At its weekly meeting March 31, Austin City Council plans to consider and vote on several proposals that could affect Austin's low-income residents.
Social services funding
In 2014, City Council agreed to consider annual social services funding increases to reflect the rising area cost of living and also voted to increase social services funding by $15.8 million within three to five years. With those goals in mind, council will consider increasing funding up to $2.3 million for 13 different social service agencies through 2018. Council will also vote on a proposal to help finance programs at six local organizations that aim to reduce health disparities and health inequity across Austin's various demographics. "Despite the fact that Austin is frequently cited as one of the fittest cities in the United States, disparities continue to persist for African Americans; immigrants; Latinos; Asians; and lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer/questioning (LGBTQ) people of color," a city staff report said. "These populations continue to experience higher rates of death and disease. For example, incidence rates for cancer, diabetes, cardiovascular disease, HIV infection, infant mortality and premature and low birth-weight babies for African American and Hispanic populations in Austin and Travis County continue to be higher than that of other ethnic groups." The organizations and programs being considered for one year of funding not to exceed $1.05 million are:- Catholic Charities, immigration legal services and counseling services
- University of Texas, maternal health equity program
- Sickle Cell Association of Texas, Marc Thomas Foundation
- University of Texas, Alliance Wellness African American health program
- Meals on Wheels services for the elderly
- allgo, LGBTQ people of color sexual health and wellness program
- Austin Revitalizatoin Authority, African American Health outreach and community service program
