San Antonio Councilwoman Sandoval’s Statement On Sending Workforce Development Plan To Ballot

Press release from the City of San Antonio:

August 13, 2020

SAN ANTONIO — City Council voted 9-2 to place a Workforce Development and Education Initiative on the November ballot. Councilwoman Sandoval’s statement follows:

“We often lament that so many in our city struggle just to get through the day. With this pandemic, the tight rope they walk every day has become even thinner. They’ve lost loved ones who they depended on, lost their job, and now are at risk of losing their home.”

“When I think about this proposal, my thoughts are with those whose lives are spent in a dire balancing act. That’s who I’d like to see benefit most from this program. It’s with those residents in mind that I supported putting this proposal on the ballot. I will continue to advocate for the program to help those who most need it.”

“If approved, this program will begin training individuals in fall 2021. However, many residents need emergency relief now. Our emergency housing assistance fund is dwindling by the moment. Without additional local investment in this program, we will find ourselves with an even larger eviction and homelessness crisis.”

“Many residents are also worried about the future of the Edwards Aquifer Protection Program. Our city’s future depends on the aquifer’s future. While the Mayor and SAWS have identified a temporary funding solution for aquifer protection, no long term solution has been confirmed at this point. On my part, I am currently working to appoint a SAWS Board member with a demonstrated commitment to aquifer protection.”

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