7742-03 Support Human Services Levy

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WHEREAS, the funds to protect abused and neglected children have been cut by the state in the last biennium budget by $2.75 million with an additional $1.4 million to be cut in the 04-05 budget; needed funds that train foster parents and recruit adoptive parents, funds that serve children transitioning out of foster care, and funds that assist schools to help support families and children; and WHEREAS, the State has proposed to completely cut the funds to provide protective services for vulnerable seniors in our community, funds that were used to investigate allegations of abuse and neglect as-well-as to ensure the protection of our seniors. And the state will cut funding for nursing home eligible seniors that would have allowed them to remain in their homes and receive less costly, nursing services rather than going into nursing homes; and WHEREAS, in a lagging economy, the State proposes to cut funding for unemployed and dislocated workers, thereby reducing the opportunities for adults and young people to retool or train for new employment; and WHEREAS, the partnership between the County and the State to provide human services has been severely eroded by the reduction in support provided by the state, contributing to a milieu of loss and desperation for many citizens, thus mandating local support to ensure that the human service needs are adequately met; now, therefore, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE CITY OF LAKEWOOD, STATE OF OHIO: Section 1. That this Council, for itself and on behalf of all the citizens of this community, encourages Lakewood voters to support passage of the Cuyahoga County Human Services levy on the May 6, 2003 primary ballot, and ensure that the necessary resources are available to adequately meet the vital human service needs of the citizens of our county. Passage of this levy would adjust the current 3.1 mil Human Services levy to current property valuations and increase funding an additional 1.8 mils. Section 2. That the Clerk of Council be and is hereby authorized and directed to forward a certified copy of this resolution to the Cuyahoga County Board of Commissioners; 1219 Ontario Street, Cleveland, OH 44113, and that a copy of this resolution be spread upon the minutes of this meeting. Adopted: