1 00:00:08,520 --> 00:00:10,259 Texas Republicans enacted over the 2 00:00:10,260 --> 00:00:11,959 last year regulatory and legal 3 00:00:11,960 --> 00:00:13,659 changes that have completely altered 4 00:00:13,660 --> 00:00:16,179 life for non-citizens in the state. 5 00:00:16,180 --> 00:00:17,219 Many of these changes were put 6 00:00:17,220 --> 00:00:18,699 forward in the State Legislature 7 00:00:18,700 --> 00:00:19,799 where they failed. 8 00:00:19,800 --> 00:00:21,719 Now they are being made a reality 9 00:00:21,720 --> 00:00:23,499 outside of normal legislative 10 00:00:23,500 --> 00:00:24,919 processes. 11 00:00:24,920 --> 00:00:26,459 And the Austin School District is 12 00:00:26,460 --> 00:00:27,919 facing a giant budget deficit 13 00:00:27,920 --> 00:00:29,539 heading into the next school year. 14 00:00:29,540 --> 00:00:31,039 A draft of that budget was presented 15 00:00:31,040 --> 00:00:33,099 this week to school board members. 16 00:00:33,100 --> 00:00:34,839 Where the deficit stands and the 17 00:00:34,840 --> 00:00:36,399 plans the district is considering to 18 00:00:36,400 --> 00:00:38,889 address it, That's on today's show. 19 00:00:38,890 --> 00:00:40,769 The Austin Signal is a production 20 00:00:40,770 --> 00:00:42,889 of KUT News, hosted by 21 00:00:42,890 --> 00:00:43,969 Jerry Quijano. 22 00:00:43,970 --> 00:00:45,749 Plus, the Moon Tower Comedy Fest is 23 00:00:45,750 --> 00:00:47,529 bringing hundreds more comics to 24 00:00:47,530 --> 00:00:49,189 town over the next week and a half. 25 00:00:49,190 --> 00:00:50,729 We're gonna hear from one of the 26 00:00:50,730 --> 00:00:52,769 performers, and a seance 27 00:00:52,770 --> 00:00:54,409 with Houdini? 28 00:00:54,410 --> 00:00:55,369 Intrigued? 29 00:00:55,370 --> 00:00:57,329 Find out more, up next here 30 00:00:57,330 --> 00:00:58,469 on Austin Signal. 31 00:01:07,620 --> 00:01:08,519 Howdy out there. 32 00:01:08,520 --> 00:01:10,659 You are listening to Austin Signal, 33 00:01:10,660 --> 00:01:12,539 made possible by community-powered 34 00:01:12,540 --> 00:01:14,839 public radio here at KUT 35 00:01:14,840 --> 00:01:15,879 News. 36 00:01:15,880 --> 00:01:17,259 I'm your host, Jerry Kikano. 37 00:01:17,260 --> 00:01:19,339 It is Wednesday, April 8. 38 00:01:19,340 --> 00:01:21,339 We are glad to be part of your 39 00:01:21,340 --> 00:01:22,340 day. 40 00:01:22,880 --> 00:01:24,039 Travis County Commissioner's Court 41 00:01:24,040 --> 00:01:25,999 voted this week to withhold 9% 42 00:01:26,000 --> 00:01:27,959 of Tesla's tax rebate for 43 00:01:27,960 --> 00:01:30,519 2020 through 2022 for, 44 00:01:30,520 --> 00:01:32,519 quote, partial noncompliance with 45 00:01:32,520 --> 00:01:34,399 certain provisions, end quote, in 46 00:01:34,400 --> 00:01:35,939 the company's economic incentive 47 00:01:35,940 --> 00:01:37,869 deal with the That deal was 48 00:01:37,870 --> 00:01:40,129 finalized in 2020 and 49 00:01:40,130 --> 00:01:42,109 offers Tesla up to 80% 50 00:01:42,110 --> 00:01:43,929 of the largest portion of its county 51 00:01:43,930 --> 00:01:46,109 tax bill in exchange for spurring 52 00:01:46,110 --> 00:01:48,509 economic growth in the region. 53 00:01:48,510 --> 00:01:50,229 We have more about this story at 54 00:01:50,230 --> 00:01:52,389 KUT.org and 55 00:01:52,390 --> 00:01:55,369 over on the KUT app. 56 00:01:55,370 --> 00:01:56,829 During past legislative sessions, 57 00:01:56,830 --> 00:01:58,809 bills aiming to bar undocumented 58 00:01:58,810 --> 00:02:00,649 immigrants from working or going to 59 00:02:00,650 --> 00:02:02,529 school here in Texas were proposed 60 00:02:02,530 --> 00:02:04,469 by state lawmakers but faced 61 00:02:04,470 --> 00:02:05,999 by partisan Push back. 62 00:02:06,000 --> 00:02:07,779 And ultimately failed. 63 00:02:07,780 --> 00:02:09,559 Now, however, those intentions are 64 00:02:09,560 --> 00:02:11,499 being made a reality, seemingly 65 00:02:11,500 --> 00:02:13,719 outside of the normal legislative 66 00:02:13,720 --> 00:02:14,579 process. 67 00:02:14,580 --> 00:02:16,259 And that's upending life for many 68 00:02:16,260 --> 00:02:18,459 non-citizens here in Texas, 69 00:02:18,460 --> 00:02:20,439 including many immigrants who are 70 00:02:20,440 --> 00:02:21,819 documented. 71 00:02:21,820 --> 00:02:23,399 For more about this, we are talking 72 00:02:23,400 --> 00:02:24,679 with Eleanor Klybanoff. 73 00:02:24,680 --> 00:02:26,259 She's the law and politics reporter 74 00:02:26,260 --> 00:02:27,999 at the Texas Tribune. 75 00:02:28,000 --> 00:02:29,159 Eleanor, thanks for talking with us 76 00:02:29,160 --> 00:02:30,539 on Austin Signal. 77 00:02:30,540 --> 00:02:31,449 Thanks for having me. 78 00:02:31,450 --> 00:02:32,789 So can you start by giving us an 79 00:02:32,790 --> 00:02:33,969 example of the things that have 80 00:02:33,970 --> 00:02:36,029 changed for not only undocumented 81 00:02:36,030 --> 00:02:37,929 immigrants, but refugees and 82 00:02:37,930 --> 00:02:39,869 DACA recipients here in Texas? 83 00:02:39,870 --> 00:02:41,329 So it's a whole wide range of 84 00:02:41,330 --> 00:02:43,089 things. I mean, most recently we saw 85 00:02:43,090 --> 00:02:44,949 the state change its 86 00:02:44,950 --> 00:02:47,129 rules around who can get license 87 00:02:47,130 --> 00:02:48,169 for jobs. 88 00:02:48,170 --> 00:02:49,429 So there's certain jobs used to be 89 00:02:49,430 --> 00:02:50,389 licensed by the state. 90 00:02:50,390 --> 00:02:52,009 And it's wide range things from dog 91 00:02:52,010 --> 00:02:53,949 breeders to electricians, to 92 00:02:53,950 --> 00:02:55,409 massage therapists. 93 00:02:55,410 --> 00:02:57,429 And it used to if you 94 00:02:57,430 --> 00:02:59,389 were a non-citizen, you 95 00:02:59,390 --> 00:03:00,889 could get those licenses. 96 00:03:00,890 --> 00:03:03,129 If you were DACA recipient, 97 00:03:03,130 --> 00:03:04,989 if you had asylum or were a refugee 98 00:03:04,990 --> 00:03:06,989 and they're considering changes, 99 00:03:06,990 --> 00:03:08,309 the agency that oversees that has 100 00:03:08,310 --> 00:03:09,139 just. 101 00:03:09,140 --> 00:03:10,819 Approved changes to that that will 102 00:03:10,820 --> 00:03:12,659 really upend that whole system. 