The recent budget approval demonstrates significant inequities, with sacrifices placed on lower-income communities while wealthy entities contribute nothing. The vote included redirecting funds for affordable housing to short-term shelters, which have low success rates for permanent housing. Despite promises from Mayor Lurie to create new shelter beds, these goals were unmet. Only Sup. Jackie Fielder opposed the budget, highlighting unjust allocations for police overtime and questioning the prioritization of political decisions over essential community needs. The overall sentiment indicates a critical view of city governance and budgetary priorities affecting vulnerable populations.
There is no sacrifice for the police or the jails. Not one rich person or big wealthy corporation had to give up a penny. All the sacrifice was on the lower end of the economic spectrum.
Sup. Jackie Fielder was the only vote against the budget; she said she couldn't approve of the parts that were 'indefensible,' including an additional $50 million of overtime money for the cops. 'For what?' she asked.
Sup. Shamann Walton, who ended up voting for the budget, said that in seven years on the board, he has never seen such cuts in city services. He is the only board member who mentioned increasing revenue.
Lurie promised to build 1,500 new congregate shelter beds in his first six months, a goal he never reached. But congregate short-term shelter doesn't work; only 13 percent of people in short-term shelter find permanent housing.
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