|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Fewer Texans Returning to Prison |
A renewed focus on rehabilitation and treatment has resulted in fewer Texans being reincarcerated after being released from prison. Texas is one of four states highlighted in a recent policy brief reporting on significant reductions in recidivism rates. The Council of State Governments Justice Center tracked three-year recidivism rates for individuals released from prison from 2005 through 2007. Texas and Ohio reported a reduction in recidivism of 11%, while the Kansas rate fell by 15% and Michigan's fell by 18%.
The report credits the "Second Chance" Act programs, which were passed with bi-partisan support in the Congress. These programs focus on helping people prepare to leave prison ready to be productive members of their communities.
|
|
Number of Texans Without Health Insurance Will be Cut in Half Under Affordable Care Act |
Texas has the highest percent of people without health insurance of any state in the nation. One-half of the 5.9 million Texans who currently have no health insurance will be covered once the Affordable Care Act is implemented, according to a new report by Rice University's Hobby Center for the Study of Texas. The study examines the impact of the ACA on different populations and also compares three scenarios based on how fully the State chooses to enact the legislation. Following are a few of the findings:
- The population that will see the biggest increase in coverage is adults aged 18 to 64 who earn less than 138% of the Federal Poverty Level. While many states provide Medicaid coverage for people earning this level of income, Texas does not currently, but will be required to once the ACA is in place. Currently, 48% of these people have no health insurance, but, under a "moderate" scenario of implementation, it is estimated that 85% will have health insurance coverage.
- Adults aged 18-64 who earn 139% to 400% of the Federal Poverty Limit would also see big increases in coverage rates. They will also be subject to a fine if they don't purchase insurance, and they will be eligible for a subsidy to help offset the cost of insurance coverage.
- Two populations will see little to no change: the elderly and undocumented residents. Undocumented residents, 40% of whom have no health insurance, will still not be eligible for public health insurance. The Elderly will still be eligible for Medicare, and the 98% who are currently covered will continue to have health insurance.
|
|
Del Valle ISD Achieves "FAST" Rating | |
Texas Comptroller Susan Combs has updated the Financial Allocation Study for Texas (FAST) with new ratings that measure the academic progress and cost-effective operations of school districts in Texas. Del Valle ISD is the only district in the Austin metropolitan area to receive the highest rating offered. Visit http://www.FASTEXAS.org to learn more. |
|
October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month |
 The Austin Police Department has gone "pink" with patrol cars wrapped in pink in recognition of Breast Cancer Awareness Month and to encourage people to register for the Susan G Komen Foundation's annual Race for the Cure on November 4th.
Despite significant advances in treatment and prevention, breast cancer remains the second leading cause of cancer death for women in the United States. In her announcement of national Breast Cancer Awareness month, HHS Secretary Kathleen Sebelius reminds us that, due to the Affordable Care Act, mammogram screenings and well-woman visits are now available to most women with no co-pay or fee. |
|
 |
|
CAN Community Dashboard | |
The CAN Community Dashboard tracks key socio-economic indicators for the Austin, Travis County, and the larger 5-county metro area.
|
|
Review of the November 6th Ballot | |
The November 6th ballot will be a long one including not only a Presidential election and other political races, but local propositions as well. Among these are two that would change the way Austin elects its City Council.
