AUSTIN, Texas — After Hurricane Harvey pounded the Texas coast, volunteers lined up to help.
- Proposed legislation would give state employees leave time for disasters
- Some private companies already have similar policies
Republican Rep. Will Metcalf of Conroe is proposing state agencies allow leave time for their employees who feel compelled to volunteer with a group to help their neighbors in need.
It's a move some private businesses have already taken.
When disaster struck the coast of Texas on August 17, 2017, Gomez's role as manager of the Schwarma Point food truck and catering service changed. His team took trips to the coast and they donated money and goods to hurricane survivors.
"Just enlightening for me, for some of our employees to be able to see the reactions from people, get letters back from people that say you know, they were happy that there was people out there to help them. Some people felt like they were just alone out there," Gomez said.
When asked about his bill, Metcalf said in a statement, "I think the state should encourage and make it easier for employees to volunteer for search and rescue organizations that work with local first responders during disasters. Any little change, no matter how small, that moves the needle in the right direction is something that we should all support."
Leadership at the Austin-based tech company SolarWinds also encouraged volunteerism during Harvey.
"We went into houses that had the water level all the way at the top of their drywall, you could see the water line at the top of their drywall," Karlo Zatylny said.
Metcalf said when first responders are strapped, civilian volunteers are necessary to recovery.
"Having a corporation that supports your ability to make an impact is great," Zatylny said.
Rep. Metcalf has two other Harvey-related bills: one calls for improving the state's alert system, if and when disaster strikes again, and the other suggests that local officials within the San Jacinto River Authority would be able to make recommendations to the Governor concerning the safety of that river.