Texas Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick | Facebook
The State of Texas along with other states is in the process of working toward establishing the old normal as the COVID-19 vaccinations are introduced into society.
The question of who receives the vaccine is a work in progress that has recently been aimed toward including vulnerable educators, the Texas Classroom Teachers Association (TCTA) reported.
Vaccinations have begun in the state with the first groups still receiving their first shots as communities and counties establish waiting lists. During a short discussion in a Senate session, Sen. José Menéndez thanked Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick for a letter he recently sent to the Expert Vaccination Allocation Panel making a request the group improve the vaccination distribution system.
As part of his efforts, Patrick suggested breaking down the current group labeled 1B to first vaccinate people that are 75 and older, then vaccinating teachers and school staff that are 65 and older. This falls in line with Menéndez’s thinking as he has championed vaccinating school employees and students. To date, the senator has been of the opinion not enough has been done to help education as it confronts COVID-19 on close to a daily basis.
The subject came up as the Texas House and Senate reconvened after nearly two weeks off.
To date, there have been two legislators test positive for the coronavirus despite best efforts to keep the virus in check as the state conducts its business. Maintaining safety practices has brought the issue of the coronavirus to the forefront while impacting the way the legislature goes about conducting its business.
Typically the legislature meets often during the early days of a session, but those sessions have been broken up as little important business is done early in the session.
Both the Senate and House have adjourned until Tuesday, Feb. 9. Gov. Greg Abbott’s State of the State address will be broadcast Monday evening avoiding the need for a joint session as it typically customary.
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