San Antonio: District 1 Councilman Treviño Provides Statement On Opposing Vote Against Sales And Use Tax Proposition

Press release from the City of San Antonio:

August 13, 2020

SAN ANTONIO — This Thursday, Councilman Roberto Treviño voted against the proposed Sales and Use Tax item that was brought to Council for consideration to be placed on the upcoming ballot. The Councilman has offered the following statement:

“Today, City Council voted to approve the Sales and Use Tax proposal that was brought to us earlier this year. This plan has potential to provide residents with opportunities for furthering their education and access to new employment; however, we are in the midst of a pandemic and our community is expressing their need for immediate help. Families across San Antonio, and across District 1, are looking to us, their local government and their last line of defense, for support. They are fighting to stay in their homes, keep their families fed, and are searching for outlets that allow their children to safely participate in school.

There are elements to this that should be discussed further. As expressed, when considering this item, my experience as the child of a working single-mother were considered. She selflessly gave everything she had to ensure that my brother and I had a roof over our heads. Her priorities were ensuring that she provided stability for her children. The opportunity to consider furthering her education and going to college, was just not a feasible choice for her.

Limited access to resources and services, as well as food insecurity are the pressing concerns of families struggling to make ends meet, just as mine did so many years ago.

The success of any program will be measured by the outcomes of its participants. With that being said, the likely participants are going to be the ones with viable chances of successfully completing the program.

I hope that by November, there is more definition to this proposition for voters to confidently make their decision.”

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