81.2 F
Houston
Sunday, June 15, 2025

Home Blog Page 189

Harris County establishes Early Childhood Resiliency Fund with $6.2 Million ARPA Investment

0

By Indira Zaldivar & Edward Saenz

Harris County, TX (May 7, 2024) — The Harris County Commissioners unanimously approved on Tuesday, $6.2 million from the federal American Rescue Plan Act to launch the Early Childhood Resiliency Fund. This initiative aims to enhance early intervention services for children and families affected by domestic violence.

The decision follows concerning statistics from 2022, where Harris County recorded high rates of intimate partner homicides, prompting a focus on addressing the developmental impacts of trauma on children. The University of Houston’s Institute for Research on Women, Gender, and Sexuality highlighted the doubling of intimate partner violence homicides in the county between 2019 and 2022.

“Everyone deserves to be safe and free from violence — especially our children,” Harris County Precint 4 Commissioner Lesley Briones said in a statement. 

“We must support all victims and ensure they have access to care that will promote healing and reduce risks of trauma-related challenges. Through the Early Childhood Resiliency Fund, we can help end the cycle of abuse.”

Children exposed to domestic violence are at heightened risk of mental health challenges like depression and anxiety. The program’s objective is to mitigate these risks by providing timely support and interventions.

The Harris County Department of Economic Equity and Opportunity will lead the fund in collaboration with the Harris County Domestic Violence Coordinating Council 

The fund, overseen by DEEO, will allocate over $5 million to local domestic service providers for developmental and therapeutic services for affected children. The remainder will cover administrative costs for HCDVCC.

Barbie Brashear, Executive Director of HCDVCC, expressed gratitude for the funding’s potential to support innovative approaches in addressing family trauma. The grant program will prioritize organizations offering shelter, housing, and non-residential services for victims.

“This funding will provide opportunities for local nonprofits who are under-resourced to meet the demand for services to employ new and innovative efforts to support families and children in ways that will improve long-term outcomes and restore hope and resiliency,” Brashear said in a statement. 

“We hope that this will serve as a model for our community. We thank Harris County Commissioners for their leadership, and we are honored to partner with the Department of Economic Equity and Opportunity to make a difference.”

Applications for grants are anticipated to open later in 2024, with HCDVCC expected to commence grant awards by early 2025. For more information and updates, interested parties can visit the websites of HCDVCC and DEEO.

Revolutionizing Community Advocacy: Ruben Salazar’s Journey to Public Service

0
PHOTOGRAPH OF RUBEN SALAZAR

By Edward Saenz and Indira Zaldivar

In the heart of Houston, 23-year-old Ruben Salazar stands as a beacon for community advocacy. With a background steeped in service and a passion for positive change, Salazar’s journey has led him to the forefront of local politics, where he currently seeks to represent the people of his East Aldine community as a candidate for the Sunbelt Freshwater Supply District Board of Supervisors.

Salazar’s dedication to public service traces back to his family’s legacy of community involvement.
“When [my great grandma] first came [to Houston], she became a very involved person in her community,” Salazar said.

“She was always helping out her neighbors, starting a local civic club, creating recreational programs. Many of her children followed in her footsteps, so I guess you could say it runs in the blood.”

Inspired by his great grandmother’s tireless efforts in East Aldine, Salazar found his calling in serving his own community. From organizing civic clubs to advocating for better infrastructure and public safety measures, his commitment to making a difference became evident early on.

As a young adult, Salazar’s journey into community leadership really took flight during his time as a Political Science student at University of Houston-Downtown.

“I just started attending civic club meetings, commissioners court meetings, managment district meetings and just seeing the way our money was spent, how our tax dollars are being spent and there were some things I didn’t agree with. So I learned of the ways I can make my voice heard.”

Motivated by a desire to empower his community, Salazar embarked on a path of activism and engagement.

His ascent in community leadership began with his role as president of the Green Forest Civic Club, where he spearheaded initiatives to improve local infrastructure and enhance public safety measures. Through collaborative efforts and grassroots organizing, Salazar and his team successfully advocated for increased street lighting—a vital step in ensuring the safety of neighborhood residents, especially students walking to school.

However, Salazar’s vision extends beyond streetlights and sidewalks. His campaign for the Sunbelt Freshwater Supply District Board of Supervisors is driven by a commitment to transparency and community-driven decision-making. Recognizing the dissatisfaction among residents with the district’s services, Salazar aims to bring a fresh perspective to the board, prioritizing the needs and concerns of the community.

