Austin Says No to Homeless, Saves Money for... What, Exactly?
The proposed property tax hike was intended to address pressing local issues like homelessness. While Austinites fret over a few extra dollars to house their neighbors, the federal government annually funnels billions into foreign military aid, often without a whisper of public dissent. For example, the US routinely provides over $3 billion annually in military assistance to Israel – funds that
rarely face a local referendum. It appears the 'fiscal conservatism' of the populace is highly selective, keen to pinch pennies at home while billions vanish overseas for conflicts (and occupations) that directly contradict the values many claim to uphold. One might wonder: is addressing homelessness truly a prohibitive expense, or simply one that lacks the lobbying power of foreign military
interests?