103 00:03:12,660 --> 00:03:13,939 And these changes haven't been made 104 00:03:13,940 --> 00:03:15,599 through the legislature, so how are 105 00:03:15,600 --> 00:03:17,459 they being enacted, and why is that 106 00:03:17,460 --> 00:03:19,189 significant to the story? 107 00:03:19,190 --> 00:03:20,349 So a lot of these changes are 108 00:03:20,350 --> 00:03:21,589 happening through the regulatory 109 00:03:21,590 --> 00:03:23,529 system, which essentially means 110 00:03:23,530 --> 00:03:25,329 that these agencies that have a 111 00:03:25,330 --> 00:03:26,589 decent amount of power and are 112 00:03:26,590 --> 00:03:29,109 supposed to sort of enact rules, 113 00:03:29,110 --> 00:03:31,149 generally in response to legislation 114 00:03:31,150 --> 00:03:33,229 or federal changes are 115 00:03:33,230 --> 00:03:34,729 doing this separate from that. 116 00:03:34,730 --> 00:03:36,609 So they're saying, we're 117 00:03:36,610 --> 00:03:37,829 just gonna take a second look at 118 00:03:37,830 --> 00:03:39,589 this on our own. 119 00:03:39,590 --> 00:03:40,829 These agencies operate 120 00:03:40,830 --> 00:03:42,169 independently, but they are part of 121 00:03:42,170 --> 00:03:44,389 the executive branch and they're 122 00:03:44,390 --> 00:03:45,929 run by these commissions and boards 123 00:03:45,930 --> 00:03:48,179 that are made up of appointees 124 00:03:48,180 --> 00:03:50,039 by Governor Greg Abbott and his 125 00:03:50,040 --> 00:03:51,639 office must approve any of these 126 00:03:51,640 --> 00:03:52,679 rule changes. 127 00:03:52,680 --> 00:03:53,999 So it's really happening through the 128 00:03:54,000 --> 00:03:55,339 governor and the executive branch 129 00:03:55,340 --> 00:03:57,099 versus the legislative branch, which 130 00:03:57,100 --> 00:03:58,639 is the typical process. 131 00:03:58,640 --> 00:03:59,899 What have you heard from immigrant 132 00:03:59,900 --> 00:04:01,820 rights experts about these changes? 133 00:04:03,100 --> 00:04:04,799 Know, they say that it's been very 134 00:04:04,800 --> 00:04:06,379 confusing and created this culture 135 00:04:06,380 --> 00:04:08,339 of fear where even when some 136 00:04:08,340 --> 00:04:09,539 of the rules don't necessarily apply 137 00:04:09,540 --> 00:04:11,339 to every single group and some, you 138 00:04:11,340 --> 00:04:12,599 know, in some cases, DACA recipients 139 00:04:12,600 --> 00:04:14,659 are not impacted or refugees are 140 00:04:14,660 --> 00:04:16,679 not affected, that people 141 00:04:16,680 --> 00:04:18,398 are sort of proactively opting out 142 00:04:18,399 --> 00:04:19,778 anyway because they're confused by 143 00:04:19,779 --> 00:04:21,359 the rules or they're worried about 144 00:04:21,360 --> 00:04:22,479 getting, you now, caught up in a 145 00:04:22,480 --> 00:04:23,759 system that they don't intend to be 146 00:04:23,760 --> 00:04:25,639 caught up in. And so we're seeing 147 00:04:25,640 --> 00:04:27,679 a lot of people sort of proactively 148 00:04:27,680 --> 00:04:28,879 chilling their own rights. 149 00:04:28,880 --> 00:04:30,639 And then also I think there's a lot 150 00:04:30,640 --> 00:04:32,259 of concern just widely about what 151 00:04:32,260 --> 00:04:34,139 the economic impact of this will be. 152 00:04:34,140 --> 00:04:35,779 You know, if you can't get general 153 00:04:35,780 --> 00:04:37,579 contractor's license, if can't truck 154 00:04:37,580 --> 00:04:38,579 driver's license. 155 00:04:38,580 --> 00:04:40,879 If you can get people 156 00:04:40,880 --> 00:04:42,679 to register their cars if they don't 157 00:04:42,680 --> 00:04:44,339 have the proper documentation, the 158 00:04:44,340 --> 00:04:45,439 ripple effects are expected to be 159 00:04:45,440 --> 00:04:46,799 pretty significant. 160 00:04:46,800 --> 00:04:48,719 The Texas legislature has been under 161 00:04:48,720 --> 00:04:50,359 Republican control all three houses 162 00:04:50,360 --> 00:04:52,099 for more than three decades now. 163 00:04:52,100 --> 00:04:54,059 In your story, you talk about 164 00:04:54,060 --> 00:04:56,459 how the Texas Republican Party 165 00:04:56,460 --> 00:04:58,299 kind of run against maybe what 166 00:04:58,300 --> 00:04:59,899 policies were at the beginning of 167 00:04:59,900 --> 00:05:01,919 this 30-year tenure in the Texas 168 00:05:01,920 --> 00:05:02,999 legislature. Can you talk a little 169 00:05:03,000 --> 00:05:04,539 bit more about that? 170 00:05:04,540 --> 00:05:06,279 I think while we're under this sort 171 00:05:06,280 --> 00:05:07,939 of unprecedented immigration 172 00:05:07,940 --> 00:05:09,399 crackdown on all these different 173 00:05:09,400 --> 00:05:11,319 facets of life, it's easy to feel 174 00:05:11,320 --> 00:05:12,419 like this is how Republicans have 175 00:05:12,420 --> 00:05:14,239 always felt about this issue. 176 00:05:14,240 --> 00:05:15,419 But what we know is that Texas 177 00:05:15,420 --> 00:05:17,539 Republicans actually approved 178 00:05:17,540 --> 00:05:19,139 a lot of these policies originally, 179 00:05:19,140 --> 00:05:21,199 put them into place, or chose to 180 00:05:21,200 --> 00:05:23,219 not undo them over the last 181 00:05:23,220 --> 00:05:24,699 several decades, in large part 182 00:05:24,700 --> 00:05:26,579 because of the economic concerns. 183 00:05:26,580 --> 00:05:28,479 I think there was a 184 00:05:28,480 --> 00:05:30,359 feeling when they first 185 00:05:30,360 --> 00:05:31,719 sort of created this program to give 186 00:05:31,720 --> 00:05:33,719 undocumented students in-state 187 00:05:33,720 --> 00:05:34,749 tuition. 188 00:05:34,750 --> 00:05:36,609 That we don't 189 00:05:36,610 --> 00:05:38,369 want undocumented people to not have 190 00:05:38,370 --> 00:05:40,789 a path to education because many 191 00:05:40,790 --> 00:05:41,969 of those people, they have to sort 192 00:05:41,970 --> 00:05:43,549 of attest that they wanna become 193 00:05:43,550 --> 00:05:44,489 documented, they wanna to become 194 00:05:44,490 --> 00:05:45,389 citizens. 195 00:05:45,390 --> 00:05:46,469 You want those people to be 196 00:05:46,470 --> 00:05:47,869 contributing members of society. 