Physical Address 506 Dolorosa San Antonio, TX 78204
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Phone 210.207.7234
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Published on Thursday, August 13, 2020
CONTACT: Bruce Davidson, 210-207-8998 bruce.davidson@sanantonio.gov Zack Lyke 210-207-8448 zack.lyke@sanantonio.gov
SAN ANTONIO (Aug. 13, 2020) — City Council today called a Nov. 3 election, asking voters to consider a COVID-19 pandemic recovery plan that would be funded by redirecting a one-eighth cent sales tax to fund job training and education programs. “More than 150,000 San Antonio residents, our neighbors, have filed for unemployment in the wake of this pandemic,” said Mayor Nirenberg. “Many of the jobs they held are not likely to return.” “The pandemic put a spotlight on our community’s inequities and economic weaknesses. This program gives us a chance to help tens of thousands of San Antonians prepare for more stable careers with a future,” said the Mayor, who orchestrated the development of the plan. The plan does not require a tax increase, but instead would use an existing one-eighth cent sales tax that will become available next year. If the workforce development plan is approved by voters, an estimated 40,000 displaced workers will get access to retraining or additional education during the four-year life of the program, which builds upon the ongoing retraining program funded as part of the City’s Recovery and Resiliency Plan. Emergency assistance and job placement help will be provided for participants. The Mayor appointed a Workforce and Education Leadership Taskforce that included a cross-section or business, education, and community leaders to provide recommendations and develop the plan.
Author: Melanie Morales (GPA)
Categories: City News, Mayor & Council, Mayor Ron Nirenberg
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