This summer Austin Mayor Steve Adler and the City of Austin rescinded laws that limited homeless camps around the Capital City.

Texas Gov. Greg Abbott has expressed his concerns of the law change since the beginning and now will take action to fix the "mounting homeless crisis" if Adler and the city do not within the next 30 days.

The Texas Tribune reports that Abbott's office released a press release claiming a rise in “violence, used needles, and feces littering the streets of Austin and endangering Texas residents.”

Abbott is willing to involve the Health and Human Services Commission and The Texas Department of Public Safety to adopt health rules and add troops for the problem.

“As the Governor of Texas, I have the responsibility to protect the health and safety of all Texans, including Austin residents.”

-Gov. Abbott  in a letter to Adler

Adler said in a press conference that he understands the Governor's concern and is willing to work with the state.

“This is a community right now that is locked on the goal of ending homelessness. It would be easier, it would happen more rapidly if we had the state’s support and I would welcome that assistance.”

-Mayor Adler

Adler says the positive of the changes has been the increased awareness of the homeless, which has helped support groups help more than ever before.

“The governor wants to see action by November 1st, My hope is that the governor starts to see action by next week.”

-Adler

 

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