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