197 00:05:49,910 --> 00:05:51,609 There's the Supreme Court decision, 198 00:05:51,610 --> 00:05:54,029 Plyler v. Doe, that says that 199 00:05:54,030 --> 00:05:55,989 undocumented children should get 200 00:05:55,990 --> 00:05:57,869 free K-12 education like all 201 00:05:57,870 --> 00:05:59,329 other children do. 202 00:05:59,330 --> 00:06:00,889 And you don't want a whole 203 00:06:00,890 --> 00:06:02,889 generation of children who haven't 204 00:06:02,890 --> 00:06:03,789 been educated. 205 00:06:03,790 --> 00:06:05,229 That's a huge problem that you 206 00:06:05,230 --> 00:06:07,209 potentially have to deal with when 207 00:06:07,210 --> 00:06:08,769 of what will those people do for 208 00:06:08,770 --> 00:06:10,949 work? And the deterrence idea 209 00:06:10,950 --> 00:06:12,669 that, oh, we wanna make sure that 210 00:06:12,670 --> 00:06:13,829 these families don't feel like they 211 00:06:13,830 --> 00:06:15,209 can bring their children here, that 212 00:06:15,210 --> 00:06:17,469 Texas is not hospitable to them. 213 00:06:17,470 --> 00:06:19,929 The potential trade-offs of that, 214 00:06:19,930 --> 00:06:21,249 Texas Republicans used to feel like, 215 00:06:21,250 --> 00:06:22,469 well, if they're here, let's figure 216 00:06:22,470 --> 00:06:24,029 out how we can make sure that they 217 00:06:24,030 --> 00:06:25,999 are contributing to society. 218 00:06:26,000 --> 00:06:27,579 The economic concerns that you 219 00:06:27,580 --> 00:06:28,839 stated. Are we seeing those impacts 220 00:06:28,840 --> 00:06:29,840 already? 221 00:06:30,130 --> 00:06:31,789 I think some of this has been slow 222 00:06:31,790 --> 00:06:33,669 to unfold, but there's a lot of 223 00:06:33,670 --> 00:06:34,969 sort of predictions of what the 224 00:06:34,970 --> 00:06:36,369 impact both of these official 225 00:06:36,370 --> 00:06:37,729 policies might be. 226 00:06:37,730 --> 00:06:39,249 Right. I mean, if we don't have 227 00:06:39,250 --> 00:06:40,429 truck drivers, if you don't people 228 00:06:40,430 --> 00:06:42,549 registering their cars, if 229 00:06:42,550 --> 00:06:43,489 we all people being able to get 230 00:06:43,490 --> 00:06:44,609 insurance on those cars, we don't 231 00:06:44,610 --> 00:06:46,089 people being able to work in these 232 00:06:46,090 --> 00:06:47,849 industries where we do need people 233 00:06:47,850 --> 00:06:49,749 to be working, expected to be 234 00:06:49,750 --> 00:06:51,349 very significant economic ripple 235 00:06:51,350 --> 00:06:52,969 effects. But I think in the what 236 00:06:52,970 --> 00:06:54,689 we're already seeing is ways in 237 00:06:54,690 --> 00:06:56,529 which people are choosing to 238 00:06:56,530 --> 00:06:58,129 not do things that maybe they 239 00:06:58,130 --> 00:06:59,289 actually still have a right to do. 240 00:06:59,290 --> 00:07:01,159 So. The Texas Tribune just had 241 00:07:01,160 --> 00:07:02,459 some great reporting from my 242 00:07:02,460 --> 00:07:04,479 colleagues about undocumented 243 00:07:04,480 --> 00:07:06,339 immigrants not going to seek health 244 00:07:06,340 --> 00:07:08,279 care because they 245 00:07:08,280 --> 00:07:09,499 feel like they're worried they might 246 00:07:09,500 --> 00:07:10,699 get caught up in a system. 247 00:07:10,700 --> 00:07:12,159 And the state has said that they are 248 00:07:12,160 --> 00:07:13,299 tracking the number of undocumented 249 00:07:13,300 --> 00:07:14,959 immigrants that are using hospitals. 250 00:07:14,960 --> 00:07:16,699 So there's this feeling that people 251 00:07:16,700 --> 00:07:17,659 are being tracked, that people are 252 00:07:17,660 --> 00:07:19,059 being monitored, that they might be 253 00:07:19,060 --> 00:07:21,259 caught up an ICE detention 254 00:07:21,260 --> 00:07:23,339 if they go to a hospital 255 00:07:23,340 --> 00:07:24,459 or seek health. 256 00:07:24,460 --> 00:07:26,439 The economic ripple effects 257 00:07:26,440 --> 00:07:27,779 of things like that are expected to 258 00:07:27,780 --> 00:07:29,229 be very significant. 259 00:07:29,230 --> 00:07:31,629 You mentioned Plyler versus Doe, 260 00:07:31,630 --> 00:07:34,749 can you give us a refresher 261 00:07:34,750 --> 00:07:36,829 and 262 00:07:36,830 --> 00:07:38,249 why would a challenge to that case 263 00:07:38,250 --> 00:07:39,639 be significant? 264 00:07:39,640 --> 00:07:40,579 So Plyler v. 265 00:07:40,580 --> 00:07:42,719 Doe was a 1982 Supreme Court case 266 00:07:42,720 --> 00:07:44,659 that originated in Texas, as 267 00:07:44,660 --> 00:07:46,219 many of our most interesting Supreme 268 00:07:46,220 --> 00:07:48,219 Court cases do, 269 00:07:48,220 --> 00:07:50,959 when Texas passed a law that 270 00:07:50,960 --> 00:07:52,579 allowed school districts to charge 271 00:07:52,580 --> 00:07:54,299 tuition or exclude undocumented 272 00:07:54,300 --> 00:07:56,179 students from public school. 273 00:07:56,180 --> 00:07:57,479 That was challenged, and the Supreme 274 00:07:57,480 --> 00:07:59,579 Court essentially said that students 275 00:07:59,580 --> 00:08:01,839 have a right to public education 276 00:08:01,840 --> 00:08:03,739 irrespective of their documentation 277 00:08:03,740 --> 00:08:04,739 status. 278 00:08:04,740 --> 00:08:06,839 And the justices said like... 279 00:08:06,840 --> 00:08:08,479 Really lean on the economic part of 280 00:08:08,480 --> 00:08:09,419 this, which is, you know, these 281 00:08:09,420 --> 00:08:10,779 children do not ask to be brought 282 00:08:10,780 --> 00:08:12,499 here. They did not bring themselves 283 00:08:12,500 --> 00:08:13,279 here. 284 00:08:13,280 --> 00:08:15,199 And we are setting ourselves up 285 00:08:15,200 --> 00:08:16,439 for a huge problem if we don't 286 00:08:16,440 --> 00:08:17,959 educate them and set them on a path 287 00:08:17,960 --> 00:08:19,979 towards self-sufficiency. 288 00:08:19,980 --> 00:08:21,679 This has been sort of just an 289 00:08:21,680 --> 00:08:23,679 accepted law of the land for several 290 00:08:23,680 --> 00:08:24,559 decades now. 291 00:08:24,560 --> 00:08:26,479 And recently, conservatives have 292 00:08:26,480 --> 00:08:28,459 really begun to coalesce around the 293 00:08:28,460 --> 00:08:30,659 idea of overturning Plyler with 294 00:08:30,660 --> 00:08:31,720 the idea that, 295 00:08:32,860 --> 00:08:35,399 you 296 00:08:35,400 --> 00:08:37,459 and To 297 00:08:37,460 --> 00:08:38,839 do that in all likelihood, you would 298 00:08:38,840 --> 00:08:40,678 need the legislature to pass a, a 299 00:08:40,679 --> 00:08:41,918 law, which then would get 300 00:08:41,919 --> 00:08:43,599 challenged. And then they feel like 301 00:08:43,600 --> 00:08:44,679 if they took it to this Supreme 302 00:08:44,680 --> 00:08:45,759 court, they'd have a better chance 303 00:08:45,760 --> 00:08:47,899 at getting that overturned, 304 00:08:47,900 --> 00:08:49,019 sort of like we saw with the Dobbs 305 00:08:49,020 --> 00:08:49,959 decision. 