|
|
On the Issues
|
Human Services
Providing human service programs and supporting nonprofits is one of the County's most
important commitments. It has been tough to watch federal budgets that support vital services shrink, while at the same time seeing the State of Colorado
struggling to restore funding that was cut due to TABOR restrictions. In 2005, Boulder County voters dealt with the impact of TABOR at the County level by voting to "deBruce" Boulder County property revenues and to dedicate a portion of the resulting revenue to nonprofits. The additional revenue (over $2.5 million in the last three years) has meant a significant boost for programs
that address hunger, abuse, health care, mental illness, homelessness, women's health,
affordable housing, and the needs of disadvantaged kids, seniors, and the disabled.
Also in 2005, we launched our "Drop in the Bucket" campaign, in which we gave Boulder County residents the option of turning over their TABOR-mandated refunds (the median amount was $11) to local nonprofits. The results were overwhelming, with residents giving over $600,000.
We are also considering this year placing on the ballot an extension of the County's Worthy Cause Tax,
which currently provides funding for local nonprofits for their capital needs. Freeing nonprofits
from rental and mortgage payments has allowed them to focus their time, energy, and fundraising
efforts on the direct delivery of service to the public.
<< Return to Issues page
|
|
|
Home