Travis Heights In-District Charter Proposal Moves Forward
“Travis Heights is looking to partner with Education Austin and Austin Interfaith to start an in-district charter model allowing the school to have more autonomy. The school would focus on curriculum with its dual-language program, service learning model and a piloted blended learning program that incorporates digital media, Carstarphen said. “They’re not asking for more money; they’re asking for more flexibility….”
AISD Board Discusses Potential Academic, Facilities Recommendations, Community Impact Newspaper
New In-District Charter Would Need Teacher, Community OK, Austin American Statesman
Austin Interfaith Leverages Commitments on Incentive Deals & Electricity
At an assembly with 504 Austin Interfaith delegates, candidates for City Council and Mayor committed to raising electricity rates no higher than 20% for congregations and to broaden assistance to people with limited incomes.
Candidates were also challenged about publicly funded incentives, as Austin has been the center of high-profile incentive deals in recent years. Austin Interfaith got all candidates to commit to setting a wage standard for permanent (and construction) workers ranging between $11-20 per hour. Candidates also agreed to a community study and dialogue with Austin Interfaith to determine what constitutes a living wage in Austin.
Candidates for Sheriff and US Congress also committed to working with the organization.
Early Voting Begins in Municipal Races, KXAN
Austin Interfaith Fights Energy Rate Hike on Churches & Poor
“Church leaders are banding together to fight a proposed Austin Energy rate increase that they say will hurt their ability to help the poor in the community.
Thursday morning, Austin Interfaith gathered and spoke during public comments to let the city council know they oppose the increase. ‘This could affect the community of faith’s ability to do the ministries they need to do,’ said Pastor Fred Krebs of Prince of Peace Lutheran Church in East Austin.”
Austin Churches Unite to Oppose Energy Rate Hike, KVUE News
Austin Interfaith Statements, Austin Channel 6 [Citizen Communication Start at 0:30 & 20:25; Also at Item 107, Part 3 at 33:46]
Be Heard Today on Electricity Rate Increase, KUT
Austin Interfaith Victorious on Funding for Job Training
October 6, 2011
On the morning of October 6th, Austin City Council passed the Public Health and Human Service budget and two other items that moved additional funding to Capital Idea, keeping the program at 2011 level funding ($1.08 million) for FY 2012. Over the last year leaders attended public hearings and council meetings to challenge the City's no-lobbying ordinance and eventually met face-to-face meetings with council members to secure this funding as well as the expansion of funding for other programs.
This past month Travis County Commissioners Court voted not only for the continuation of level funding ($700,000) for Capital Idea it also added another $97,000 to help supplement cuts from the state.