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Houston City Council Unanimously Approves Mayor Turner’s Proposed Budget. Budget avoids furloughs and funds police and fire cadet classes.

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Houston City Council Unanimously Approves Mayor Turner’s Proposed Budget. Budget avoids furloughs and funds police and fire cadet classes.

HOUSTON – After six hours of discussion and consideration of several proposed amendments, the Houston City Council today approved Mayor Sylvester Turner’s proposed $5.1 billion operating budget for the fiscal year beginning July 1.  

The complete proposed FY 21 budget may be found online.

This year, the City of Houston faced a $169 million budget crisis – the worst in recent history – exacerbated by the decline in sales tax revenue during the COVID-19 pandemic. 

Through belt-tightening and by tapping into the $404 million in CARES Act funding, Mayor Turner and the City Council managed to pass a fiscally responsible budget that balances revenue and spending without furloughing city employees. 

The approved FY 2021 $5.1 billion budget provides:

  • Funding for five police cadet classes
  • Funding for four fire department cadet classes
  • Restores the City’s fund balance to over eight percent 
  • The ability of the City to move forward on its top priorities.

“I want to thank each city council member for the work they put in and for unanimously passing the budget. It is a balanced budget that meets the needs of Houston residents,” said Mayor Turner. “We are funding parks, trash collection, libraries, and upgrades to our drainage and streets. This budget provides the basic services our residents expect and deserve.”

Unlike other municipalities, the City of Houston must operate under the property tax revenue cap, while contending with the loss of revenue from COVID-19 in FY2021 and possibly beyond.

HARRIS COUNTY COVID-19 RELIEF FUND DISTRIBUTES $15 MILLION IN AID TO LOCAL COMMUNITY-BASED ORGANIZATIONS

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HARRIS COUNTY COVID-19 RELIEF FUND DISTRIBUTES $15 MILLION IN AID TO LOCAL COMMUNITY-BASED ORGANIZATIONS

The Harris County COVID-19 Relief Fund is disbursing $15 million to 44 local, community-based organizations that will provide vulnerable individuals and families support for housing, electricity, food, childcare and other essential needs. These trusted, high-performing organizations are actively supporting the community, and have a deep understanding of those impacted by the global pandemic. They will utilize funds to provide financial assistance to eligible individuals and families they are already engaged with.

“This first round of funding disbursement is an important step forward in helping our county’s most vulnerable, hard-working families,” said Harris County Judge Lina Hidalgo. “The economic fallout from COVID-19 has caused incredible financial hardship on our community and we’ll continue to do all we can to get relief to those that need it most. I’m proud to partner with the Greater Houston Community Foundation and the many nonprofits who have stepped up to make an impactful difference in Harris County.” 

Commissioners Court established the Harris County COVID-19 Relief Fund to provide much-needed relief to Harris County residents most impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. The $30 million fund, which is administered by Greater Houston Community Foundation, aims to strategically serve a large number of the most vulnerable individuals and families, in particular county residents who may not be eligible for other COVID-related funding or assistance. 

“I’m extremely excited that our most vulnerable neighbors in the Harris County communities hardest hit by the pandemic are going to begin receiving financial relief. Our neighbors who have a greater risk of losing everything require support to meet their most basic needs of food, shelter, childcare and medical costs,” Harris County Commissioner Rodney Ellis said. “On behalf of Harris County residents, I give my sincere thanks to Greater Houston Community Foundation and the trusted nonprofits embedded in culturally and geographically diverse communities for getting this program up and running in a three-week period.”

Disbursement of the $15 million marks a significant milestone of the Fund’s first phase. In its second phase, the Fund will invite all eligible low-income Harris County residents to complete an application either online or over the phone. The application will screen for key eligibility criteria. Recipients must: 

·       Be eligible for and receiving services from a long list of public benefits programs OR be under 60% of area median income 

·       Be a resident of Harris County

·       Have been economically impacted by COVID-19

·       Not have received funding from a City or County COVID-19 financial assistance program

The public application will open Tuesday, June 23 and Wednesday, June 24, 2020. More detailed information regarding eligibility requirements, how to access the application online and over the phone, and what residents will need to prepare for the application will be released in the coming week. The latest updates about the fund will be posted on the fund’s website at www.harriscountyrelief.org.  

