TWC allocates US$1 million in support for those impacted by Uvalde massacre

UVALDE, TX – The Texas Workforce Commission (TWC) approved providing additional assistance for those impacted by the tragic events at Robb Elementary School in Uvalde, Texas.

The Commission’s actions are focused on expanding benefits, easing requirements and creating new child care services in response to community needs.

“TWC is making child care program resources available to help families in the Uvalde community,” said TWC Chairman Bryan Daniel. “These additional resources, along with increased flexibility for providers and parents, will provide benefits to families in need of these important services.”

Among the emergency provisions authorized are extending child care financial assistance eligibility recertification periods for affected families; in addition, child care is allowed to continue for six months for parents who are not working or are in education/training programs.

Also, approved to provide exceptions to the assistance eligibility rules; grant continued reimbursements to child care centers that may need to temporarily close; and extended the deadline to June 10, 2022, for eligible child care providers in Uvalde to apply for the 2022 Relief Fund.

The Commission reported that it has dedicated $1 million for a new Uvalde emergency care program through the summer of 2022 for families with children enrolled at Robb Elementary School; family members who worked on campus; families of first responders on May 31; and other citizens impacted by the event, as determined by local Workforce Solutions staff.

TWC indicated it will continue to evaluate potential methods to support all whose lives have been forever changed by the catastrophic events at the Uvalde school.

“While we may never fully understand the unthinkable pain and grief of those affected by this incident, we want to ease the burden of the Uvalde families as much as possible,” said TWC Commissioner representing employers Aaron Demerson. “These measures will help child care businesses provide some of the support so many families desperately need as they recover from this tragic event.”