(TEXAS) – Today, with COVID-19 cases and hospitalizations surging across the state and children still unable to get vaccinated, the Texas House Democratic Caucus is calling on Gov. Greg Abbott to use his authority under the Texas Disaster Act to allow schools to immediately offer virtual learning alternatives.

Gov. Abbott and the Texas Education Agency used this strategy during the 2020-2021 school year to provide remote learning opportunities to keep educators, students and families safe.

Rep. Diego Bernal (D-San Antonio) issued the following statement on behalf of the caucus:

“The Texas Disaster Act exists for the sole reason of providing immediate protection to Texans during a time of crisis. Gov. Abbott and the Texas Education Agency must act now to provide virtual learning to ensure the health and safety of students, their families and teachers just as they did last year, while also keeping school funding stable.

“Gov. Abbott and Commissioner Morath were able to create a virtual learning environment at the beginning of the pandemic and they have the same power to do it again. This time is no different than the last time. Enough with the games.

“This is exactly why Texas House Democrats are fighting so hard to protect the freedom to vote. Texas voters need fair and equal access to the ballot box to ensure we have the opportunity to elect leaders who will prioritize people over politics.”