Central to Salazar’s platform is the pursuit of transparency. He envisions a board that actively engages with residents, listens to their concerns, and incorporates their feedback into decision-making processes. By fostering open dialogue and promoting accountability, Salazar seeks to bridge the gap between the board and the community it serves.

Moreover, Salazar’s agenda emphasizes the importance of community-driven policies. Drawing from his experience in grassroots organizing, he intends to advocate for initiatives that address the pressing issues facing Sunbelt residents, from water quality concerns to infrastructure maintenance. With a focus on inclusivity and representation, Salazar aims to ensure that all voices are heard and valued in the decision-making process.

Looking ahead, Salazar’s candidacy symbolizes a new era of community advocacy—one rooted in collaboration, transparency, and service. With his campaign for the Sunbelt Freshwater Supply District Board of Supervisors successful, Salazar remains steadfast in his commitment to empowering his community and effecting positive change.

“My campaign went smooth, and I’m super excited to get to work alongside the other board members to help bring positive changes,” Salazar plans to keep the same attitude, mindset, and energy.

With his leadership, the future of Houston shines brighter than ever before.

H-Town Blue: The Color That Defines Houston’s Spirit

By Michael Esparza

The light blue color, known as Columbia Blue, has a rich history in Houston that extends beyond its association with the Houston Oilers. This color has been a significant part of Houston’s identity for over a century, symbolizing the city’s heritage and its foundational industries. The city’s flag, adopted in 1915, prominently features light blue, representing the city’s heritage and its foundational industries, such as the locomotive and the plow, which are depicted in the city seal. This early adoption of light blue in the city’s flag underscores its historical and cultural importance, predating the establishment of the Houston Oilers in 1960.

The Houston Oilers, established in 1960, adopted Columbia Blue as their primary color, a decision influenced by the team’s owner, Bud Adams, who had a personal affinity for the color due to his connections with the University of Kansas. This choice not only set the Oilers apart in the American Football League but also began a tradition of light blue in Houston sports.

Following the relocation of the Oilers to Tennessee in 1996, the legacy of Columbia Blue continued in Houston through the Texans, the city’s current NFL team. The Texans have incorporated a similar shade, known as H-Town Blue, into their uniforms and branding. Despite the Tennessee Titans holding the intellectual property rights to the Oilers’ trademarks, the Texans’ move to honor the city’s sports history and reinforce the color’s significance as a symbol of Houston’s identity demonstrates the enduring connection to the color.

The University of Houston has also played a pivotal role in maintaining the color’s relevance in the city. Despite facing legal challenges from the NFL, which issued a cease-and-desist letter over the use of a similar shade of blue in their uniforms, the university stood firm. They informed the league of their intention to continue using the color, highlighting the city’s historical ties to it and challenging the notion that the NFL could monopolize a color deeply embedded in Houston’s culture. This defiance underscores the broader community’s attachment to the color and its significance beyond the realm of professional sports.

The color’s cultural impact is evident in other aspects of Houston’s life, such as the Houston Police Department’s historical use of light blue for their squad cars. This further cements the color’s place in the city’s cultural landscape, beyond its sports teams.

In essence, H-Town Blue, as it is now known, transcends its origins with the Houston Oilers to embody Houston’s history, pride, and community spirit. It represents a unifying symbol for the city, reflecting its past achievements and aspirations for the future. So, no Titans fans Houston is not stealing your “colors”, it’s a part of our city’s history.

National Hurricane Preparedness Week: Get Ready for the 2024 Atlantic Hurricane Season

By Indira Zaldivar & Edward Saenz

Houston, Texas — As National Hurricane Preparedness Week kicks off from May 5 to 11, Harris County officials urge residents to gear up for the upcoming hurricane season, which officially begins on June 1.

Mark Sloan, the Emergency Management Coordinator for Harris County, emphasized the importance of early preparations.

“With less than a month until the 2024 Atlantic Hurricane Season, [Harris County Office of Homeland Security & Emergency Management] urges all residents to begin preparing now,” Sloan stated.

“Being prepared is a shared responsibility, and everyone needs to do their part.”

To assist residents in their preparedness efforts, HCOHSEM is providing a range of tips and resources. The tips, laid out in detail ahead, include creating a disaster supply kit, developing a personalized emergency plan, and staying informed about weather updates and evacuation procedures.

