After the Sunset Committee proposed closing Austin SSLC, along with five other unnamed state supported living centers by 2017, TSEU went into action with a postcard campaign. We launched the campaign at our Save Austin SSLC picnic which was planned by activist Stacy Offord. Since then, hundreds of postcards have been sent to area legislators asking for their support in keeping these valuable services for a very vulnerable community of Texas citizens.
Offord and fellow AuSSLC member Susan Hanson met with with Senator Kirk Watson and Representative Elliott Naishtat’s offices (whose districts include the facility) to explain why these specialized services are needed and are not available in community homes. Getting legislators to understand the medical needs, behavioral challenges and reliance on the type of care and treatment received at these facilities will be key in stopping closures.
TSEU members have joined in with the Austin SSLC Parents Association in demonstrations outside the facility, protesting the evictions of residents.
Saving Austin SSLC and others from the budget cutting axe which jeopardizes the health and safety of many of our most vulnerable citizens is going to be one of the biggest battles for our union this legislative session. The private group home industry and developers who would profit from the evictions and sell off this valuable property are serious and have powerful political allies. To win we must continue to build our membership, COPE fund, activism and work together with advocacy and community groups.