Unlocking Word Meanings
Read the following words/expressions found in today’s article.
- funnel / ˈfʌn l / (v.) – to send money to someone or something, usually indirectly or secretly
Example:The government funneled $500,000 to projects through its livelihood program.
- makeshift / ˈmeɪkˌʃɪft / (adj.) – describing something of low quality because it’s made of whatever is available
Example:We used wooden boxes as makeshift chairs.
- encampment / ɛnˈkæmp mənt / (n.) – a group of temporary shelters like tents and huts
Example:The government set up encampments for the typhoon victims.
- virtually / ˈvɜr tʃu ə li / (adv.) – nearly or almost completely
Example:The popular product is available in virtually every store.
- homicide / ˈhɒm əˌsaɪd / (n.) – the act of killing someone
Example:The suspect was found guilty of homicide.
Article
Read the text below.
In a city struggling with rising crime rates and an out-of-control homeless crisis, Los Angeles Mayor Eric Garcetti on Wednesday proposed boosting spending for police and funneling a record amount — more than $1 billion — into housing and other programs to help those living on the streets.
Garcetti said the spending aimed at homelessness, if approved by City Council, would be about 20 times the amount directed at homelessness when he took office in 2013. The proposal comes at a time when makeshift encampments have spread in virtually every neighborhood.
A key part of the proposal calls for the city to purchase buildings and convert them into residences for homeless people.
The spending plan was outlined in Garcetti’s $11.8 billion budget for the fiscal year that begins in July, which now goes to City Council for review.
Garcetti, a two-term Democrat, also called for boosting spending at the Los Angeles Police Department, including hiring hundreds of officers. The city had 397 homicides last year, the highest tally since 2006.
Garcetti was nominated in July to become President Joe Biden’s ambassador to India. But the Senate vote has been delayed by an investigation into sexual harassment allegations against a former Garcetti top adviser. The mayor has denied witnessing or being told of any inappropriate behavior. Garcetti’s term at City Hall runs through the end of the year.
This article was provided by The Associated Press.
Viewpoint Discussion
Enjoy a discussion with your tutor.
Discussion A
- Do you think Garcetti’s proposal is an effective solution to LA’s rising crime rates and homelessness? Why or why not? Discuss.
- What do you think was Garcetti’s purpose for the proposal (ex. to serve the people, to shift people’s attention away from the allegations)? Why? Discuss.
Discussion B
- In your opinion, which is a more serious issue in your country, crime or homelessness? Why? Discuss.
- Do you think your government has enough initiatives to address these issues? Why or why not? Discuss.