Item 4: Draft Budget Recommendation Regarding Family Stabilization Grants — original pdf

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BOARD/COMMISSION RECOMMENDATION Early Childhood Council 20250212-004: Budget Recommendation Regarding Family Stabilization and Equity Office WHEREAS, in the City of Austin, 32% of children under age 6 live in households with low income; and WHEREAS, 94% of the children in households with low income under age 6 are children of color; and WHEREAS, decades of research prove that disadvantages begin the moment children come into the world because children born into poverty and children of color are disproportionately born early, at low weight, or with chronic illnesses, and are less likely than their peers to be ready for, or successful at school; and WHEREAS, UpTogether has had proven social and economic outcomes from their recent City of Austin work; and WHEREAS, most families supported by the UpTogether project are families with young children; and WHEREAS, the Equity Office has managed and supported ongoing investment with UpTogether. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Early Childhood Council recommends that the City of Austin make the $1.3 million investment in the Family Stabilization Grants permanent and create a clear path to expanding the investment to $3 million annually. BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Early Childhood Council encourages the Austin City Council to sustain investment in the Office of Equity and Inclusion, Equity Division as a vital City of Austin function. Date of Approval: Record of the vote: Attest: _____________________________________________