Amendment 51 provides thousands of children and adults with Autism, Down Syndrome, Cerebral Palsy, and Mental Retardation and other conditions with critically needed care, through a modest, phased-in sales tax of 2/10 of 1%. It is expected to raise enough funding to end decades-long waiting lists for important services for people with developmental disabilities in Colorado.
Prior to going to the voters to support this increase to end the waiting list in Colorado, advocates and parents of people with developmental disabilities worked last summer with the Colorado legislature to try to find ways to end the waiting list. While some funding was designated, the amount needed to fully end the wait list far exceeded what was allocated.
To be somewhat cliche, there never really is a "perfect time" to bite the bullet to provide the financial support necessary to ensure that people with developmental disabilities have their needs met. Sometimes, taxation is necessary to solve major problems. This amendment is only asking for .02 cents on every $10.
People with developmental disabilities are not a "special interest group." They are wonderful people who have so much to contribute to the community. The community also loses the tremendous skills and talents of the parents of these individuals when their needs are not met because parents must stop working in their careers or even have to move to other states where they can get services. Their struggles "trickle out" to the community. In other words, everyone is impacted.
There are times like these when people are worried and don't want to support a social cause. What I hope readers will realize is that one day, it could be you or your family who has this need. If that should happen, I'm certain it will be government support you will turn to for help because frankly, there is no other way unless you are wealthy.
The People Pusher asks you to Vote Yes on 51.
5 years ago
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1 comment:
You have my vote...People Pusher! I understand what you're saying. It's our responsibility to meet the needs of those who can't care for themselves. People who have
cognitive challenges that are lifelong conditions, and will oftentimes call for 24/7 care. If taxpayers think this isn't a good time, when is it a good time for these children and adults to go without the services that become critical in their lives. A person with a developmental disability's need might be for vocational training or it might be having a trained person to do their g-tube feedings, or operating a breathing apparatus. It could be they need someone assisting in their personal care so they can eat, drink, and with their personal hygiene. Some need these things done for them and they can't help themselves at all or that their body can't do.
I will be supporting Amendment 51 because it's the right thing to do and because I care.
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