As part of the nearly $6 billion budget approved for Fiscal Year 2024-2025, the Austin City Council is forcing local taxpayers to shoulder the costs of terminating pregnancies.
The recently approved budget allocates half a million dollars to a “Reproductive Health-Logistical Support” fund—which is aimed at funneling taxpayers’ dollars to pro-abortion organizations that assist women with traveling to other states to get abortions, according to Texas Right to Life.
This fund would also cover the costs of sending a companion with the woman seeking to abort her unborn child.
“Austin City Council has a long history of using taxpayer dollars to promote abortion and attack pro-life pregnancy centers,” Texas Right to Life President John Seago told Texas Scorecard.
“However, this most recent budget goes further than ever since they are now funneling half a million dollars to pro-abortion organizations that are aiding and abetting illegal and out-of-state abortions,” he continued.
Seago said that the pro-life movement will not turn a blind eye to the city’s decision to join the “criminal enterprise” of organizations targeting Texas children.
The $5.9 billion budget is the largest in the city’s history. In addition to this out-of-state abortion fund, the budget includes the maximum allowable property tax increase and higher rates for electricity, trash, and water.
The budget passed with a vote of 10-1. Conservative councilmember Mackenzie Kelly was the lone dissenter.
Kelly explained in a statement that she cannot, in good conscience, vote “yes” on the budget due to the cost-of-living crisis that currently affects Austin residents.
“I firmly believe that we must prioritize the financial well-being of our community and strive for a budget that truly reflects the needs and challenges faced by all Austinites, ensuring a more thriving and sustainable future for our city,” she said.
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