In Episode 30 behind the Secret Door,  Alicia and Frances will discuss the most recent events from Texas’s Governor Abbott and how it could potentially affect the country. In Abbott’s first proclamation, he has declared that the mask mandate has been lifted. Small businesses have the right to ask for customers to wear masks, but any government or federal property will not require people to wear masks indoors. This comes just days after the CDC said that anyone outside who is vaccinated does not have to wear a mask. On Abbott’s second proclamation, starting in late June all those on unemployment will no longer be receiving the additional COVID compensation. He claims that there are plenty of jobs out there, and that on average they are willing to pay at least $15 per hour. As this affects Alicia and her family directly, she had some concerns about this because her husband has still not been able to find a job. The blue-collar jobs have come back and done well, but the question is when will the white-collar jobs be available again. Overall, Abbott will be taking away the additional supplement given by the government in order to encourage more on unemployment to take the available blue-collar jobs that are potentially paying less. Finally, there has been a ruling in Texas that will take effect in September of 2021. Abbott has signed the bill that will prohibit abortions as early as six weeks. It will also allow any private citizen to sue abortion providers and others. This passing comes just after the Supreme Court decided to hear Mississippi’s abortion case for 15 weeks. It seems that with Texas’s new ruling and the Supreme Court’s case, there is potential for Roe vs. Wade to be overturned in the future. Tune into the show to find out more about what’s currently going on in Texas, France’s thoughts on abortion, and Alicia’s concerns about the new unemployment ruling. What do you think will happen with the new abortion ruling? Do you think the COVID numbers will rise again? Do you think it is fair to take away the COVID government aid so soon? You can comment, email, or message them to share with them your opinions and ideas. You can reach Alicia and Frances at: Secret Door to the Left on Facebook @secretdoorttl on Instagram @SecretDoorTTL on Twitter secretdoortotheleft@gmail.com Sources: https://www.texastribune.org/2021/05/18/texas-heartbeat-bill-abortions-law/ https://www.khou.com/article/news/health/coronavirus/texas-federal-pandemic-related-unemployment-benefits/285-5da28e3e-dfe1-4ee1-9d4a-bdc8bd3271fa https://gov.texas.gov/news/post/governor-abbott-issues-executive-order-prohibiting-government-entities-from-mandating-masks Episode edited/mixed by @erynbird22