What
is Proposition 1 “Putting Kids First”?
Why do we need Proposition 1?
Who will oversee the funds?
How
will the funds be disbursed?
Shouldn’t
the State be responsible for these services?
What
is Proposition 1 “Putting Kids First”?
A: Prop 1 “Putting Kids First” is a countywide
initiative to develop a Community Children’s Service
Fund to help our children, youth and their families. This
fund would be created through a countywide 1/4-cent sales
tax increase (1 penny for every $4 purchase) initiative
on the November 2nd, 2010 ballot. The funds generated
will be used solely for children’s service programs
in Warren County.
The
Community Services Fund will reduce the risk of suicide,
violence, and substance abuse through the expansion and
continuation of existing programs that include:
- Temporary
shelter for abused, neglected, homeless or emotionally
disturbed youth
- Alcohol
and drug abuse treatment
- Counseling
services and psychiatric treatment
- Respite
care services
- Crisis
intervention
-
A comprehensive school-based prevention initiative
that teaches character building and life skills to
all Warren
county school children.
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Why do
we need Proposition 1?
A: Warren county is vastly outgrowing the services now
available to the children in our area as confirmed by
a 2010 study of the needs of children and youth in this
county conducted by the Warren County Community Resource
Board. The percentage of dollars the State allocates to
the Department of Mental Health has dropped in the last
19 years while our population has grown. Social services
have been vulnerable to budget cuts and the only way to
guarantee a safety net for our community’s children
is to pass Proposition 1. In addition, a more comprehensive
prevention program in our schools would benefit approximately
6,000 school children, helping them develop skills necessary
to handle the challenges and pressures they face.
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Who
will oversee the funds?
A: The Warren County Community Resource Board, a countywide,
twelve-member board of volunteers is dedicated to providing
the necessary services for the children and youth of Warren
county. The Resource Board is appointed by the County
Commission.
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How will
the funds be disbursed?
A: The funds will be managed and audited by an independent
board of citizens within the community the Warren County
Community Resource Board. The board will disburse funds
to various agencies according to the needs identified
within the community.
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Shouldn’t
the State be responsible for these services?
A: The percentage of dollars the State allocates to the
Department of Mental Health has dropped in the last 19
years while our population has grown. Mental health and
social services are not mandated entities and therefore,
are vulnerable to budget cuts. Passage of this measure
is the only way to guarantee a safety net for our community’s
children.
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