21 hours Ago
AUSTIN, Texas — Austin Public Health leaders worry that federal funding cuts could affect jobs and care in the community. The department’s director told the city’s Public Health Committee on Wednesday that its grant losses could eventually total nearly $15 million and impact more than 50 jobs. In Fiscal Year 2025, which runs through September, the department received nearly $40 million in grants, which fund just over half of its positions.
“If you hear the waver in my voice, it is the emotion behind the seriousness of this moment,” said Austin Public Health Director Adrienne Sturrup. So far, these cuts have impacted 27 full-time employees, plus 25 summer youth interns in refugee health services, tobacco prevention, and immunizations like measles shots. “The situation that we’re in, I’ve called it ‘death by a thousand cuts,'" Sturrup said.
Sturrup worries that future cuts of an additional $7.8 million at risk could impact HIV prevention, youth programs, and COVID-19 surveillance. At least another 28 staffers could be impacted by more cuts, but uncertainty remains.
“So far, this has impacted five grants with 27 full-time staff who will no longer be able to support the community within the federally funded health programs in their capacity,” spokesperson William Malm said. “However, the City Manager has emphasized that, through a Reduction in Force (RIF) process, the City will work diligently to determine if staff may be absorbed into other vacant positions within the City of Austin through the remainder of the fiscal year (Sept 2025).” The uncertainty also worried Austin City Council members.
“I think it makes our upcoming budget deliberations even more challenging,” said Austin Mayor Pro Tem Vanessa Fuentes. Several Austinites, including faith leaders, shared their concerns with the committee. “I’m the voice of many, many, many Hispanic families that really need this budget,” said Marivel Reyes, Pastor at Iglesia El Shaddai in northeast Austin.
“We’re here speaking for those who may not be able to speak for themselves, some of those who may be working today because they cannot be here,” said Joseph Parker, Jr., Senior Pastor at David Chapel Missionary Baptist Church. Parker worries East Austin will lose testing, vaccines, and other health services.
“My concern is that, particularly with regard to the Black community, there are some conditions that seem to be largely affecting us: blood pressure, diabetes, things of that sort that many of our people can’t afford to go to a private care provider,” said Parker, Jr. during an interview with KVUE after the meeting. On April 8, Austin City Manager T.
C. Broadnax will present his financial forecast to the city council as they start the budget process for the next fiscal year..