“I am pleased to see this happening for so many in our communities who are struggling because of this pandemic. There is an urgent need, so there is no time to sit idly by,” said Harris County Precinct 2 Commissioner Adrian Garcia. “This fund is intended to provide emergency financial assistance to families who need it the most and who are most at risk of being evicted from their homes. I am confident that our partners at The Greater Houston Community Foundation will do good a job managing this fund.”

Those in need of immediate assistance are encouraged to call 211 Texas/United Way helpline to find an organization in your geographic region that can serve you.

THEATRE UNDER THE STARS POSTPONES FALL MUSICALS, DUE TO CORONAVIRUS CRISIS

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THEATRE UNDER THE STARS POSTPONES FALL MUSICALS, DUE TO CORONAVIRUS CRISIS

30HOUSTON – Theatre Under The Stars had planned to launch its 2020/2021 Season at the Hobby Center with the Broadway-bound revival of 1776 in September, followed by Rock of Ages in October. However, due to ongoing risks related to the coronavirus pandemic, both productions have been moved to later in the 2020/2021 Season. The season will now begin with Disney’s The Little Mermaid on Dec. 6 and end with the two postponed productions.

“With the well-being of our audiences, artists and staff as our primary concern, we’re delaying the start of the upcoming season to allow more time for the current health crisis to abate,” said TUTS Artistic Director Dan Knechtges. 

The ‘80s-themed musical comedy Rock of Ages will run Aug. 10 through 22, 2021. The highly-anticipated Broadway revival of 1776 will cap off the season Sept. 28 through Oct. 10, 2021, immediately following its run in New York City. Directed by Tony Award®-winning director Diane Paulus, the Houston engagement will feature the complete Broadway cast.

“Rock of Ages is going to be the perfect party show for some summer fun, and we’re thrilled to snag the full Broadway production of 1776for Houston audiences,” said Knechtges. “We’re so thankful that we can retain both musicals for the upcoming season.”

As previously announced, the season also includes Disney’s The Little Mermaid, Dec. 6 through 24; South Pacific, Feb. 9 through 21; Sister Act, April 6 through 18; and the North American tour of Come From Away, May 18 through 30. All productions will be in the Hobby Center’s Sarofim Hall.

Tickets for Theatre Under The Stars 2020/21 Season are currently only available by subscription. Season ticket-holders enjoy a variety of perks including first access to seats, complimentary ticket exchanges, and savings on additional seats. Payment plans are available. Subscribers can also take advantage of a no risk, money-back guarantee through Monday, Nov. 2. Visit TUTS.com/subscribe or call 713-558-8887 to learn more. Individual tickets will go on sale to the public later this year.

Subscribers are also encouraged to become members of a TUTS Donor Clubs. Benefits include complimentary self-parking and VIP ticketing concierge services. Visit TUTS.com/donorclubs to learn more.

In addition to these scheduling changes, TUTS is converting all in-person summer camps for children and young adults to online classes. For more information about summer offerings from the Humphreys School of Musical Theatre and The River, visit TUTS.com/education. 

Theatre Under The Stars is grateful to Season Sponsors: Children’s Memorial Hermann Hospital, ABC-13/KTRK, and Hampton Inn/Homewood Suites. Theatre Under The Stars is funded in part by the City of Houston through the Houston Arts Alliance and the Miller Theatre Advisory Board, the Texas Commission on the Arts and the National Endowment for the Arts.

THEATRE UNDER THE STARS (“TUTS”) – (Dan Knechtges, Artistic Director; Hillary J Hart, Executive Director) – Founded by Frank M. Young in 1968, Houston’s non-profit home for musical theatre, is dedicated to enriching lives through innovative musical theatre, inclusive educational curriculums and dynamic community engagement. For more information, visit tuts.com.

