Recommendation 20250305-004 - 2025-26 Budget Recommendation — original pdf

Recommendation

COMMISSION FOR WOMEN RECOMMENDATION 20250305-004 Seconded By: Commissioner Scheihing 2025-26 Budget Recommendation Date: March 5, 2025 Subject: Motioned By: Chair Tau Recommendation The City of Austin Commission for Women urges City Council to prioritize funding for previously identified unmet needs as well as enhancements that particularly impact women and girls in Austin. Description of Recommendation to Council In particular, the commission recommends funding for: ● The Collective Sex Crimes Response Model - with a focus on ensuring its formal completion and closure and a seamless transition to a future governance body such as the Sexual Assault Response and Resource Team (SARRT) ● Menstrual equity supplies in public libraries ● The Family Stabilization Grant Program ● The Workforce and Childcare Division ● After-school programming geared toward building positive mental health in girls in Title 1 schools Rationale: As support for the unique needs of disadvantaged populations is attacked at the federal level, it is incumbent upon the City of Austin to make every effort to protect the safety and well-being of its disadvantaged residents. Our commission is particularly concerned with Austin’s women and girls, especially those with intersecting marginalized identities. We hope that if pending threats to cut Medicaid and Social Security indeed manifest under the current presidential administration that the City will maintain some flexibility in its budget to address urgent needs that may arise in order to proactively protect our vulnerable populations. Vote: Approved on an 8-0 vote. For: Chair Tau, Vice Chair Bullard, Commissioners Bissereth, Glasser, Harris, Melendez, Scheihing and Veloz-Salas. Against: None Abstain: None Absent: Commissioners Austen and Rattan Attest: Christi Vitela Commission for Women staff liaison [Staff or board member can sign]