State Representative Patty Mueller outlines priorities and funding concerns for the session

Representative Patty Mueller addressed the Austin City Council with a preview of the upcoming state legislative session and reported constituent concerns about federal childcare funding freezes and the new paid family leave law.

Mueller said an audit prompted a federal freeze on some childcare funding streams and that the timeline for release was uncertain. "We do not have a contingency fund right now to backfill any of the funding that we are not receiving from the federal government," she told council members, urging vigilance while audits proceed. She said she is working with federal and state contacts to clarify which providers and programs are affected.

On paid family leave, Mueller said the new program has drawn concern from employers and may require adjustments. The law currently imposes a 0.88% payroll tax, and the administration can increase that to 1.1% without additional legislative approval. "My sneaking suspicion is that it is not" enough to cover demand, she said, adding that she is exploring safeguards and possible scope refinements.

Mueller also highlighted education work, including a teacher apprenticeship bill that passed previously and is beginning rollout, and discussed Local Government Aid, noting Austin receives a comparatively large LGA allocation and that changes at the state level could affect local budgets.

Councilors asked about prospects for a local option sales tax; Mueller said that while she supports giving the city that option, timing and committee dynamics make passage uncertain this session. She invited further questions and said she would return with updates as the session progresses.