Agenda - 06-20-2002 - 4b - Laserfiche WebLink

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A CALL FOR ADEQUATE FUNDING FOR NORTH CAROLINA HUMAN SERVICES PROGRAMS WHEREAS, the State of North Carolina has experienced a significant increase in population including the nation's fastest growing Latino population, many of whom require support and assistance, and; WHEREAS, the State of North Carolina has experienced a devastating economic downturn with some counties facing the highest unemployment rate in the nation, and; WHEREAS,the State of North Carolina's economy has been dependent upon textiles and manufacturing industries which have lost thousands of jobs, leaving employment opportunities very scarce,and; WHEREAS, Human Services Agencies in North Carolina, including the Departments of Social Services have experienced increased demands on all public assistance programs; Work First Family Assistance,Child Care Subsidy, Food Stamps,Medicaid,Child Support,Transportation, and Emergency Assistance programs,and; _ WHEREAS, these same North Carolina County Departments of Social Services have also experienced increased demands on all service programs, as unemployment and economic stresses contribute to increases in crime, juvenile delinquency, child neglect and abuse,elder neglect and abuse, dmglalcohol abuse, and an erosion in the quality of life for all citizens, and: WHEREAS, the Covernor of the State of North Carolina has withheld millions of dollars from county governments forcing many counties to increase property taxes and with legislative approval a one-half cent in sales tax, and: WHEREAS, the Senate Human Resources Appropriations Committee's Budget includes a reduction of$5.5 million for County Departments of Social Services for the administration of programs of public assistance. The reduction of$5.5 million equates to an$I I million cut and the reduction of 392 position. The State funds are used to leverage federal funds. These funds are used to support staffs who deliver direct services to the State's most vulnerable citizens. The reduction will severely hinder our ability to provide essential services. WHEREAS, the State of North Carolina operates Social Services programs in partnership with county government but the portion of cost paid by county governments places us in the top 10% of counties nationwide, and: WHEREAS the State of North Carolina has seen a 60%reduction in Work First Family Assistance caseloads county governments have maintained the same level of financial support to this program while the State reduced its financial commitment to the Work First Program. THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, the State of North Carolina shall explore all avenues to increase revenues, including tax on tobacco and alcohol to invest in all the State's children, families,disabled and elderly individuals so that they can all fully participate in the American Dream.