METRO Bus Operator, a Records Clerk and a Credit Union Employee Test Positive for COVID-19

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METRO Bus Operator, a Records Clerk and a Credit Union Employee Test Positive for COVID-19
METRO has received confirmation a bus operator, a records clerk and an employee with Met Tran Federal Credit Union, which is housed at METRO Headquarters, have tested positive for COVID-19.  This brings the total number of cases to 34 METRO employees and five contractors. Fifteen of the employees had no contact with the public. METRO tracks and reports all positive cases among its workforce of more than 4200. We are also conducting temperature checks of employees before they begin their workday. The bus operator’s last day on the job was May 31.  In the two weeks prior, that employee drove the following routes:


*The chart above reflects the days the operator was on duty two weeks prior to their last day on the job.

The credit union employee last worked June 12 and the records clerk last worked June 3.  Neither had contact with the public.

Anyone who comes in contact with an individual who tests positive should monitor themselves for possible symptoms, contact your health care provider as soon as you develop any symptoms, and self-isolate to avoid possibly exposing others, including refraining from using public transportation.

METRO is working with public health officials so they can identify and notify anyone who traveled the routes driven by the bus operator during those time frames, as well as anyone else who may have been impacted by the other positive cases.

Since mid-March, METRO has sought to minimize the likelihood of COVID-19 transmission by operators or passengers by encouraging social distancing.  On March 23, the agency temporarily suspended collecting fares to avoid unnecessary contacts.  Shortly thereafter, orange mesh fencing was installed across the aisles of every local bus to assure appropriate distancing between operators and passengers.

We appreciate and greatly value our riders. We have taken many actions, including working with the community at large, to “flatten the curve” of COVID-19. To prevent or minimize its transmission on the transit system, METRO asks all riders to use the system only for essential trips at this time, wear a facial covering while riding the system, practice social distancing when you do ride transit (i.e., stand or sit at least 6 feet apart, as recommended by the Centers for Disease Control, wash your hands for 20 seconds before boarding transit and after deboarding, cover your mouth when you cough or sneeze, or cough or sneeze into your elbow, avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands, and stay home if you are sick). Additionally, riders should board buses only from the back door, and stand or sit no closer than six feet behind the driver. 

METRO’s number one priority is protecting the health and safety of our customers, community and employees.

The Metropolitan Transit Authority of Harris County (METRO) is the region’s largest public transit provider, offering safe, reliable and affordable transportation services about 370,000 times per day. Besides operating more than 1,200 buses on METRO’s network, METRORail‘s system includes the Red Line (Main Street and Northline), Green Line (East End) and Purple Line (Southeast). METRO’s services also include: STAR Vanpool, METROLift, HOV/HOT lanes, Bike & Ride program, Park & Ride, and road improvement projects. Learn more about METRO services at ridemetro.org where you will also find useful tools like the RideMETRO app where you can plan your trip and even pay your fare from your phone.

Astros add key pieces in challenging Draft

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Astros add key pieces in challenging Draft
The postponement of high school and college baseball seasons early in the spring didn’t stop the Astros from being able to put eyes on all four players they wound up selecting Thursday in the 2020 MLB Draft. 

The Astros selected four players, starting with high school pitcher Alex Santos, an 18-year-old right-hander from New York. He was taken with the 72nd overall pick the Astros were awarded after free agent Gerrit Cole signed with the Yankees. 



Houston’s final three picks were college players: hard-throwing Vanderbilt closer Tyler Brown, whom the club envisions developing as a starter; Tennessee outfielder Zach Daniels, a speedster with intriguing tools who was just starting to put it all together before the college season was halted; and UC San Diego shortstop Shay Whitcomb, a polished Division II hitter who put himself on the map with a strong performance in the 2019 Cape Cod League.

read full article click here

The World is Demanding Criminal Justice Reform

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The World is Demanding Criminal Justice Reform
The world is demanding criminal justice reform and residents here in Harris County are expressing the same calls to end police brutality and find alternatives to a discriminatory system. 