306 00:08:49,960 --> 00:08:51,399 So that would take a couple of 307 00:08:51,400 --> 00:08:53,239 steps. It's not imminent, but you 308 00:08:53,240 --> 00:08:55,199 know, what we've seen so far is like 309 00:08:55,200 --> 00:08:56,200 anything is possible. 310 00:08:56,860 --> 00:08:58,099 We have been speaking with Eleanor 311 00:08:58,100 --> 00:08:59,659 Klippanoff. She is the law and 312 00:08:59,660 --> 00:09:01,019 politics reporter at the Texas 313 00:09:01,020 --> 00:09:02,619 Tribune. We're gonna have a link to 314 00:09:02,620 --> 00:09:04,279 her latest reporting in our show 315 00:09:04,280 --> 00:09:05,539 notes. Eleanor, thank you for your 316 00:09:05,540 --> 00:09:05,869 time. 317 00:09:05,870 --> 00:09:06,870 Thanks for having me. 318 00:09:13,430 --> 00:09:14,889 The Austin Independent School 319 00:09:14,890 --> 00:09:16,769 District is facing a significant 320 00:09:16,770 --> 00:09:18,809 budget deficit ahead of the upcoming 321 00:09:18,810 --> 00:09:19,969 school year. 322 00:09:19,970 --> 00:09:21,489 A preliminary budget draft was 323 00:09:21,490 --> 00:09:22,749 presented to board members during 324 00:09:22,750 --> 00:09:24,709 last night's work session. 325 00:09:24,710 --> 00:09:26,049 For more about the financial outlook 326 00:09:26,050 --> 00:09:28,129 for AISD, we are chatting with Greta 327 00:09:28,130 --> 00:09:30,309 Diaz-Gonzalez-Vasquez, KUT's 328 00:09:30,310 --> 00:09:31,489 education reporter. 329 00:09:31,490 --> 00:09:32,179 Hi Greta. 330 00:09:32,180 --> 00:09:33,209 Hi Jerry! 331 00:09:33,210 --> 00:09:34,649 So tell us, what do we know about 332 00:09:34,650 --> 00:09:36,669 the district's budget for next year? 333 00:09:36,670 --> 00:09:38,369 Yeah, so I think it's very important 334 00:09:38,370 --> 00:09:40,149 to say that it was a draft of the 335 00:09:40,150 --> 00:09:41,729 preliminary budget because that 336 00:09:41,730 --> 00:09:42,869 means that there's still a lot of 337 00:09:42,870 --> 00:09:43,749 work to do. 338 00:09:43,750 --> 00:09:45,629 This is the initial version of the 339 00:09:45,630 --> 00:09:47,049 budget that is used to guide 340 00:09:47,050 --> 00:09:48,329 decision-making. 341 00:09:48,330 --> 00:09:50,389 And so like you said, it's a $181 342 00:09:50,390 --> 00:09:52,409 million budget deficit and 343 00:09:52,410 --> 00:09:54,229 the district is working to reduce 344 00:09:54,230 --> 00:09:56,089 it and Superintendent Matias Segura 345 00:09:56,090 --> 00:09:57,989 said last night that he was very 346 00:09:57,990 --> 00:09:59,729 clear that it would come with 347 00:09:59,730 --> 00:10:00,730 sacrifices. 348 00:10:01,590 --> 00:10:03,329 We're no longer at a point where we 349 00:10:03,330 --> 00:10:05,769 can protect all things, 350 00:10:05,770 --> 00:10:07,669 that the cuts are 351 00:10:07,670 --> 00:10:09,569 going to impact our ability to serve 352 00:10:09,570 --> 00:10:10,989 our students in a way that we see 353 00:10:10,990 --> 00:10:11,990 best. 354 00:10:12,580 --> 00:10:14,479 So the district's chief financial 355 00:10:14,480 --> 00:10:15,979 officer, Katrina Montgomery, 356 00:10:15,980 --> 00:10:18,119 presented four scenarios for cuts, 357 00:10:18,120 --> 00:10:19,279 and in three of them, the district 358 00:10:19,280 --> 00:10:21,099 would end up with a balanced 359 00:10:21,100 --> 00:10:22,039 budget. 360 00:10:22,040 --> 00:10:23,619 But these scenarios include 361 00:10:23,620 --> 00:10:25,619 strategies that would help save up 362 00:10:25,620 --> 00:10:27,739 $132 million, 363 00:10:27,740 --> 00:10:29,789 and that includes, of course, cuts. 364 00:10:29,790 --> 00:10:31,649 Yeah, yeah, and how would those 365 00:10:31,650 --> 00:10:33,769 cuts impact schools in AISD? 366 00:10:33,770 --> 00:10:35,689 Yeah so the district 367 00:10:35,690 --> 00:10:37,829 is expected to have staffing cuts at 368 00:10:37,830 --> 00:10:39,649 campuses so that will that 369 00:10:39,650 --> 00:10:41,709 means it will impact teachers and 370 00:10:41,710 --> 00:10:43,409 that would be more than 22 million 371 00:10:43,410 --> 00:10:45,269 dollars in cuts in elementary 372 00:10:45,270 --> 00:10:47,169 and middle schools and 373 00:10:47,170 --> 00:10:48,569 the biggest savings would come from 374 00:10:48,570 --> 00:10:50,189 other staffing reductions what they 375 00:10:50,190 --> 00:10:52,529 called departmental reductions and 376 00:10:52,530 --> 00:10:53,989 that will give a relief of 40 377 00:10:53,990 --> 00:10:55,929 million dollars And there's also 378 00:10:55,930 --> 00:10:57,719 other campus cuts that would include 379 00:10:57,720 --> 00:10:59,559 include moving librarians 380 00:10:59,560 --> 00:11:01,079 into supporting roles. 381 00:11:01,080 --> 00:11:02,719 They would also reduce the number of 382 00:11:02,720 --> 00:11:04,379 campus monitors at middle schools 383 00:11:04,380 --> 00:11:06,259 and the number nurses on 384 00:11:06,260 --> 00:11:07,260 campuses. 385 00:11:08,160 --> 00:11:10,139 And other strategies include 386 00:11:10,140 --> 00:11:12,019 cuts on travel and cell 387 00:11:12,020 --> 00:11:12,999 phone expenses. 388 00:11:13,000 --> 00:11:14,579 And another big one that would be 23 389 00:11:14,580 --> 00:11:16,439 millions would be current 390 00:11:16,440 --> 00:11:17,779 vacancies. 