Payday Lending Considered at Committee
Representatives from the payday lending industry and consumer advocates presented at Council’s Housing, Sustainable Growth, & Development Committee to discuss payday lending practices in Houston. The City is reviewing these practices in order to curtail predatory lending, which can lead to the economically disadvantaged being trapped in a cycle of debt. Review and comment on the proposed ordinance »
“ReelAbilities” Houston Disabilities Film Festival Begins
Mayor Annise Parker kicked off the ReelAbilities Film Festival 2013, a citywide event promoting awareness and appreciation of the lives, stories, and artistic expressions of individuals with disabilities. This festival is the largest of its kind in the nation, and Opening Night featured a screening of “Ocean Heaven” (starring Jet Li), hosted by the Asia Society Texas Center.
On the Consent Agenda
Council authorized a new public health revenue stream for Houston, referred to as the “1115 Waiver.” With the implementation of this waiver, the City of Houston is investing in preventative health care for women, young children, senior citizens, and many other groups of Houstonians in need. Partnering programs for this long-term approach to public health include the Houston Sobering Center, Nurse Family Partnership, and Integrated Services for the Homeless.
What’s Happening in the Annex
The District C office welcomed students from Rainard High School to City Council on Wednesday morning. Their teacher, Barbara Stanley, arranged for the students to tour City Hall and the Annex as a field trip for their Governance course. The class attended a Council Meeting, and Council Member Cohen spoke to them about the unique features to Houston’s system of government and answered their policy questions.