REPS. VEASEY, JOHNSON AND ALLRED URGE GOVERNOR ABBOTT TO RESCIND THE STATE’S DECISION TO REDUCE VACCINE ALLOTMENTS IN DALLAS AND TARRANT COUNTY

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, Reps. Veasey, Johnson and Allred sent a letter to Governor Greg Abbott urging the state to rescind their recent decision to reduce vaccine supply in Dallas and Tarrant County. The letter also requests a response clarifying their decision to reduce its supply in these regions to match FEMA contributions and the state's plan to reduce the disparities in vaccination levels that exist in minority and low-income communities.

"Dallas and Tarrant County are home to thousands of vulnerable workers who risk their lives as essential staff every day during the COVID-19 pandemic. I am disappointed by the Governor's decision that comes when our state is enduring a grave weather disaster that left millions without heat, water, and power and forced the closure of major COVID-19 vaccine hubs." said Rep. Veasey (TX-33). "Access to the vaccine is critical to beating this pandemic, particularly for recipients employed as healthcare practitioners and supporting occupations across counties and on the front lines."

"It is extremely concerning that the State of Texas has substantially decreased the allocation of COVID-19 vaccines to Dallas and Tarrant Counties. This reduction will be detrimental to our collective efforts to quickly vaccinate the most vulnerable and underserved communities," said Rep. Johnson (TX-30). "We should be concentrating our efforts on expanding access to these vaccines to all North Texans, and I call upon the state's leadership to uphold their support in this mission."

"North Texas was chosen for FEMA vaccine sites due to the incredible need we have to vaccinate our most vulnerable. Limiting our regular state allocation of doses because of separate federal support undermines that purpose," said Rep. Allred (TX-32). "I'm proud to join my colleagues in calling on our state leaders to reconsider this move so we can work together to defeat this horrible virus."

You can view the letter here.