AUSTIN (1080 KRLD) - Texas Democrats are not happy with Governor Greg Abbott's plans for reopening the Texas economy.
On a conference call shortly after Governor Abbott's press conference on Monday, the Democrats weighed in with their thoughts.
Democratic Party Chairman Gilberto Hinojosa:
"We all want our economy running again. We understand how difficult it is for folks when they can't work because of this crisis, but we need to do this when it's safe. If it is not safe to reopen, then we risk a deadly boomerang effect, and then all our hard work and sacrifice will have been for nothing.
This opening isn't led by healthcare experts. It's led by Greg Abbott's donors, some donors that have donated some 6 million in campaign contributions to him. Our approach needs to be led by doctors and public health experts, and not political donors or lobbyists."
Texas House Democratic Party Caucus Chairman Chris Turner:
"Let's be clear about one thing. We all want the economy reopened as soon as possible. Unfortunately though, President Trump's and Governor Abbott's mismanaged response to this health crisis is worsening and prolonging the economic crisis."
"So to get our economy back on track, we have to contain the coronavirus and stop its rapid spread. And the governor still hasn't given us a plan on how to do that."
State Representative Celia Israel:
"It seems to me that Governor Abbott is more responsive to women and men wielding guns on the Capitol steps who would rather be angry about this situation and screaming, literally screaming at healthcare workers instead of listening to those healthcare experts. There's no public health experts on his Strikeforce.
I think there's an opportunity for the governor here and the window , it may be closed to demonstrate that he's the governor for all of Texas, not just that radical element who thinks they can jump up and down and the temper tantrum and get results. It's very disappointing."
State Representative Gene Wu:
"We want to open up. These are our constituents who are going to be kicked out of their apartments because they can't work, who have no food, who need to live their lives. But we want this to be done in the right way that's protects as many lives as possible."
