Orange County NC Website
Browse       Search
m. 8 <br /> SUMMARY <br /> The Forum was comprised of a good mix of persons from the business sector,human services <br /> agencies,and voluntary action organizations,as well as county citizen representatives. The level of '. <br /> experience and the quality of ideas was superior. Discussion groups concurred that health,educa- <br /> tion,employment,and child care issues that impact on poverty in the county were inextricably inter- <br /> twined. Solutions will be complex. Nevertheless, some commonly shared themes emerged. <br /> • More funding is required. The tax base must be increased and Orange County must look for <br /> funding ding resources other than property taxes (e.g., service district taxes). <br /> • Reclassification of jobs and increase in wage scales at the university (state) and in county <br /> government are essential. Participants recommended that these bodies should set an example <br /> for other employers. <br /> • Expanded services,better coordination of services and improved referral systems are <br /> necessary. <br /> • All county residents need and deserve a basic family income that keeps pace with the cost of <br /> living in the county. <br /> Housing issues were not discussed in depth and may need to be addressed in a separate forum <br /> devoted to specific housing problems which impact on poverty in Orange County. <br /> Community leaders see a need for,and want involvement in, the process of reducing poverty <br /> in Orange County. Participants acknowledge the "Family Support Act of 1988" (Welfare Reform) <br /> will play a part in addressing poverty issues in the next few years; however,it will not be the sole <br /> answer. Participants also expressed an awareness that the Commissioners have their work rut out <br /> for them and the tasks ahead will require that community leaders work together, and with their <br /> elected officials. All appeared ready to meet the challenge. <br /> r <br />