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Anti-police defunding billboard campaign warns Austin drivers to 'enter at your own risk!'
The Texas Municipal Police Association launched a billboard campaign Wednesday in response to what the union called Austin City Council's "disastrous decision" to cut some police funding.
Two billboards now appear on I-35, just north and south of the city, warning drivers to "enter at your own risk."
https://t.co/JCqTKdTNRO— TMPA (@TMPA) 1599665704.0
After months of protests against police violence and calls from residents to remove the police chief, Austin City Council voted last month to immediately cut approximately $20 million—or about 5%—of the Austin Police Department budget. They also put an additional $130 million into two transitional funds that will allow several of APD's traditional duties to continue while officials work out which responsibilities to move out from under police oversight.
The TMPA—which represents more than 30,000 local, county and state law enforcement officers across the state—wrote in a Facebook post that the decision to cut funding was a "reckless act, a political stunt by the city council pandering to the radical left" and that it "will do nothing but endanger the people of Austin."
State GOP leaders, including Gov. Greg Abbott and Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick, tweeted in support of the billboard campaign on Wednesday.
Thank you to the Texas Municipal Police Association for these great new billboards that went up in Austin today.… https://t.co/ph8UQgdxkB— Dan Patrick (@Dan Patrick) 1599679726.0
Last year, Austin spent more per resident on the police than any of the four largest cities in Texas, according to the Texas Tribune. Between 2008 and 2018, its violent crime rate fell 25%. This year, through July, there were 29 homicides, compared with 19 during the same period last year.
Abbott tweeted last week that he was considering a legislative proposal that, if passed, would put APD under state control.
This proposal for the state to takeover the Austin Police Department is one strategy I'm looking at. We can't let… https://t.co/N0ZEUeH384— Greg Abbott (@Greg Abbott) 1599168839.0
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Popular
Tito's Handmade Vodka
Show your love for Tito's and for the community this year with a wide selection of not that ugly, uglyish, ugly, uglier, and ugliest holiday sweaters.
There's lots choose from, and plenty of accessories like scarves and socks, plus gear for your dog, too.
All of the items can be purchased online or at the Love, Tito’s Retail Store in Austin, TX. 100% of all net proceeds from online or in-store purchases go to one of the nonprofits we’ve teamed up with.
Click here to see the entire collection in the Tito's store.
🗓 All weekend
Check out this highly anticipated art exhibition with illuminated art along Waller Creek. Tickets are free and the event includes food vendors, dazzling lights, live music, and hands-on activities
All weekend 6 p.m - 10 p.m | 📍Waterloo Park
This iconic holiday tradition lights up for the first time this holiday season starting this weekend! Reserve your spot for an enchanting light and sound performance, delicious hot cocoa, sweet treats, and some overall fun with your friends or family. The show runs till January 6th.
6 p.m and 9 p.m | 📍Mozart's Coffee Roasters - 3825 Lake Austin Blvd, Austin, TX 78703
🗓 Saturday
This fitness event is free and open to the public. Get your morning started right with a "Fitness in the park" class for kickboxing! The class will be led by certified instructors and is a great way to get a cardio workout in while also honing your self-defense skills.
10 a.m - 11 a.m | 📍 Metz Park
Support local LBGTQ+ and female artists at this outdoor market with over 150 vendors. Get your holiday shopping out of the way at this event, with vendors for food trucks, handmade goods, raffles, hands on workshops and activities, and more.
Did someone say cheese?! If you're like me and always willing to get your hands on a bowl of mac and cheese, then this event is for you. Check out the Mac and Cheese festival happening this weekend to decide which vendor has. the best mac and cheese for yourself, and enjoy the bar with creative cocktails while you're at it. Tickets start at $45.
11 a.m - 3 p.m | 📍Lantana Place - 7415 Southwest Parkway