I hear your voices.

I saw your commitment and dedication when I walked alongside you as we gathered with more than 60,000 Houstonians to protest George Floyd’s killing at the hands of the Minneapolis police. 

Throughout my life I have fought for a fair criminal justice system, one that doesn’t criminalize people based on their class, race, or health. Never before have I witnessed a time like the present where that it is truly possible to divest ourselves from a system of mass incarceration of communities of color. We will make our communities better and safer for all people and that is only possible through extensive reform.  

Tuesday at Commissioners Court, we passed important measures to stop the criminalization of poverty, mental illness and homelessness, which have all been used to discriminate and oppress communities of color. 

Take some time to read about them. 
 
Examine Budget Priorities & Re-Invest Resources

Now is the time to begin investing in alternatives to our current criminal justice system – a system that criminalizes poverty and public health challenges while being discriminatorily applied to oppress communities of color. By examining and implementing new possibilities that will uplift our communities, our resources will be more impactful and efficient, and ultimately result in safer communities with less violence. There are better alternatives to addressing long-term root issues, like health and economic stability, than with mass incarceration. Where we invest our money and time reflects our values.

We must ask ourselves if spending 45% of Harris County’s general fund budget on law enforcement the best way to promote the health and safety of our residents?
By passing a measure calling for a comprehensive examination of our budget priorities and allocating an initial marker of $25 million for alternative programs — with $5 million going to qualifying cities that plan to implement such services — on Tuesday, we afford ourselves the opportunity to prioritize community health and reduce racial disparities. With this measure, we also recognize that most problems arising from substance use disorders, mental health diagnoses, and poverty require medical professionals and social workers-not criminal enforcement or armed officers. 

Why do we continue to believe that we are safer when we incarcerate our neighbors who have the greatest need? 
 
Re-imagine what justice means

We are tired of waiting as Black and Brown lives are continuously and needlessly destroyed. Harris County sends Black people to Texas prisons at almost FIVE TIMES the rate of White people. 
We must re-imagine what justice means, and open our eyes to the ways that the justice system intersects with racism, classism and other societal inequities. We must chart a new path predicated on community well-being. We can choose to have a society that uplifts communities and makes them safer and healthier because we cannot continue on the path of ineffective and discriminatory criminal practices that destroy lives.
 
Ensure Quality Indigent Defense

We passed a measure that will ensure all people will have their rights protected through adequate and fair defense. Everyone – rich or poor – should be guaranteed capable legal defense. We must stop criminalizing poverty, homelessness and mental illness. Incarcerating people for being poor doesn’t make us any safer.
 
Independent Oversight Board with Subpoena Power

We passed a measure to create an independent civilian oversight board with subpoena power to review documents and investigate claims against the police, including cases involving excessive force. The need for greater transparency is necessary to begin to strengthen the relationship between community and law enforcement and guarantee accountability.
 
We are on the path toward a better, fairer justice system but we must continue the fight. I have been on the battlefield for justice for decades, so I want to encourage you not to give up. Continue to show up at protests, call your elected officials and exercise your right to vote.
 
Change is happening, and I am proud of our community for saying enough is enough.

  
Sincerely, 

Rodney Ellis, Commissioner
Precinct One

Publicación 1169 – Revista Digital 4 de junio – 10 de junio / 2020

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Publicación 1169 – Revista Digital 4 de junio – 10 de junio / 2020

Gracias por visitarnos, este artículo contiene la revista digital de ¡Que Onda Magazine! de fecha 4 de junio hasta el 10 de junio del 2020.

Houston artists create mural as tribute to 2020 high school seniors

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A new mural celebrating the Houston area class of 2020 has been added to the iconic collection of murals in Graffiti Park, 2102 Leeland St. in East Downtown (EaDo). Internationally recognized Houston artist, Gonzo247 collaborated with artists Nicky Davis, JoJo, Sy and Carolyn Figueroa to create a vibrant, colorful piece filled with uplifting messages to inspire members of this year’s graduating class who have endured a difficult year, missing many traditional memories because of the COVID-19 pandemic. This collective of accomplished artists donated their time and talents to celebrate the senior class of 2020. 