One key aspect is distinguishing weather terms and taking appropriate actions based on warnings, watches, advisories, and outlooks, according to the Harris officials. Additionally, residents are encouraged to identify their evacuation zone and familiarize themselves with evacuation routes.

“Preparing your home, securing loose objects, and weatherproofing are crucial steps in ensuring safety during severe weather,” Sloan emphasized. Furthermore, HCOHSEM advises homeowners, renters, and business owners to consider purchasing flood insurance and to check the status of their policies regularly.

As part of their outreach efforts, HCOHSEM is promoting the State of Texas Emergency Assistance Registry. STEAR is a service designed to assist residents with access and functional needs during emergencies. Signing up with STEAR or calling 2-1-1 can provide individuals with vital assistance and transportation options if needed.

“It only takes one storm to devastate our community,” Sloan added. “We may not be able to prevent these storms, but we can take the appropriate steps to prepare.”

To stay updated and informed, residents can follow HCOHSEM updates on www.ReadyHarris.org, social media platforms, and by signing up for Ready Harris Alerts. For specific 2024 Atlantic Hurricane Season updates, individuals can text GULF2024 to 888777.

Tips from HCOHSEM to prepare for hurricane season

  • Preparing your home. Take some time to strengthen your home prior to severe weather. Secure loose objects outside of your home and weatherproof the exterior.
  • Buying flood insurance. Homeowners, renters, and business owners are encouraged to buy flood insurance through their insurance agent. Residents who may already have coverage should check the status of their policy to be sure it has not lapsed. Remember that flood insurance policies from the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) normally carry a 30-day waiting period and are not sold when there is an active tropical cyclone in the Gulf of Mexico. For more information, visit www.FloodSmart.gov.
  • Knowing your weather terms. Weather terms have different meanings and require specific actions. Do you know the difference between a warning, watch, advisory, and outlook?
  • Knowing your evacuation zone. Residents who live in an evacuation zone need to learn their evacuation routes and follow instructions from local authorities. To determine if your home is located in an evacuation zone, check the Zip Zone Evacuation Map. 
  • Keeping your gas tank at least half full. If an evacuation is ordered, gas stations may be closed. Make sure you have enough fuel to reach your destination.
  • Signing up with the State of Texas Emergency Assistance Registry (STEAR) online or calling 2-1-1 to register. STEAR is a free service available to residents with access and functional needs, and individuals who may need transportation assistance.

Que onda with Harris County? Keep up with all Harris County news on our Que Onda website.

Troy Finner retires as HPD chief, mayor’s email to police staffers says

HOUSTON, Texas (KTRK) — Troy Finner, the city of Houston’s chief of police for the last three years, has retired amid questions about whether he was aware of a code that suspended more than 260,000 cases years sooner than the timeline he gave to the public.

Eyewitness News obtained an email by Mayor John Whitmire sent late Tuesday night to Houston Police Department employees, informing them of the change at the top. Executive Assistant Chief Larry Satterwhite will serve as acting police chief, as stated in the email.

In March 2021, former Houston Mayor Sylvester Turner handpicked Finner to take over the department in America’s fourth-largest city, overseeing more than 5,300 officers and another 1,200 civilian support staff, according to HPD’s website.

Finner’s stint crossed over into John Whitmire’s mayoral administration that began this year. By month two of the former state senator’s time in office, the chief revealed thousands of sexual assault investigations were suspended due to lack of personnel, which was attached with “SL” coding.

In the weeks following the mid-February revelation, Finner announced the true scope of the suspended cases which involved more than 264,000 investigations suspended since 2016 due to a lack of personnel.

SEE MORE: HPD says over 81K reports reviewed of the 264K cases suspended due to lack of personnel

While Art Acevedo served as chief at the beginning of that timeline, ABC13 pressed Finner about when he became aware of the cases and his actions to resolve the unsolved.

Hours before Finner’s dismissal was revealed to HPD staffers, 13 Investigates reported about a 2018 email that called into question when Finner first heard a case was suspended.

During a March 7 news conference, Finner told reporters he was first aware of the code in November 2021 and ordered his leaders never to use it again. But, an email 13 Investigates obtained shows he knew of the code being used at least once in 2018.

The July 20, 2018, email was addressed to several high-ranking HPD leaders, including Acevedo and Finner, who was an executive assistant chief back then.

The email mentions a specific road rage case marked “Suspended-Lack of Personnel.” It details that the case was labeled that way, even though a witness identified a suspect.

