President Trump on March 25 issued a major disaster declaration for the state of Texas as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. Trump’s action came at the request of Gov. Greg Abbott, who is seeking additional federal assistance to combat the disease. In recent days Abbott issued multiple waivers of state laws to remove barriers limiting the response to the pandemic. He also activated the Texas National Guard to be prepared to assist with response efforts. Abbott said the president’s declaration “opens up new sources of funding for individual and public assistance that will help Texas respond to this public health emergency and ...