The one-of-kind mural will be unveiled in a video tribute to area high school graduates attending one of several outdoor events hosted by five participating districts: Aldine, Alief, HISD, Spring Branch and Spring on Friday, June 5, at 6:30 p.m. (See details on district celebrations and locations) 

Students from any school or district will be able to add custom selfies to their memory books with the mural created just for them as the backdrop. The public is also invited to view the art work in person or see the special video tribute broadcast and/or streaming on most local media outlets. (See media partners and complete schedule) 

“Our goal was to create something that visually captured the challenges of the unimaginable year these students have faced, while also encouraging them to move forward,” said Gonzo247. “We wanted to remind the class of 2020 that despite the pandemic, opportunities and a bright future await them.” 

Houston First Corporation is excited to partner with the City of Houston, local media outlets, participating school districts and the artists collective led by Gonzo247 to provide the Class of 2020 with this unique graduation experience. 

For the latest updates and to view teaser videos, visit http:// www.Houston2020Seniors.com; #Houston2020Seniors. 

Houston First Contacts: Carolyn Campbell (832) 982-9902 carolyn.campbell@houstonfirst.com 

Mariauna Hernandez (713) 705-0125 mariauna.hernandez@houstonfirst.com 

Mayor’s Office of Communications Contacts: Mary Benton (713) 208-6229 mary.benton@houstontx.gov 

Tejal Patel (832) 459-9706 tejal.patel@houstontx.gov 

Governor Abbott, HHSC Announce Extension Of Emergency SNAP Benefits During COVID-19 Pandemic

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Governor Greg Abbott today announced that the Texas Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC) will provide approximately $177 million in emergency Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) food benefits for the month of June in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. HHSC received federal approval from the U.S. Department of Agriculture to extend the maximum, allowable amount of SNAP benefits to recipients based on family size.

“As we continue the process of safely and strategically opening Texas for business, we are committed to ensuring families across the state have access to nutritious food,” said Governor Abbott. “This extension of emergency benefits will help Texans in need provide for their families while our state continues to respond to the COVID-19 pandemic.”

“This extension helps ensure those who need it most are able to continue providing nutritious food for their families and maintain their health,” said Texas HHS Access and Eligibility Services Deputy Executive Commissioner Wayne Salter. “We’ll continue to be flexible in our response to this pandemic to make sure Texans can access the services they need as this situation evolves.”

More than 900,000 SNAP households will see the additional amount on their Lone Star Card by June 12. The emergency June allotments are in addition to the $414.7 million in benefits previously provided to Texans in April and May.

Administered by HHSC, SNAP is a federal program that provides food assistance to approximately 1.4 million eligible low-income families and individuals in Texas.

Texans in need can apply for benefits, including SNAP and Medicaid, at YourTexasBenefits.com or use the Your Texas Benefits mobile app to manage their benefits.

Los clubes de Major League Soccer regresan a los entrenamientos en equipo

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Major League Soccer levantó hoy la moratoria de entrenamientos en equipo implementada el 12 de marzo. Como consecuencia, los clubes de la MLS ahora podrán presentar planes individuales para regresar a las prácticas en equipo. Estos deben ser revisados ​​y aprobados por el personal médico del club y la persona experta en enfermedades infecciosas local antes de enviarlos a la MLS para ser revisados.

Los entrenamientos con el equipo completo serán obligatorios para todos los jugadores a medida que los equipos dan el siguiente paso hacia la reanudación de la competencia.

