The First Comfest under the Obama AdministrationJuly 26, 27, 28 2009
Uptown Progressives is an open and inclusive community organized to protect the democratic process, promote social justice, and engage citizens in encouraging principled leadership.
Send us email at up@uptownprogressives.com to be added to our email list for news and updates.
Election Protection and Reform Committee
-----------------------------------------------------------
VOTE ON AUGUST 4, 2009!
The last tax increase was 27 years ago in 1982; demand for city services has increased as population has grown by almost a third.
Without a tax increase, of a half penny, the City will need to lay off hundreds of police officers and fire fighters, severely restrict recreation and parks services, and substantially reduce the frequency of trash pickup.
Social Security, veterans’ benefits, pensions, dividends, capitol gains, disability benefits, military pay, 401 distributions, interest on savings accounts, and income from under age 18 will not be taxed
The cost would be $17 a month for the average middle class family making $40,000 a year.
53 % of the tax will be paid by those who live outside the city but work in Columbus.
If Issue 1 is passed the services that we have now can be maintained. The city will restore some but not all services that have been cut.
If Issue 1 is not passed in August cuts must begin shortly after to ensure a balanced budget in 2010.
By law Capital funds that pay for infrastructure projects like construction and road work can not be used for city operations such as hiring police and firefighters.
Columbus city civilian workforce has been cut 32% since 2000. Now in 2009 73% of the city budget goes to Public Safety (Police Officers & Firefighters) which will be cut if Issue 1 does not pass.
Spending has been curtailed through cuts and efficiencies. The city has spent $67 million less than was budgeted from 2001 to 2008>. More revenue is needed to avoid deeper cuts.
Social Service Cut 67.0%
Neighborhood Health Centers Cut 32.5%
Franklin Park Conservatory Cut 91%
Health Dept general fund subsidy Cut 18.%
Recreation & Parks general fund subsidy Cut 30%
Home Care & Hospice Services Cut 100% Refuse Collection Cut 25%
Vehicle Replacement (mostly cruisers) Cut 74% Code Enforcement Cut 15%
Presented by the Friends of the Cultural Arts Center, a non-profit support organization
