Texas Republicans Grow Restless Over Greg Abbott’s Lukewarm Efforts to Reopen the Texas Economy

  |  
Apr 30, 2020

Although Texas Governor Greg Abbott announced on April 27, 2020 a re-opening plan that would open up malls, restaurants, and movie theaters, several Texas Republicans don’t believe this is enough.

Patrick Svitek, a political correspondent for the Texas Tribune, tweeted the following: “As @GovAbbott faces pressure to reopen barbershops/hair salons sooner than May 18, at least a few House Republicans (beyond  @TxFreedomCaucus) now chiming in:

– facebook.com/VoteDrewSpring – facebook.com/RepStanLambert – facebook.com/BrooksLandgraf – facebook.com/BenLemanTX/pho #txlege”

State Representative Drew Springer commented on Facebook:

Under the Governor’s new executive orders, #barbershops and #salons are not able to open on May 1st like other businesses. If you want your barbershop or salon to be open, show your support by liking this post.

#iTrustMyBarber and It makes no sense to me that barbershops and salons cannot open—#barbers and #hairstylists receive training in communicable diseases under their licensing requirements in #Texas. I am sure Texas barbershops and salons can safely operate, just like they are in other states. Even if you are uncomfortable opening up barbers and salons, you don’t have to use them, just like you don’t have to shop at any store that is open now.

Representative Stan Lambert echoed similar sentiments on Facebook as well:

I believe cosmetologists, barbers, estheticians, and other beauty workers can all operate their businesses in a safe and responsible manner. They are licensed and regulated by the state after many hours of training, certification exams and inspections.

They should be allowed to join other businesses in re-opening at 25% capacity, utilizing social distancing and proper use of PPE on Friday, May 1.

State Representative Brooks Landgraf said the following:

I hear you. Hair salons, barbershops, gyms and other small businesses that can safely reopen should be allowed to. Many West Texas proprietors have developed plans to safely resume operations. I’m continuing to fight for them. I’ll communicate with members of the Strike Force to Open Texas to ensure these West Texas voices echo across the state to promote a consistent reopening of Texas.

State Representative James White was particularly vocal about Abbott’s inaction:

@GregAbbott_TX ⁩ Respectfully, ENOUGH!!! You are the only one that can STOP this!!! ENOUGH!!! Tx is supposed to be the #1 state for business & for women entrepreneurs. Throughout Tx we have sting operations & DA investigations! ENOUGH!!! facebook.com/19580693052656

Abbott needs to get his act together.

As one of the more pro-business states in the country, Texas is dropping the ball on its re-opening plan.

Texas cannot afford to put on a Left lite impression on this matter.

The state must take bolder action on re-opening the economy.

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