Para mantener un entorno seguro para todos los jugadores y el personal, los planes individuales de los clubes deben cumplir con las políticas locales sanitarias y gubernamentales y adherirse a los protocolos detallados de salud y seguridad que se crearon en consulta con médicos y expertos en enfermedades infecciosas, que incluyen:

Pruebas médicas:Los jugadores deben completar un examen físico, y además todos los jugadores y el personal deben hacerse dos pruebas de reacción en cadena de la polimerasa (PCR, por sus siglas en inglés) con 24 horas de diferencia, 72 horas antes del inicio del entrenamiento, y someterse a una prueba de anticuerpos.El personal médico autorizará a los jugadores entrenar solo después de que hayan completado con éxito su examen físico provisional y dos pruebas de PCR negativas y la prueba serológica.Los jugadores, entrenadores y personal selecto deben completar las pruebas de PCR cada dos días y solo aquellos con resultados negativos podrán asistir al entrenamiento.Las pruebas serológicas se realizarán una vez cada tres meses.Los proveedores de pruebas a los clubes deben estar autorizados por la Administración de Alimentos y Medicamentos de los Estados Unidos (FDA, por sus siglas en inglés) y Health Canada. El tiempo de respuesta para las pruebas no debe ser superior a 24 horas.Si un jugador o un integrante del personal dan positivo, el individuo estará aislado. El individuo aislado será examinado nuevamente al menos 24 horas después para asegurar que el resultado no sea un falso positivo. Todos los contactos cercanos serán probados de inmediato. El rastreo de contactos se realizará bajo la dirección del grupo de trabajo de COVID-19 del club y las autoridades locales.Un jugador o miembro del personal que da positivo por COVID-19 puede regresar al entrenamiento solo cuando sea autorizado por el director médico del club en consulta con el equipo médico de la liga.A cualquier jugador o personal que se considere en una categoría de alto riesgo de enfermedad grave relacionada con COVID-19 no se le permitirá participar en el entrenamiento de equipo a menos que sea autorizado por el director médico del club.Uso de instalaciones y equipos de entrenamiento:Los clubes tendrán uso completo de sus instalaciones de entrenamiento.Los puntos de entrada deben permanecer abiertos para evitar el contacto repetido con las manijas de las puertas o las barras de salida de la puerta.La sala de entrenamiento, los gimnasios y las áreas de acondicionamiento físico se limitarán a no más de cinco personas en cualquier momento, manteniendo los estándares de distanciamiento físico.Los clubes deben usar varios vestuarios y asignar jugadores al mismo vestuario para cada sesión de entrenamiento. Los casilleros individuales deben estar separados al menos a 10 pies de distancia.La sala de entrenamiento, los gimnasios y las áreas de acondicionamiento físico, así como los vestuarios y las duchas deben limpiarse, desinfectarse después de cada sesión de acuerdo con los protocolos de la MLS.Todo el equipo de entreno y la ropa deben limpiarse y desinfectarse después de cada uso y de acuerdo con los protocolos de la MLS y EPA.Los clubes deben proporcionar botellas de hidratación individuales a los jugadores en todo momento. Las fuentes de agua o hidratación comunales están estrictamente prohibidas.Solo se pueden proporcionar comidas preempacadas individuales y utensilios envueltos individualmente a los jugadores y al personal. Los jugadores y el personal deben mantener 10 pies de distancia física mientras comen.Procesos de seguridad del jugador y personal:Los planes individuales del club deben incluir un plan de acción de emergencia para todos los problemas relacionados con COVID-19.El acceso a los espacios de entrenamiento está restringido solo al personal esencial, con personal específico incluido en el plan individual del club.Cada jugador debe llenar el cuestionario de evaluación estándar antes llegar a la sede de entrenamiento, y controles de temperatura al llegar a las instalaciones.Llegadas y salidas escalonadas de jugadores y personal, con espacios de estacionamiento designados para mantener la distancia máxima entre vehículos.Uso de equipo de protección personal por parte del jugador desde el estacionamiento hasta su posición designada en el campo o gimnasio. Los jugadores deben mantener su tapabocas cuando estén en la sala de entrenamiento.El personal utiliza el equipo de protección personal adecuado en todo momento, incluso durante los entrenos.Se requiere tener estaciones de lavado de manos y desinfectantes para el uso requerido antes y después de las sesiones.La MLS continuará evaluando la moratoria de entrenamiento en equipo para los equipos de academia de los de clubes MLS.
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