Finner responds to the email, saying, “This is unacceptable, look into it and follow up with me.”

The email does not flag issues with the suspended code or address how often it is used.

After the report, Finner released a statement, insisting he had no recollection of the email until Tuesday.

The email to staffers Tuesday night doesn’t go into specifics for the chief’s dismissal.

As of late Tuesday, Finner and Mayor Whitmire have yet to give statements after the leadership change.

Any victims whose contact information has changed since the time of their report can call (713) 308-1180 or email specialvictimsreport@houstonpolice.org.

This story comes from our news partner ABC13 Houston.

Deputies seek murder suspect after woman’s body found in field near Livingston

LIVINGSTON, Texas (KTRK) — Deputies say a man wanted for murder could be in the greater Houston area.

De’Andre Shermail Wright, 23, is accused of killing a woman whose body was found on Monday in a wooded area off US-59, just a few miles north of Livingston.

The victim, Jasmine Muldoon, had been reported missing on Sunday, May 5. An investigation is underway to determine her cause of death.

The Polk County Sheriff’s Office said a first degree felony murder warrant has been filed for Wright.

Wright is described as a Black man, 5’11”, and 200 pounds.

Anyone with information about where he might be is asked to contact the Polk County Sheriff’s Office at (936) 327-6810. You can also submit an anonymous tip at p3tips.com, on the P3 App, or call Polk County Crime Stoppers at 936-327-STOP. Tipsters can remain anonymous and may collect a cash reward for information leading to an arrest.

Deputies warn that if you see Wright, you should not approach him and instead, immediately contact the closest law enforcement agency.

This story comes from our news partner ABC13 Houston.

Man accused of killing woman before stealing patrol car during shootout near Texas Medical Center

HOUSTON, Texas (KTRK) — A man accused of murdering a woman got away from law enforcement during a shootout near the Texas Medical Center overnight, according to police.

Houston police said firefighters were at the Shell gas station on Almeda Road at North MacGregor Drive around 12:30 a.m. Tuesday when they witnessed some kind of domestic disturbance between a man and a woman.

The man allegedly pulled out a gun and shot the woman at least nine times. She was taken to the hospital, where she was pronounced dead.

The firefighters flagged down a Harris County Precinct 7 constable deputy, who tried to conduct a traffic stop up the street from the gas station, but the suspect immediately fired shots, police said. That’s when the deputy fired back.

Somehow, the suspect was able to get into the deputy’s vehicle and drive away during the exchange of gunfire, according to HPD.

The suspect drove away but soon returned to the scene, where he had another shootout with the deputy, police said. The suspect then got back into his own vehicle and fled.

“The suspect was gone for a short period of time and then returned to the scene. There was another gun fight with the deputy. The suspect then got into the vehicle and left the location,” Asst. Chief Jessica Anderson with HPD said.

“The deputy is currently at the hospital undergoing medical evaluation to ensure that he is OK. After returning gunfire, the deputy did suffer some small injuries,” Cpt. Marcus Grant with Pct. 7 said.

Investigators said the deputy is a 14-year veteran with the department.

The suspect reportedly fled in a black Chevy Camaro after returning to the gas station and ditching the deputy’s vehicle, police said.

In a later update, HPD confirmed that the Camaro had been found, though the suspect was still wanted. Investigators also confirmed that the vehicle was registered to the woman who died.

While the suspect’s name hasn’t been released, investigators said they do have a an idea of who he is. The wanted suspect is considered armed and dangerous.

For news updates, follow Brandon Hamilton on FacebookTwitter and Instagram.

More HISD job cuts stun employees who serve low-income students: ‘No one is really safe’

HOUSTON, Texas (KTRK) — More job cuts from Houston ISD came as a shock for the group of employees who were informed last week that their positions would be eliminated, partly to make up for a $450 million budget deficit in the district.

These employees are wraparound resource specialists working with economically disadvantaged students on poverty-related issues. Some of the services they provide include transportation, clothing, shelter, special needs support, mental health resources, food pantries, and telehealth services.

One of them spoke to ABC13 under the condition of anonymity due to fear of retaliation.

“It’s super sad. These families that we help are the most vulnerable to HISD. They need the help on campus because they don’t have a vehicle and can’t go outside the school to find these resources. The closest place they have is the school, which is basically a sanctuary for them and it’s being taken away. It’s going to affect their schooling,” the specialist said.

