San Antonio Councilman Pelaez Issues Statement On 1/8th Of A Cent Sales Tax Ballot Initiatives, Aquifer Funding

Press release from the City of San Antonio:

August 13, 2020

SAN ANTONIO — Today, City Council voted to approve an ordinance to hold a Sales and Use Tax Election this November that would let San Antonians decide on the reallocation of an 1/8th of a cent sales tax revenue source from the Edwards Aquifer Protection and Linear Trails programs, where voter approved sales tax funding is expiring this year, to workforce development and education programs. In response to this decision, Councilman Manny Pelaez issued the following statement:

“I support the broad strokes of this plan and placing it on the ballot for the voters. However, the plan only received my vote because I am assured that protections for our aquifer will remain strong and in place for generations to come.

I will continue working with the City, the Conservation Advisory Board, CAB Chair Dr. Francine Romero, and the community to ensure sustained funding and protections for the aquifer outside of a sales tax framework.

Workforce training at this large scale will benefit big, medium, and small businesses and be a boost to the local economy. Given the impact of the pandemic, this program can help lift families out of poverty and help future generations be more resilient by making educational attainment and higher paying employment opportunities more accessible.”

This press release was produced by the City of San Antonio. The views expressed here are the author’s own.