Denouncing the proposed City of Austin budget for not going far enough to pay its part-time, temporary workers well and to provide essential services to low and middle income families, eighty Austin Interfaith leaders descended on City Hall to urge the Council to prioritize the concerns of residents.  

Councilmembers Delia Garza (2), Gregorio Casar (4), Ann Kitchen (5), Leslie Pool (7), Kathie Tovo (9) and AISD Board president Gina Hinojosa joined Austin Interfaith in an afternoon press conference in support of Austin Interfaith's budget priorities.

Later that night, 12 leaders spoke in support of specific items including a wage increase from $11.39 to $13.03 for all adult city employees - including part-time temporary workers, investment in Capital IDEA training, after-school programming, investments in branch libraries, improved park facilities, public water fountains, affordable housing, and healthy food incentives.

The second and final public hearing is at 11:00am on Thursday, August 27th.  The final vote is scheduled early September.

[Photo Credit: Jim O'Quinn]

Religious Leaders Speak out on City Budget, Time Warner Cable

Night Moves, Austin Chronicle

Minorities, Low Income Residents Top Budget Amendment Requests, Austin Monitor [full text here]

Luckless at Capitol, Wage Advocates Go Local, Texas Tribune