"If we're all sick, we can't legislate": Coronavirus cases at Texas Capitol put lawmakers further on

[TexasTowelie]

“If we’re all sick, we can’t legislate”: Coronavirus cases at Texas Capitol put lawmakers further on edge

by Cassandra Pollock, Patrick Svitek and Alex Samuels, Texas Tribune


Texas lawmakers will return to the Capitol on Tuesday two weeks after kicking off their session with the adoption of varying rules to protect against the coronavirus.

But since the Legislature gaveled in for its 2021 session, at least four House members have announced they tested positive for the virus, forcing some colleagues into quarantine and renewing discussion about whether the rules go far enough.

While it’s unlikely the rules will be revisited in either chamber anytime soon, the developments have put some lawmakers further on edge as they prepare for months of legislating in relatively close quarters.

“There’s not a good answer for this, that’s the problem,” Rep. Michelle Beckley, D-Carrollton, told The Texas Tribune last week. “But if we’re all sick, we can’t legislate. And we’re on a time crunch.”

Read more: https://www.texastribune.org/2021/01/25/texas-capitol-coronavirus/