391 00:11:17,780 --> 00:11:18,840 Okay, well, as you mentioned, this 392 00:11:18,841 --> 00:11:20,819 is a budget draft that was 393 00:11:20,820 --> 00:11:22,159 presented to board members, 394 00:11:22,160 --> 00:11:24,189 trustees. What did they have to say? 395 00:11:24,190 --> 00:11:26,129 Yeah, so they asked the 396 00:11:26,130 --> 00:11:28,069 district to be thoughtful about what 397 00:11:28,070 --> 00:11:30,069 cuts will be made, like if they will 398 00:11:30,070 --> 00:11:32,029 have long lasting impacts, if it's 399 00:11:32,030 --> 00:11:34,049 easy to just undo 400 00:11:34,050 --> 00:11:35,469 them and maybe in a couple of years 401 00:11:35,470 --> 00:11:37,709 be able to bring something back. 402 00:11:37,710 --> 00:11:39,509 But they also said to be thought 403 00:11:39,510 --> 00:11:41,449 about which populations would 404 00:11:41,450 --> 00:11:43,469 be affected by the cuts. 405 00:11:43,470 --> 00:11:45,169 And for context, this year as we 406 00:11:45,170 --> 00:11:46,349 reach the end of the budget, the 407 00:11:46,350 --> 00:11:48,429 district is a $49 million budget 408 00:11:48,430 --> 00:11:50,449 deficit, that is $30 409 00:11:50,450 --> 00:11:52,069 million more than they had 410 00:11:52,070 --> 00:11:52,969 projected. 411 00:11:52,970 --> 00:11:54,289 It's mostly because they were 412 00:11:54,290 --> 00:11:55,709 relying on revenue from property 413 00:11:55,710 --> 00:11:57,809 sales that didn't happen, 414 00:11:57,810 --> 00:11:59,529 and so trustee David Kaufman said 415 00:11:59,530 --> 00:12:01,269 that this time around he would be 416 00:12:01,270 --> 00:12:03,249 very wary of one-time influxes 417 00:12:03,250 --> 00:12:05,329 of cash like selling 418 00:12:05,330 --> 00:12:05,789 property. 419 00:12:05,790 --> 00:12:06,229 Mhm. 420 00:12:06,230 --> 00:12:08,449 So he said that 421 00:12:08,450 --> 00:12:10,089 the district was really working on 422 00:12:10,090 --> 00:12:11,749 making long lasting changes that 423 00:12:11,750 --> 00:12:13,429 could help balance the district in 424 00:12:13,430 --> 00:12:14,749 the future that wouldn't just be 425 00:12:14,750 --> 00:12:16,949 like a year by year try trying 426 00:12:16,950 --> 00:12:18,139 to keep up with the budget. 427 00:12:18,140 --> 00:12:19,439 Yeah, trying to see something a 428 00:12:19,440 --> 00:12:20,999 little bit more long term planning 429 00:12:21,000 --> 00:12:22,439 for the district. 430 00:12:22,440 --> 00:12:24,599 Okay, so this was only a 431 00:12:24,600 --> 00:12:25,459 draft of the budget. 432 00:12:25,460 --> 00:12:26,719 What happens now? 433 00:12:26,720 --> 00:12:27,999 What sort of considerations happen 434 00:12:28,000 --> 00:12:28,539 next? 435 00:12:28,540 --> 00:12:30,099 Yeah, so we have a couple of months 436 00:12:30,100 --> 00:12:31,559 left. 437 00:12:31,560 --> 00:12:32,719 So over the next few months, 438 00:12:32,720 --> 00:12:34,139 district officials and trustees will 439 00:12:34,140 --> 00:12:36,379 hold bi-weekly work sessions. 440 00:12:36,380 --> 00:12:37,859 And these sessions are open to the 441 00:12:37,860 --> 00:12:40,319 public. So you can see them on 442 00:12:40,320 --> 00:12:42,299 the AISD YouTube website 443 00:12:42,300 --> 00:12:44,619 or their YouTube channel, sorry. 444 00:12:44,620 --> 00:12:46,139 And so the district is also set to 445 00:12:46,140 --> 00:12:47,899 present a preliminary budget on 446 00:12:47,900 --> 00:12:50,459 April 21st, which is 447 00:12:50,460 --> 00:12:52,499 seeing more of the decisions they 448 00:12:52,500 --> 00:12:54,359 have made and then a final 449 00:12:54,360 --> 00:12:55,699 or that they're proposing they 450 00:12:55,700 --> 00:12:56,639 haven't made them. 451 00:12:56,640 --> 00:12:58,579 And our final recommendation on May 452 00:12:58,580 --> 00:13:00,759 21st, and then the Board of Trustees 453 00:13:00,760 --> 00:13:02,879 is expected to take a vote 454 00:13:02,880 --> 00:13:04,759 in mid-June, and the new 455 00:13:04,760 --> 00:13:06,619 budget starts in July 456 00:13:06,620 --> 00:13:08,699 1st. And I gotta say, also during 457 00:13:08,700 --> 00:13:10,659 the next month, AISD officials 458 00:13:10,660 --> 00:13:12,459 will hold virtual meetings with 459 00:13:12,460 --> 00:13:14,559 community to hear feedback about 460 00:13:14,560 --> 00:13:15,739 the proposed cuts. 461 00:13:15,740 --> 00:13:16,979 Okay, well, it sounds like a story 462 00:13:16,980 --> 00:13:18,679 that is going to continue to 463 00:13:18,680 --> 00:13:20,519 develop, and I'm sure that you 464 00:13:20,520 --> 00:13:21,579 will continue to cover it. 465 00:13:21,580 --> 00:13:23,759 We'll bring it to you here on Austin 466 00:13:23,760 --> 00:13:25,539 Signal. We have been chatting with 467 00:13:25,540 --> 00:13:27,899 Greta Diaz-Gonzalez-Vasquez, KUT's 468 00:13:27,900 --> 00:13:29,239 education reporter. 469 00:13:29,240 --> 00:13:30,279 We're going to have a link to her 470 00:13:30,280 --> 00:13:31,999 latest reporting in today's show 471 00:13:32,000 --> 00:13:32,899 notes. Thank you, Greta. 472 00:13:32,900 --> 00:13:33,900 Thank you, Jerry. 473 00:13:34,650 --> 00:13:36,289 And thank you out there for tuning 474 00:13:36,290 --> 00:13:38,249 in to Austin Signal, making us 475 00:13:38,250 --> 00:13:39,969 part of your Wednesday. 476 00:13:39,970 --> 00:13:41,449 We hope you're having a nice one out 477 00:13:41,450 --> 00:13:42,969 there. We've got a lot of arts 478 00:13:42,970 --> 00:13:44,809 coverage coming up after the 479 00:13:44,810 --> 00:13:46,070 break. Stay with us. 480 00:13:59,070 --> 00:14:01,749 This is Austin Signal, welcome back. 481 00:14:01,750 --> 00:14:03,149 Comics from around the country are 482 00:14:03,150 --> 00:14:04,769 filtering into Austin this week for 483 00:14:04,770 --> 00:14:06,769 the Moon Tower Comedy Fest. 484 00:14:06,770 --> 00:14:08,669 It started 15 years ago and 485 00:14:08,670 --> 00:14:10,369 since then has grown into one of the 486 00:14:10,370 --> 00:14:11,789 biggest comedy events in the 487 00:14:11,790 --> 00:14:12,749 country. 488 00:14:12,750 --> 00:14:14,869 Takes place across 11 venues, 489 00:14:14,870 --> 00:14:16,449 lasts a week and a half, and one of 490 00:14:16,450 --> 00:14:18,429 folks on the lineup is Angelina 491 00:14:18,430 --> 00:14:19,269 Martin. 492 00:14:19,270 --> 00:14:20,649 She spoke with Texas Standard host 493 00:14:20,650 --> 00:14:22,509 David Brown about the festival 494 00:14:22,510 --> 00:14:24,509 and recounted how cutting her 495 00:14:24,510 --> 00:14:26,529 teeth and making little money. 496 00:14:26,530 --> 00:14:28,589 Ended up making for some pretty good 497 00:14:28,590 --> 00:14:29,590 material. 