Councilman praises FY ‘24 budget as big win for District 2

Published on September 14, 2023

Councilman praises FY ‘24 budget as ‘most progressive budget in recent history’ and big win for District 2

SAN ANTONIO (September 14, 2023) — City Council passed a historic $3.7 Billion budget. Councilman McKee-Rodriguez released the following statement following his vote of approval:

“Though this City Council has been labeled somewhat less progressive than previous years, I am celebrating what is surely the most progressive budget in recent history - a testament to the work of organizers, community advocates, and working class people who have demanded to be prioritized over special interests.

“This budget achieves massive investment in areas that District 2 residents have requested for decades, particularly through the expansion and creation of programs aimed at addressing our community’s most pressing needs. Investment in public housing, crime prevention, social services, mental health, and initiatives aimed at establishing a social safety net, such as our newly-funded Insulin Cost Share Program, are progressive policies that address the root causes of systemic injustices. 

“Since 2021, District 2 residents have maintained the highest turnout of any Council District at our multiple budget town halls and have played a large role in shaping the direction of our city’s budget. District 2 won in such a big way this year!

“We look forward to sharing the results of the budget process at a series of community meetings and gatherings to provide deeper education and connection to our local government.”

“The District 2 office will host a series of community meetings to share the details of the adopted budget, and to share the successful amendments our office directly advocated for such as: 

• Development of an Insulin Cost Share Program to enhance our Diabetes Continuum of Care;
• A Crime Prevention Grant Coordinator;
• Funding for a permanent Small Business Construction Grant Program;
• A District 2 Spay/Neuter Hub;
• Increased infrastructure funding for Neighborhood Access & Mobility Projects; 
• The acceleration of the ACS plan to address 100% of critical calls;
• Additional Communication & Engagement funds to directly address the digital divide’s impact on participation in local government city-wide; 
• Creation of a one-of-a-kind Reproductive Justice Fund; and
• Expansion of our SA Core team to operate 24/7, enhancing our response to mental health calls.

In addition, the District 2 Office will be sharing and celebrating additional items included in the budget that have additional impact on District 2 residents, such as:

• Expansion to our Enhanced Library Card program to all public libraries; 
• Continued implementation of a stronger equity lens that will ensure all Districts achieve comparable infrastructure conditions by 2030;
• Enhancement of our Homeless Prevention & Response coordinated system; 
• Funding for the design of a new District 2 Senior Center;
• Funding for the operation of the Wheatley Heights Sports Complex; 
• Increased funding for non-service alley maintenance and street markings;
• Playground shade structures to cover all City Parks over the next 5 years; 
• Improvements to our Historic Eastside Cemeteries; and
• New grant opportunities for community organizations looking to establish resiliency centers for vulnerable residents; among others.”