Tagged: front steps

Public Speaks out on Energy Rate Hikes

More than a hundred people signed up to speak last night at the Austin City Council public hearing on a proposed electricity rate change. This is Austin Energy's first rate increase in 17 years, but some consumer groups say the rate hike is flawed.

KUT's Erika Aguilar reported on the potential impacts to residents and churches, which are classified as small businesses. A second hearing is scheduled for February 2nd.

Texas Responds to Justice Department

People at the Austin Resource Center for the Homeless are handing out more than 200 blankets at 1 p.m. today. The cold weather has created a huge demand for blankets among homeless people, and Austinites have donated generously, ARCH interim executive director Mike Abkowitz told KUT News.

"We've been distributing blankets throughout the cold weather season, but we know there's just more and more need," Abkowitz said.

ARCH will also be disturbing bags of hand-knit hats and scarves, provided by a group of senior citizen women who call themselves the Mitzvah Knitters.