498 00:14:30,310 --> 00:14:32,269 I've mainly worked service 499 00:14:32,270 --> 00:14:34,169 industry, jobs and 500 00:14:34,170 --> 00:14:35,170 such. 501 00:14:35,830 --> 00:14:38,009 So when I realized 502 00:14:38,010 --> 00:14:39,989 that I didn't know much in 503 00:14:39,990 --> 00:14:41,309 taxes, I figured they wouldn't miss 504 00:14:41,310 --> 00:14:43,309 it. So I started doing jokes about 505 00:14:43,310 --> 00:14:45,269 not paying my taxes and 506 00:14:45,270 --> 00:14:47,209 then they got broadcast online and I 507 00:14:47,210 --> 00:14:49,089 realized, oh, I'm gonna get 508 00:14:49,090 --> 00:14:50,589 found out. 509 00:14:50,590 --> 00:14:52,429 So far no one's knocked on my 510 00:14:52,430 --> 00:14:53,430 door. 511 00:14:54,840 --> 00:14:56,419 Well, this week hundreds of comics 512 00:14:56,420 --> 00:14:57,539 from around the country are going to 513 00:14:57,540 --> 00:14:59,439 be joining you for the Moon 514 00:14:59,440 --> 00:15:01,419 Tower Comedy Festival taking place 515 00:15:01,420 --> 00:15:02,920 in the Texas Capital City. 516 00:15:04,520 --> 00:15:06,419 Tell us a little bit about why you 517 00:15:06,420 --> 00:15:07,919 like this festival so much. 518 00:15:07,920 --> 00:15:09,749 A lot of folks do. 519 00:15:09,750 --> 00:15:12,029 Yes, I'm super excited. 520 00:15:12,030 --> 00:15:14,429 I love Moon Tower so much. 521 00:15:14,430 --> 00:15:16,469 It's always been such a 522 00:15:16,470 --> 00:15:18,569 huge part of the Austin comedy 523 00:15:18,570 --> 00:15:20,709 scene and the national comedy scene 524 00:15:20,710 --> 00:15:22,629 in general. 525 00:15:22,630 --> 00:15:24,509 It was such a badge of honor when I 526 00:15:24,510 --> 00:15:26,409 got on the festival when I 527 00:15:26,410 --> 00:15:28,489 was a few years in to stand 528 00:15:28,490 --> 00:15:30,309 up and have been on 529 00:15:30,310 --> 00:15:32,569 several years since then. 530 00:15:32,570 --> 00:15:34,929 And it's just 531 00:15:34,930 --> 00:15:36,829 so validating. 532 00:15:36,830 --> 00:15:38,309 Now you produce a show called Slide 533 00:15:38,310 --> 00:15:40,449 and the DMs that Moontower picked up 534 00:15:40,450 --> 00:15:41,429 this year. 535 00:15:41,430 --> 00:15:42,549 Tell us a little bit about that 536 00:15:42,550 --> 00:15:44,039 show. What is that? 537 00:15:44,040 --> 00:15:45,499 The whole premise of the show is 538 00:15:45,500 --> 00:15:47,859 that standups or sometimes other 539 00:15:47,860 --> 00:15:49,779 local celebrities like musicians 540 00:15:49,780 --> 00:15:51,719 will come on the show and 541 00:15:51,720 --> 00:15:53,539 share strange messages 542 00:15:53,540 --> 00:15:55,279 that people have sent them or 543 00:15:55,280 --> 00:15:56,619 sometimes that they've sent other 544 00:15:56,620 --> 00:15:58,219 people. 545 00:15:58,220 --> 00:16:00,159 And then a cast of improvisers 546 00:16:00,160 --> 00:16:02,039 do improv based off 547 00:16:02,040 --> 00:16:04,719 of their messages and 548 00:16:04,720 --> 00:16:06,299 it's such a good time. 549 00:16:06,300 --> 00:16:07,119 That's so clever. 550 00:16:07,120 --> 00:16:08,899 Well, you know, it's interesting to 551 00:16:08,900 --> 00:16:10,819 see how Austin's comedy scene 552 00:16:10,820 --> 00:16:12,759 has really exploded, it seems 553 00:16:12,760 --> 00:16:15,139 like, in the past five years. 554 00:16:15,140 --> 00:16:16,799 You've got venues like the Creek in 555 00:16:16,800 --> 00:16:19,679 the Cave and Joe Rogan's Mothership. 556 00:16:19,680 --> 00:16:21,779 Where does the Moon Tower Comedy 557 00:16:21,780 --> 00:16:23,939 Festival fit into that scene? 558 00:16:23,940 --> 00:16:25,919 Yes, it's really interesting to 559 00:16:25,920 --> 00:16:28,119 see and experience the scene growing 560 00:16:28,120 --> 00:16:30,179 through the years because 561 00:16:30,180 --> 00:16:32,319 I did move to Austin 562 00:16:32,320 --> 00:16:34,439 specifically because I wanted to 563 00:16:34,440 --> 00:16:36,579 start comedy in a small but strong 564 00:16:36,580 --> 00:16:38,299 niche comedy scene. 565 00:16:40,280 --> 00:16:42,199 And now there is an issue presence, 566 00:16:42,200 --> 00:16:43,259 which is cool. 567 00:16:43,260 --> 00:16:44,559 I feel like the scene has kind of 568 00:16:44,560 --> 00:16:45,879 grown alongside me. 569 00:16:45,880 --> 00:16:47,819 It is more competitive to 570 00:16:47,820 --> 00:16:49,659 get stage time, but the stage 571 00:16:49,660 --> 00:16:51,499 time you do get, there's 572 00:16:51,500 --> 00:16:53,779 more chances of something 573 00:16:53,780 --> 00:16:55,639 exciting and substantial coming 574 00:16:55,640 --> 00:16:56,459 from it. 575 00:16:56,460 --> 00:16:57,719 You're going to be performing at a 576 00:16:57,720 --> 00:16:59,639 special showcase called the Texans. 577 00:16:59,640 --> 00:17:01,589 What should people expect there? 578 00:17:01,590 --> 00:17:03,489 Um, yeah, it's going to be the 579 00:17:03,490 --> 00:17:06,049 best of Texas comedy. 580 00:17:06,050 --> 00:17:08,068 One of my favorite performers 581 00:17:08,069 --> 00:17:09,009 are going to on it. 582 00:17:09,010 --> 00:17:11,108 So I am honored 583 00:17:11,109 --> 00:17:13,409 to be on that list and 584 00:17:13,410 --> 00:17:15,789 it's just going to showcase 585 00:17:15,790 --> 00:17:18,189 the really high quality 586 00:17:18,190 --> 00:17:20,409 stand-up talent that Texas 587 00:17:20,410 --> 00:17:22,289 has had for many 588 00:17:22,290 --> 00:17:24,209 years. Uh, and 589 00:17:24,210 --> 00:17:26,088 it'd nice to show people 590 00:17:26,089 --> 00:17:28,088 that we have always had 591 00:17:28,089 --> 00:17:29,589 lots of talented. 592 00:17:29,590 --> 00:17:31,489 Comedians here, so it's fun 593 00:17:31,490 --> 00:17:33,409 to see my friends get 594 00:17:33,410 --> 00:17:34,399 their shine. 