SEE ALSO: HISD could face deficit of $280 million if changes not made before the 2025 school year, report says

She said most of the district’s specialists, including her, were informed in a Zoom call last Thursday that their employment would be terminated at the end of the school year.

“When we initially received notice that there were going to be budget cuts in HISD, we heard rumors. Every time we asked our superiors what was going on, they would tell us not to worry. We were assured that things were okay and we weren’t going to be cut. That’s why this was a surprise,” the employee said. “This is a sign that no one is really safe. There is a lot of uncertainty.”

Superintendent Mike Miles has previously blamed the budget shortfall on financial decisions made by the previous administration. The district said it’s also due to declining student enrollment, COVID relief money running out, and failure from the state to increase public school funding after 2019.

READ MORE: HISD announces no school closures for 2024-2025 among other details on managing district’s budget

In a statement, an HISD spokesperson wrote, “Like most school districts, HISD is being forced to make some very difficult budget decisions for next school year. State funding for education has not increased, and time-limited COVID aid from the federal government (known as ESSER) ends with this school year.”

The district spokesperson explained that since wraparound supports at the campus level have been funded by ESSER and since that money will not be available going forward, the positions will be reduced to a division and district level for next school year.

“As we’ve said previously, the district is working to keep cuts as far away from kids and classrooms as possible and is continuing to invest in our teachers and leaders. Many HISD departments are seeing a reduction in force and that process has been ongoing since January. HISD will support impacted employees who wish to remain at the district in pursuing open positions in other departments,” an HISD spokesperson said.

SEE ALSO: ‘Is this for real?’ HISD uses prerecorded video announcing special education teachers’ job cuts

Jessica Sanchez said she and her friend each have four kids in HISD, and these specialists have helped them through extremely tough times. She told ABC13 in Spanish that she doesn’t know what they’ll do if they lose access to these services.

“I was thinking that maybe I will need to look for help in other places, like a church. It was so easy to have that help right at the school. It was perfect,” Sanchez said.

HISD would not answer inquiries about how many wraparound resource specialist positions they will cut or what is in the next round of budget cuts. Those whose jobs will be eliminated said their last day of work will be June 28.

For more on this story, follow Rosie Nguyen on FacebookX and Instagram.

This story comes from our news partner ABC13 Houston.

HPD review of suspended code lands charge for Turkey Leg Hut co-founder

HOUSTON, Texas (KTRK) — Sources tell 13 Investigates that the Houston Police Department’s Internal Affairs Division is recommending two current and four former officers be reprimanded for the use of a “suspended – lack of personnel” code.

The recommendations are still being reviewed by an Independent Police Oversight Board and the Administration Disciplinary Committee, so nothing is finalized yet.

In a statement released last week on X, formerly known as Twitter, HPD said it is addressing questions from the committee, which is reviewing the IAD investigation into the suspended code.

“This includes taking additional investigative steps, such as collecting statements and re-interviewing when necessary. This is how the process is intended to work,” according to the HPD statement.

In the meantime, our investigative team has learned more about new charges filed as investigators continue to review the 260,000 incident reports that were sidelined due to lack of staff.

13 Investigates now knows at least 50 suspects have been charged as police revisit these cases, including a misdemeanor assault charge against Turkey Leg Hut co-founder Lyndell Price from an incident earlier this year.

Antonio Jackson said in late January he was having drinks at the Tipsy Lounge with two potential business associates, when all of a sudden he found himself in the middle of a bar brawl.

“He was on top of me, choking me outside the bar, and he was pushing my face down the concrete, which is the reason why I have the scar and stuff like that,” Jackson said. “The next day I was in really severe pain with my knee, and then my face was really messed up.”

Jackson said the incident also left him with tearing and spraining ligaments in his knee.

Antonio reported the incident to HPD a few days after it happened, but we’re now learning his case was marked with the code that suspends a case because of a lack of personnel.

“I didn’t know that it was suspended. I just thought that they were just not taking it seriously,” he said.

A few weeks after the incident, HPD Chief Troy Finner ordered the suspended code to never be used again and for all 260,000-plus incident reports marked with it to be reviewed.

Jackson’s case was assigned to an investigator and Price was charged with misdemeanor assault.

WATCH: 13 Investigates’ report on Eyewitness News at 6 p.m.

Price and his attorney have yet to comment after we reached out.

“I’m very relieved, just to know that something is being done about it, but I feel sorry for the other people that (do) not have the same fortune to have their cases and things being taken care of, but as for me, I feel fortunate that I’m one of the lucky ones that it was taken seriously.”

