TEXAS AFL-CIO RICHARD LEVY MONTSERRAT GARIBAY pendent Src reo March 11, 2020 Mr. Bryan Daniel Chairman and Commissicner Representing the Public Texas Workforce Commission 101 E. 15" St Austin, TX 78778-0001 Dear Commissioner Danie: The global pandemic caused by the novel coronavirus known as COVID-19 has begun to idle or even eliminate the jobs of working Texans. As state leaders consider policy responses to address the medical and economic issues associated with this virus, we urge you, within your discretion, to remove any obstacles that a Texas worker may encounter when seeking Unemployment Insurance (Ul) benefits. Specifically, we request that the Texas Workforce Commission exercise any authority it possesses to: Waive the “work-search’ requirements to qualify for unemployment insurance + Waive the one-week waiting period for Ul benefits Urge businesses to apply for the Shared Work Program + Approve unemployment insurance for temporary layoffs with a return-to-work date, and + Expand unemploynent insurance eligibility in any other way possible allowed Under state or federal law We ook forward to cooperating with you and the other members of the commission in assisting Texas working families in these difficult and trying times, oo. Fter B_ Wrtnst At Richard Levy, a Montserrat Garibay fone ee Cc: Mr. Julian Alvarez, Commissioner Representing Labor Mr. Aaran Demerson, Commissioner Representing Employers