595 00:17:34,400 --> 00:17:35,959 Is there anything that makes Texas 596 00:17:35,960 --> 00:17:37,619 comedy unique, is there something 597 00:17:37,620 --> 00:17:39,519 about being here in Texas that, 598 00:17:39,520 --> 00:17:41,359 I don't know, 599 00:17:41,360 --> 00:17:43,179 sort of feeds that 600 00:17:43,180 --> 00:17:45,499 comedic spirit or no? 601 00:17:45,500 --> 00:17:47,679 Well, I think, 602 00:17:47,680 --> 00:17:49,779 speaking to 603 00:17:49,780 --> 00:17:52,639 Austin more specifically, 604 00:17:52,640 --> 00:17:54,539 I do see, even though the city has 605 00:17:54,540 --> 00:17:56,419 changed so much 606 00:17:56,420 --> 00:17:58,299 in the past 607 00:17:58,300 --> 00:18:00,179 six to 10 608 00:18:00,180 --> 00:18:02,019 years, especially, but I think 609 00:18:02,020 --> 00:18:04,299 the same kind of charm that 610 00:18:04,300 --> 00:18:05,559 brought people to Austin, which is 611 00:18:05,560 --> 00:18:07,999 like a combination of 612 00:18:08,000 --> 00:18:09,279 Southern hospitality 613 00:18:10,399 --> 00:18:12,749 and eccentric. 614 00:18:12,750 --> 00:18:13,689 Individualism. 615 00:18:13,690 --> 00:18:15,249 I think that shows in our comedy 616 00:18:15,250 --> 00:18:16,029 scene. 617 00:18:16,030 --> 00:18:18,449 So I have been charmed 618 00:18:18,450 --> 00:18:20,749 by the friendliness 619 00:18:20,750 --> 00:18:22,709 of Texans and I think it 620 00:18:22,710 --> 00:18:25,549 comes across in our 621 00:18:25,550 --> 00:18:26,550 comedians. 622 00:18:27,660 --> 00:18:29,679 That was comedian Angelina Martin 623 00:18:29,680 --> 00:18:31,499 talking with Texas Standard host, 624 00:18:31,500 --> 00:18:32,279 David Brown. 625 00:18:32,280 --> 00:18:34,019 We're gonna have a link to more of 626 00:18:34,020 --> 00:18:35,799 that conversation in today's 627 00:18:35,800 --> 00:18:36,800 podcast, Show Notes. 628 00:18:44,630 --> 00:18:46,909 Austin playwright Katie Bender used 629 00:18:46,910 --> 00:18:48,729 magician Harry Houdini's archives 630 00:18:48,730 --> 00:18:51,029 to create her play Instructions 631 00:18:51,030 --> 00:18:52,569 for a Seance. 632 00:18:52,570 --> 00:18:54,169 She'll perform the solo show next 633 00:18:54,170 --> 00:18:56,969 week during Fusebock Festival. 634 00:18:56,970 --> 00:18:58,469 For KUT's art beat, Michelle 635 00:18:58,470 --> 00:19:00,509 Dahlenburg spoke with Bender about 636 00:19:00,510 --> 00:19:02,749 how writing the piece helped her 637 00:19:02,750 --> 00:19:03,750 escape. 638 00:19:12,040 --> 00:19:13,799 Austin Playwright, performer and 639 00:19:13,800 --> 00:19:15,559 theater maker Katie Bender is 640 00:19:15,560 --> 00:19:17,439 showing me a collection of unusual 641 00:19:17,440 --> 00:19:18,549 artifacts. 642 00:19:18,550 --> 00:19:19,550 Hand cup. 643 00:19:21,570 --> 00:19:23,350 These are not just any objects, 644 00:19:24,730 --> 00:19:26,729 they're inspired by things that once 645 00:19:26,730 --> 00:19:28,549 belonged to Harry Houdini. 646 00:19:31,920 --> 00:19:34,099 These items will be used in Katie's 647 00:19:34,100 --> 00:19:35,959 solo show, Instructions for a 648 00:19:35,960 --> 00:19:37,879 Seance, which she's performing at 649 00:19:37,880 --> 00:19:40,399 Fusebox Festival next week. 650 00:19:40,400 --> 00:19:42,339 Inspired by the Houdini archives at 651 00:19:42,340 --> 00:19:44,179 the Harry Ransom Center, the 652 00:19:44,180 --> 00:19:46,699 piece explores themes of caretaking, 653 00:19:46,700 --> 00:19:48,819 ambition, and the urge to escape 654 00:19:48,820 --> 00:19:50,138 parts of your life. 655 00:19:50,139 --> 00:19:52,119 Everyone, close your 656 00:19:52,120 --> 00:19:53,179 eyes. 657 00:19:53,180 --> 00:19:55,019 During the show, Katie attempts to 658 00:19:55,020 --> 00:19:57,019 summon the spirit of Houdini, 659 00:19:57,020 --> 00:19:58,619 the famous magician and escape 660 00:19:58,620 --> 00:19:59,239 artist. 661 00:19:59,240 --> 00:20:01,499 We gather here now 662 00:20:01,500 --> 00:20:03,479 to join together for the 663 00:20:03,480 --> 00:20:05,359 purposes of escape. 664 00:20:05,360 --> 00:20:07,139 Katie started developing the show in 665 00:20:07,140 --> 00:20:09,019 2015 as a graduate student 666 00:20:09,020 --> 00:20:11,239 at the University of Texas. 667 00:20:11,240 --> 00:20:12,979 Kirk Lynn was her professor and 668 00:20:12,980 --> 00:20:13,499 mentor. 669 00:20:13,500 --> 00:20:15,499 He knew that there was a lot 670 00:20:15,500 --> 00:20:17,499 of magic and magical realism 671 00:20:17,500 --> 00:20:19,359 in my plays and that 672 00:20:19,360 --> 00:20:21,339 I've always been interested in sort 673 00:20:21,340 --> 00:20:23,199 of taking audiences into 674 00:20:23,200 --> 00:20:25,199 the experience of moments of the 675 00:20:25,200 --> 00:20:26,739 unknown which magic does so 676 00:20:26,740 --> 00:20:27,549 beautifully. 677 00:20:27,550 --> 00:20:29,249 Kirk recommended that she look into 678 00:20:29,250 --> 00:20:30,809 the Houdini archives. 679 00:20:30,810 --> 00:20:32,969 I was immediately struck by 680 00:20:32,970 --> 00:20:34,969 kind of the force of Harry 681 00:20:34,970 --> 00:20:37,489 Houdini's will and ambition and 682 00:20:37,490 --> 00:20:39,889 was really drawn 683 00:20:39,890 --> 00:20:42,069 to these pictures of him 684 00:20:42,070 --> 00:20:43,389 mid escape. 685 00:20:43,390 --> 00:20:45,489 But also in 686 00:20:45,490 --> 00:20:47,209 his letters, he has such a 687 00:20:47,210 --> 00:20:49,089 particular cadence and it was 688 00:20:49,090 --> 00:20:50,709 something I started to really hear. 689 00:20:50,710 --> 00:20:52,369 I felt like I was kind of channeling 690 00:20:52,370 --> 00:20:53,419 Houdiny. 691 00:20:53,420 --> 00:20:55,079 Katie started by writing a play for 692 00:20:55,080 --> 00:20:57,159 two actors, inspired by Houdini's 693 00:20:57,160 --> 00:20:58,139 life. 694 00:20:58,140 --> 00:20:59,439 At the time, she was juggling 695 00:20:59,440 --> 00:21:01,279 writing and work while being a mom 696 00:21:01,280 --> 00:21:02,599 to her young daughter. 697 00:21:02,600 --> 00:21:03,579 Like I would have these long 698 00:21:03,580 --> 00:21:05,659 extended fantasies about like just 699 00:21:05,660 --> 00:21:07,879 going to Mexico alone and like 700 00:21:07,880 --> 00:21:09,899 disappearing into the sunset. 701 00:21:09,900 --> 00:21:11,799 And I realized that I was 702 00:21:11,800 --> 00:21:13,939 just craving a kind of 703 00:21:13,940 --> 00:21:15,899 escape because I felt like I 704 00:21:15,900 --> 00:21:17,799 didn't have a release 705 00:21:17,800 --> 00:21:19,339 valve in my own life. 706 00:21:19,340 --> 00:21:20,599 As she looked at the photos of 707 00:21:20,600 --> 00:21:23,299 Houdini mid-escape, Katie wondered, 708 00:21:23,300 --> 00:21:25,399 what does it mean to be an ambitious 709 00:21:25,400 --> 00:21:27,419 artist in late stage capitalism 710 00:21:27,420 --> 00:21:29,519 and try to raise a child? 