13 Investigates has also learned two men have been charged with aggravated assault for shooting at a group attending a “13-year old’s birthday party” in July of last year.

During the incident, there were “bullets striking one male” as well as multiple vehicles and residences hit, all while “10 children were present,” according to court documents.

Those documents show the responding officers “detained and identified” the suspects, but they were let go.

The incident was labeled with the code, and nearly a year later charges have been filed.

HPD tells 13 Investigates the entire point of its review is to find out how a case like this one was ever marked with this code.

“I know they have a hard job and I know that they’re understaffed. I am aware of that also, so I just think that hopefully they can do a better job of recruiting, getting more people on the force, hiring more people and training them to deal with these issues so as a citizen of Houston, we can be taken care of and the citizens can feel like they’re being protected,” Jackson said.

Since Chief Finner announced cases were suspended due to lack of staff, the Houston Police Officers’ Union has been critical of HPD’s Internal Affairs investigation into the code and says an outside agency should be doing that work.

On Monday, 13 Investigates obtained paperwork showing HPD’s Internal Affairs has launched a new investigation into the union president Douglas Griffith.

The investigation into him centers on a letter Griffith sent to union members last week in which he called into question the validity of the investigation into the code.

When we asked about this new investigation centered on the union president on Monday, HPD said it can’t comment on an ongoing internal investigation.

HPD is asking victims whose contact information has changed since the time of their report to call (713) 308-1180 or email specialvictimsreport@houstonpolice.org.

Contact 13 Investigates

Do you think your case was mishandled by HPD? Or are you an HPD whistleblower who wants to talk anonymously? Fill out the form below. (On mobile? You can open our form by tapping here.)

This story comes from our news partner ABC13 Houston.

Houston City Controller provides alternative scenarios to $650M settlement with Houston Professional Firefighters Union

By Indira Zaldivar & Edward Saenz

Houston City Controller Chris Hollins addressed the proposed $650 million settlement between the city and the Professional Fire Fighters Association in a recent briefing on Monday, emphasizing the importance of fair compensation for firefighters.

The deal, reached between Houston Mayor John Whitmire and the Houston Professional Firefighters Association back in March, includes back pay dating back to 2017 and raises over the next five years, totaling an estimated $1.5 billion when considering interest.

Hollins highlighted the salary disparity between Houston firefighters and their counterparts in other major Texas cities, noting that Houston firefighters earn about 10% less on average. Despite receiving 6% raises annually from 2022 to 2024, Houston firefighters still lag behind in salary compared to their peers. Hollins outlined a plan for incremental raises through 2029 to bring Houston firefighter salaries closer to the average of other cities.

The proposed settlement would increase the salary of first-year Houston firefighters to around $72,000 by 2029. Hollins suggested at least six alternative scenarios to mitigate the financial impact on the city while still improving firefighter pay, such as basing raises on the averages of other large fire departments in the state or aligning with the raises given to the Houston Police Department or other city workers.

Hollins referenced the HController.com/fire website for the public and interested parties to arrive with more scenarios and insights:  

“To arrive at a $1.2 billion settlement figure (the potential liabilty described by the Mayor and union leadership), HFD firefighters would had to receive a starting salary of $66,400 from FY2018-2024. This represents a 53% raise in FY2018.

In this scenario, the additional cost to the City would have been roughly $1 billion over that timeframe ($1.2 billion with interest).

-$290-300K per firefighter

-$41-43K per firefighter, per disputed year.”

Whitmire responded to Hollins’ proposals in a statement, defending the current settlement as the best available alternative to a potentially costly judgment after prolonged litigation. He emphasized that Texas law mandates firefighter pay comparisons with the private sector rather than the public sector.

In a statement, the Houston Professional Fire Fighters Association criticized Hollins’ remarks, labeling them as “uninformed, misleading, and inaccurate.” The union’s president, Marty Lancton, expressed disappointment in Hollins’ comments, asserting that they undermine the dedication and sacrifice of Houston firefighters.

“Our commitment is to continue to work with… the mayor, city council and other stakeholders to put the city of Houston on a pathway to fiscal sustainability,” Hollins said at the public briefing. “That’s not an easy task, but my office is going to do its part to make sure that you all as policymakers are working with the same set of facts.”

City council members including Edward Pollard and Tiffany Thomas expressed interest in exploring alternative scenarios to reduce costs while still addressing firefighter compensation.

Keep up with Houston news, on our Que Onda website.