Representatives of the Travis County Clerk's Office and the League of Women Voters will provide a preview of November's ballot at the October 15th CAN Community Council meeting at 5:30 p.m. at Austin City Hall. Watch live, or on demand, on Cable Channel 6. |
| CAN Board of Directors | |
The CAN Board of Directors will meet Friday, October 12th at 1 p.m. at Austin City Hall. Watch live, or on demand, on Cable Channel 6. |
| Connect to Research | |
Visit the CAN website for links to new research and reports. You can also catch up on the latest CAN twitter feeds at caction.org. |
| Follow CAN's Tweets | |
Get short, timely updates on meetings, research and more on CAN_Austin. |
| CAN Events Calendar | |
Keep up with community events and post your own events on the CAN Community Events Calendar. |
|
|
|
Growth, Equity & the Future of the U.S. Housing Market |
The LBJ School of Public Affairs will host a public address by Sarah Rosen Wartell, President of the Urban Institute, entitled " Housing Matters: Growth, Equity & the Future of the U.S. Housing Market." The event will take place on Tuesday, October 9th from 6 - 7:30 p.m. Wartell was President Bill Clinton's deputy assistant for economic policy and the deputy director of his National Economic Council. In the White House from 1998 to 2000, she managed administration policy in housing and community development, financial markets and banking, insurance, consumer protection, pensions, and other areas. Wartell served in various roles in the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development from 1993 to 1998. |
|
Austin Energy Event: Get "Plugged In" to Community Resources | |
Austin Energy will host a free, family-friendly event to help people get "Plugged In" to valuable resources and social services. Make plans to attend Austin Energy's 2nd annual Community Connections event on Saturday, October 27th from 10 a.m.-1 p.m. at the Metz Recreation Center, 2407 Canterbury Street. Over 50 vendors including multiple City of Austin departments, county and state agencies, and non-profit groups that provide services to low-income families will be on hand to let families know about the resources available in our community. Austin Energy will offer automatic enrollment for its Utility Bill Discount Program to qualifying customers. Additionally, staff will provide brief presentations to educate residents on the new electric rates and the redesign of the Customer Assistance Program. Carnival games and face painters will be on-site to entertain kids and hot dogs will be served. For more information, call 972-7652 or 972-7718. |
|
Bi-national Health Week / Ventanilla de Salud | |
Binational Health Week is a two-week series of health events taking place locally and across the nation aimed at improving the health of Latino families. Bring friends and family to enjoy all the events being held in Austin! Learn how to manage your diabetes, enjoy exercise and nutrition classes, get HIV and cholesterol screenings or a flu shot, and much more. Almost all Binational Health Week events are FREE! Click here to learn more. |
|
Spirit of the Heart Community Leaders Forum and Health Screenings | |
With a focus on preventing and treating cardiovascular disease in diverse communities through Spirit of the Heart events, the Association of Black Cardiologists will hosting a Community Leaders Forum Friday, October 12 from 6:00 pm to 9:00 pm at the Carver Museum and will be offering free health screenings to the community on Saturday, October 13 at Huston-Tillotson University Davage-Durden Hall from 12 noon to 5 pm. Register for Friday's forum here. Also visit www.cardiosmart.org or call
800-753-9222 to learn more. |
|
"Healthy Bodies, Healthy Minds, Healthy Hearts" Conference for Out of School Time Professionals | |
 "Healthy Bodies, Healthy Minds, Healthy Hearts" is the theme of the sixth annual Central Texas Afterschool Network conference for out of school time professionals. The conference will feature inspired learning and conversations in physical, social, emotional and mental health. Featured speakers are Dr. Peter Witt, Edna K. Bradberry Recreation and Youth Development Endowed Chair at Texas A&M University, and Nancy Herron, Director of Texas Parks and Wildlife. The conference will be held November 2nd at Travis High School. Visit http://ctanweb.org to register.
|
| 2-1-1 Training | |
 2-1-1 Texas offers free monthly trainings on when to use 2-1-1 Texas and how to search the 2-1-1 Texas database to find information about available community resources. The targeted audience for these trainings is social services professionals and volunteers. Registration for the training sessions, offered the last Friday of each month, is not required.
Training sessions are held on the last Friday of every month at 2 p.m. at United Way for Greater Austin, 2000 E. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd. and last about an hour and a half. For more information, call 2-1-1 and select option 1 or email Amy Price at amy.price@unitedwaycapitalarea.org.
|
|
|
 Working to promote equity and opportunity. Community Action Network (CAN) is a partnership of government, non-profit, private and faith-based organizations who work together to enhance the social, health, educational and economic well-being of Austin/Travis County. As a convener, connector and informer, CAN... - enhances awareness of community issues,
- connects efforts and strengthens partnerships across issue areas, and
- provides a collaborative forum for developing strategies that promote equity and opportunity for all.
CAN Partners: Austin Chamber of Commerce, Austin Community College, Austin Independent School District, Austin Travis County Integral Care, Capital Metro, Central Health, City of Austin, Community Justice Council, interfaith Action Central Texas (iACT), One Voice Central Texas, Seton Healthcare Family, St. David's Foundation, St. Edward's University, Travis County, United Way for Greater Austin, University of Texas at Austin, and Workforce Solutions - Capital Area. www.caction.org |
|
|
|
|
|
