'Defund the Police' Experiment Fully Underway In Austin, Texas

Austin, TX, significantly cut its police budget to fund homeless housing, sparking backlash in the conservative state. Despite concerns about rising crime, Austin's initiative aims to provide permanent supportive housing, similar to successful programs in Los Angeles. These efforts are expected to improve public safety and reduce costs associated with emergency services. Austin's reforms extend beyond budget cuts, including mental health options for 911 calls and police oversight, offering a model for other cities to address social issues more effectively.

What was the primary reason for Austin's significant police budget cuts?

• To increase police presence in the city

• To fund permanent supportive housing for the homeless

• To reduce taxes for residents

• To build new police stations

How did the Texas governor respond to the police budget cuts in Austin?

• By ignoring the changes

• By threatening to remove Austin police from city control

• By increasing the police budget further

• By supporting the reallocation of funds

What is one of the expected outcomes of Austin's housing program?

• Closure of local businesses

• Improved safety through supportive housing

• Higher taxes for residents

• Increased crime rates

What additional reform has Austin implemented alongside the police budget cuts?

• A new tax on housing

• A mental health option for 911 calls

• A reduction in public transportation

• An increase in parking fees

What did studies show about the Los Angeles housing program?

• It improved housing stability and saved money

• It increased the number of homeless people

• It had no impact on the community

• It was more expensive than traditional policing