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News :: Elections & Legislation |
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Developmental Disabilities Board--Vote YES |
Current rating: 0 |
by Brian Hagy
Email: bhagy (nospam) ucimc.org (unverified!) |
01 Nov 2004
Modified: 01:43:34 PM |
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On Tuesday, November 2nd, Champaign County residents will get to vote on whether or not to have a Champaign County Developmental Disabilities Board. |
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Hey, Champaign County readers! The following is information regarding the creation of the CCDDB (Champaign County Developmental Disabilities Board).
This board would be a positive support for children and adults with developmental disabilities. Many people know of someone with a developmental disability, especially if you've ever seen a Prompting Theater show. This board would help to insure that these folks (and all other DD folks in Champaign County) continue to receive the support (or help to increase the services) each needs.
I encourage you to vote for this board, but please read on, to make up your own mind.
On Tuesday, November 2nd, Champaign County residents will get to vote on whether or not to have a Champaign County Developmental Disabilities Board.
If approved by the voters, the Champaign County Developmental Disabilities Board (CCDDB) will be a three member board, appointed by the Champaign County Board, that will make service and funding decisions for the Developmental Disabilities service system. The creation of this board will generate over two million dollars annually for people with developmental disabilities.
The board will have three main functions:
To protect and advocate for the rights of persons with developmental disabilities.
Make funding and service decisions for individuals with developmental disabilities in our communities.
Monitor the use of funds.
As federal, state, and local funding has been cut over recent years, the service system for people with developmental disabilities is in crisis. At the present time, services are already limited and unless immediate and decisive action is taken in our communities, the range of available services will be cut even further.
The creation of the Champaign County Developmental Disabilities Board will generate just over 2.3 million dollars for people with developmental disabilities. For a service system whose cost of unmet needs will be between $3.5-$7 million dollars in the next three years, this crisis needs to be addressed, and the time is now.
Did You Know?
By 2007, between 500 and 700 Champaign County citizens (children and adults) will be without needed services if funding for the service system does not increase.
One in every one hundred persons is affected by a developmental disability.
In Champaign County, over 1,700 people are affected by a developmental disability.
Just over half of those individuals are receiving the comprehensive services they need.
At the present time, services for individuals with developmental disabilities are severely limited. Individuals are remaining on waiting lists for years due to a lack of funding.
A Developmental Disability is a severe and chronic condition that includes: Cerebral Palsy, Down Syndrome, Epilepsy, Autism and Mental Retardation.
What is a Developmental Disabilities Board?
A Developmental Disabilities Board is a three-member board, appointed by the County Board, who makes service and funding decisions for persons who have and persons who serve those with developmental disabilities in Champaign County.
Why does Champaign County need a developmental disabilities board?
As federal, state and local funding has been cut over recent years, the service system for people with developmental disabilities is in crisis. The creation of this board will generate upwards of two million dollars for people with developmental disabilities. The board will be responsible for determining when and where the money is distributed, how much is distributed and for what services the money is to be used.
What is the state of crisis?
Comprehensive services for young children with developmental delays are severely curtailed and approaching the mark when they will no longer be available.
Residential service options for people with developmental disabilities are not adequate to address current and future need. Individuals who have been waiting for services for many years are in danger of being removed from their home community in order to receive these services or risk becoming homeless.
Within the spectrum of services for adults with developmental disabilities, individuals classified in the severe range of mental retardation who may also have significant physical limitations are significantly underserved, often times, to the point of a complete lack of services.
The lack of vocational training for individuals with developmental disabilities limits possibilities for people to be successfully employed.
What is the cost to residents of Champaign County?
A 10-cent rate countywide generates an annual $2,365,042 levy
Total tax for the owner of an $80,000 home- $23.17 ($1.94/month, $.44/week)
Total tax for the owner of a $120,000 home - $36.50 ($3.04/month, $.70/week)
Total tax for the owner of a $150,000 home - $46.50 ($3.88/month, $.89/week)
Tax on 80 acres of farmland only (calculated at the average value for farmland in Champaign County), excludes homestead - $28.80. ($.36/acre)
Source—Deb Busey, County Co-Administrator
What will the money be used for?
The Champaign County Board will appoint a 3-member Developmental Disabilities board that will determine the counties’ service priorities. The money will be divided between the following service programs: Children’s and Family Services, Residential Services, Adult Day Programs and Services, Case Management and Family Support Services and Vocational Training and Community Employment Services.
Why can't service providers raise the additional money needed to reduce the crisis through fundraisers?
Fundraising is an important part of any non-profit organization, and many efforts are made in our communities to raise funds throughout the year. However, fundraisers cannot support the overall budget for these services. Currently, the annual cost to address unmet needs in Champaign County is between $3.5 million and $7 million. With a deficit that large and growing every year, fundraisers and grants only begin to skim the surface.
Are there other tax options besides a property tax increase?
Currently, property tax increases are the only tax option in Champaign County. Income taxes are a statewide issue, whereas property taxes can be assessed on a county-by-county basis.
How can we be sure the money is used only for residents of Champaign County?
With the appointment of the three-member Developmental Disabilities board, they will determine the residency criteria individuals will be required to meet in order to receive funding.
Vote Yes!! November 2nd |
This work is in the public domain |
