctors, who have already complained about their lack of protective equipment.

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Corrections and Clarifications

Congress

Coronavirus tests are supposed to be free. Some Texans are still being saddled with large bills.

“We need herd immunity”: U.S. Rep. Chip Roy of Texas says Americans can’t wait for a vaccine to return to normalcy

A prominent Texas man’s network of hotels got millions in taxpayer loans, irking smaller businesses and some lawmakers

Only 23% of Texas registered voters approve of the job Congress is doing — and that’s an improvement over 18% in February

Congress approves another $484 billion to help people and businesses hit by coronavirus’ economic crisis

As Congress rushed coronavirus aid to Texas business owners, some small companies fell through the cracks

At Huston-Tillotson University, a stepping stone from poverty gets steeper

Bracing for coronavirus but losing money every day, this East Texas hospital had to cut employees

Texas’ small-business owners tap patience and experts to navigate coronavirus relief options

Health care workers on the front lines of coronavirus don’t get expanded paid sick leave protections

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Corrections and Clarifications

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Help us report it.