Debt is one of the most systemic attributes of poverty. We should do more with our city owned utility while working with our non-profit partners to create a better debt forgiveness and financial rehabilitation program. We need to eliminate barriers to housing and jobs for our most vulnerable neighbors. As cost of living and rents in Austin have so rapidly increased, I believe that utility-bill relief can offer renters and those who need it most, financial assistance to offset other rising costs that do not have amnesty programs.