As the City of Austin tries to close anywhere from an $11 to $28 million budget gap for the FY 2011 budget, everything remains on the table. One idea that is gaining support is not coming from city leaders, but from an Austin resident.
The idea gaining traction was posted online on the city's budget website. A citizen suggests eliminating the City's Day Labor Center in North Austin, and it's getting support from other residents.
Everyday about 100 people come to the City of Austin’s Day Labor site looking for work.
“I found three jobs out of here that help me pay my bills and keep my apartment and stuff,” said day laborer August Holland.
It costs tax payer $357,000 to keep the center open at 51st Street and I-35 in North Austin. City staff did not put it on the cut list.
But some Austin residents believe it should be.
The City of Austin’s budget website asks residents what to cut and what to save for next year’s budget. Paul G wrote, “Close the day labor site for illegal aliens looking for work. Closing it saves money and promotes jobs for Americans.” He seems to have struck a chord with some residents.
“I’d be curious how many people have social security cards that go in there,” said Johnny Gerace.
In 1997, Austin passed a resolution declaring the city a safe haven. It guarantees anyone coming into the city access to programs and services without being asked about their immigration status.
The City points out how valuable day laborers are to the Austin economy, saying they contribute about $1 million a year.
“We came here because we know there are hard working people that are willing to make a living just like everyone else is,” said Julio Balderram.
However, the site still hasn’t reduced the number of day laborers hanging out at other places in Austin. Thursday, there were dozens of men looking for work at the intersection of I-35 and St. Johns Avenue.
“It’s a waste of tax payer money, and I think it’s dangerous,” said Gerace.
The City Manager will present his full budget to Council in the coming months.
