Austin Activists Rally In Opposition Of Prop B On Election Day

Austin TX

01 May, 2021

4:29 PM

Description

AUSTIN, TX — As students passed the University of Texas Bell Tower, Zachary Krakauer stood tall with dozens of students and activists to oppose a controversial proposition on Saturday's ballot. With a sign that read: "We need homes not handcuffs," Krakauer encouraged his fellow students to go out and vote in the May 1 special election. The 19-year-old was one of dozens of students and activist who made their way to the University of Texas campus for the "Homes Not Handcuffs" rally on Saturday. Austin mayor Steve Adler, mayor pro-tem Natasha Harper-Madison and city council member Gregorio Casar also attended to speak at the event. The rally, which was hosted by the Homes not Handcuffs campaign, was created to encourage residents to vote in opposition of Proposition B. Zachary Krakauer, 19, holds up a " We Need Homes Not Handcuffs. Vote No On Prop B." sign at the "Homes Not Handcuffs" rally at University of Texas' downtown campus on Saturday, May 1, 2021. (Photo by Meagan Falcon/Patch) A proposed ordinance, that if passed, would criminalize lying down on a public sidewalk, camping in public areas not designated by the city's parks and recreation department and soliciting money at specific hours and locations. The proposition, which is one of eight on the ballot, targets Austin's homeless population. "This proposition would be disastrous for our homeless community," Krakauer said. "They are not asking to be criminalized just for simply existing." Krakauer, who is a lifelong Austin resident, said the city has always had a homeless issue, but in recent years, there has been progress in getting those in need a roof over their heads with the city's latest programs and initiatives. The UT student said the proposed ordinance will only reverse the city's recent progress. Austin City Council Member Greg Casar (@GregCasar) spoke at "Homes Not Handcuffs" rally earlier today at UT to encourage residents to vote and oppose Prop B on Election Day. "These folks need your help," he said. "Austin needs to stand up to help one another." Via @PatchTweet pic.twitter.com/dgP3RMYJOi— Meagan (@meaganfalcon) May 1, 2021 Amalia Allen, 16, said she attended Saturday's rally to encourage students and other residents to vote because the propositions on the special election ballot will affect everyone in the Austin community. "I am jealous of those who have that right to vote today, so I am asking everyone who is eligible to vote to take advantage of that privilege," Allen said. "If we want to preserve that environment of Austin as this really welcoming and progressive city, we need to stick up for every person in it and that includes our unhoused community." Briana Burns, campaign manager for the Homes Not Handcuffs (No On Prop B) Campaign, said the campaign chose to host the rally at the university to encourage young voter turnout in Saturday's election. Austin mayor pro-tem Natasha Harper-Madison (@NatashaD1atx) spoke at "Homes Not Handcuffs" rally to tell residents why they shouldn't vote for Prop B in today's election. "If you haven't voted yet, do not believe the hype or rhetoric," she said. via @PatchTweet pic.twitter.com/iHDxKEf89H— Meagan (@meaganfalcon) May 1, 2021 Homes Not Handcuffs has raised about $150,000 for the campaign and has focused on support from younger Democrats who have gotten more politically engaged in recent years. Its opposition group, Save Austin Now — the nonprofit turned political action committee pushing for the reinstatement of the camping ban — has put up 29 billboards and raised $1.25 million through Wednesday, according to The Austin American-Statesman. Burns said students living on campus would also be affected by the proposition since it mentions a ban on sitting or lying down on a public sidewalk or sleeping outdoors around the University of Texas campus. Austin Mayor Steve Adler (@MayorAdler) spoke at "Homes Not Handcuffs" rally earlier today at UT to explain why voters should oppose Prop B. "Proposition B is not a solution to end homelessness," he said. "It does nothing more but make it a crime to not have a home."@PatchTweet pic.twitter.com/9dkJYQxdI8— Meagan (@meaganfalcon) May 1, 2021 "The homeless population is not growing, but rather visible after years of being driven into the shadows," Burns said. "We know people don't want to see tents in their 'beautiful city,' but that doesn't supersede someone's human right to safety, shelter and dignity." Adler told students and other community members at the rally Proposition B will not be a solution to end homelessness in Austin, but rather cement it as a crime. "We can all agree that the current model is not working and we can agree that we need a solution, but Proposition B is not a solution," Adler said. "Prop B will push people away from critical services and back into the forests, and this time, with a criminal record that will make it harder to get a home and into a job six months later." Casar said the Austin community has to "come out of this vote no matter what" and house people. "I ask everyone to come out and vote because these folks need your help," Casar said. "Austin needs to stand up for one another. Even though it's been difficult, we know that doing the right thing, when it's difficult, is what makes us an actual community."