711 00:21:29,520 --> 00:21:31,779 I came to this realization 712 00:21:31,780 --> 00:21:33,699 that it really was a seance to 713 00:21:33,700 --> 00:21:35,619 contact Houdini to help 714 00:21:35,620 --> 00:21:37,479 me get some of that escape in my 715 00:21:37,480 --> 00:21:38,329 life. 716 00:21:38,330 --> 00:21:40,329 And let us all now together 717 00:21:40,330 --> 00:21:42,409 reach out into the spirit 718 00:21:42,410 --> 00:21:43,410 world. 719 00:21:44,490 --> 00:21:45,490 Harry Houdini, 720 00:21:46,550 --> 00:21:49,309 are you here with us? 721 00:21:49,310 --> 00:21:50,310 Harry Haudini. 722 00:21:52,330 --> 00:21:53,609 Can you give us? 723 00:21:55,400 --> 00:21:57,419 Early on in the seance, Katie asks 724 00:21:57,420 --> 00:21:59,119 her guests to write down what they 725 00:21:59,120 --> 00:22:00,299 wish to escape. 726 00:22:00,300 --> 00:22:02,659 And everybody has something, 727 00:22:02,660 --> 00:22:04,059 you know. U.S. 728 00:22:04,060 --> 00:22:06,659 Politics, inflation, 729 00:22:06,660 --> 00:22:08,479 war, headaches, 730 00:22:08,480 --> 00:22:11,139 back pain, stuff in my teeth, 731 00:22:11,140 --> 00:22:13,579 financial burdens, fundraising, 732 00:22:13,580 --> 00:22:15,439 the daily grind of a regular day 733 00:22:15,440 --> 00:22:16,259 job. 734 00:22:16,260 --> 00:22:18,019 Katie's been developing versions of 735 00:22:18,020 --> 00:22:19,859 instructions for a seance for over a 736 00:22:19,860 --> 00:22:21,899 decade. How have you changed while 737 00:22:21,900 --> 00:22:22,709 working on it? 738 00:22:22,710 --> 00:22:24,669 I really wanted to be known in the 739 00:22:24,670 --> 00:22:26,249 world as an artist and not a mother 740 00:22:26,250 --> 00:22:28,069 when I started this process and 741 00:22:28,070 --> 00:22:29,889 I feel very different now. 742 00:22:29,890 --> 00:22:31,489 I no longer want to escape my 743 00:22:31,490 --> 00:22:33,569 family. My family is really the 744 00:22:33,570 --> 00:22:35,909 space of love and 745 00:22:35,910 --> 00:22:37,869 support in my life and 746 00:22:37,870 --> 00:22:39,259 I need that. 747 00:22:39,260 --> 00:22:40,859 Katie has performed versions of the 748 00:22:40,860 --> 00:22:42,679 seance all over the US, 749 00:22:42,680 --> 00:22:44,159 and she's heading to Milwaukee to 750 00:22:44,160 --> 00:22:45,939 perform it at Milwaukee Rep this 751 00:22:45,940 --> 00:22:47,879 fall. But she's especially excited 752 00:22:47,880 --> 00:22:49,459 to perform it right here in her 753 00:22:49,460 --> 00:22:50,749 hometown next week. 754 00:22:50,750 --> 00:22:52,869 Austin itself is 755 00:22:52,870 --> 00:22:54,489 I think spiritually a really 756 00:22:54,490 --> 00:22:56,469 powerful place just because of the 757 00:22:56,470 --> 00:22:58,289 connection between the 758 00:22:58,290 --> 00:23:00,189 Edwards Aquifer below us and 759 00:23:00,190 --> 00:23:02,129 the movement of the Colorado River 760 00:23:02,130 --> 00:23:03,969 and the spirits 761 00:23:03,970 --> 00:23:06,089 that I feel like are alive 762 00:23:06,090 --> 00:23:08,229 and well in Austin and 763 00:23:08,230 --> 00:23:10,009 especially in Texas Performing Arts. 764 00:23:10,010 --> 00:23:11,709 There are some real ghosts in that 765 00:23:11,710 --> 00:23:12,929 building. 766 00:23:12,930 --> 00:23:14,229 And as for Houdini? 767 00:23:14,230 --> 00:23:16,289 So far the seance has failed. 768 00:23:16,290 --> 00:23:17,749 I've never made contact with 769 00:23:17,750 --> 00:23:20,129 Houdini, but. 770 00:23:20,130 --> 00:23:21,969 What happens next is always 771 00:23:21,970 --> 00:23:24,329 something that is really surprising. 772 00:23:25,850 --> 00:23:27,829 Piece points the audience to wonder 773 00:23:27,830 --> 00:23:29,809 and awe, like the kind magicians 774 00:23:29,810 --> 00:23:30,539 create. 775 00:23:30,540 --> 00:23:32,699 I hope that the guests leave the 776 00:23:32,700 --> 00:23:35,359 theater feeling newly 777 00:23:35,360 --> 00:23:38,639 engaged with what 778 00:23:38,640 --> 00:23:40,799 live performance can 779 00:23:40,800 --> 00:23:42,759 do. Gather a group of 780 00:23:42,760 --> 00:23:44,579 people together and 781 00:23:44,580 --> 00:23:46,779 commune together and try 782 00:23:46,780 --> 00:23:48,979 and 783 00:23:48,980 --> 00:23:50,879 escape our 784 00:23:50,880 --> 00:23:52,019 troubles together. 785 00:23:55,520 --> 00:23:57,219 And in this coming hour 786 00:24:01,970 --> 00:24:03,969 This is... 787 00:24:07,210 --> 00:24:09,009 Katie will perform instructions for 788 00:24:09,010 --> 00:24:10,989 a séance at Fusebox Festival next 789 00:24:10,990 --> 00:24:11,909 week. 790 00:24:11,910 --> 00:24:13,729 Find more information and tickets at 791 00:24:13,730 --> 00:24:15,829 fuseboxlive.com. 792 00:24:15,830 --> 00:24:17,849 For KUT's Art Beat, I'm 793 00:24:17,850 --> 00:24:19,349 Michelle Dahlenburg in Austin. 794 00:24:20,600 --> 00:24:22,799 And thank you for tuning in today to 795 00:24:22,800 --> 00:24:23,999 Austin Signal. 796 00:24:24,000 --> 00:24:26,219 That is it for today's 797 00:24:26,220 --> 00:24:28,139 show. We're gonna have a link to 798 00:24:28,140 --> 00:24:29,799 all the stories that we shared with 799 00:24:29,800 --> 00:24:31,679 you today in the podcast. 800 00:24:31,680 --> 00:24:33,139 Show notes, and you can always find 801 00:24:33,140 --> 00:24:36,919 more from our show at kut.org 802 00:24:36,920 --> 00:24:38,819 slash signal. 803 00:24:38,820 --> 00:24:40,399 Rayna Sevilla is our technical 804 00:24:40,400 --> 00:24:42,439 director and Kristen Cabrera is our 805 00:24:42,440 --> 00:24:43,739 managing producer. 806 00:24:43,740 --> 00:24:45,939 And I'm your host, Jerry Quijano. 807 00:24:45,940 --> 00:24:47,899 We will all be back with you 808 00:24:47,900 --> 00:24:49,979 tomorrow one o'clock right here 809 00:24:49,980 --> 00:24:51,939 on KUT and wherever 810 00:24:51,940 --> 00:24:53,719 you listen to your podcasts. 811 00:24:53,720 --> 00:24:54,720 Have a great day.