More Options- Better Life

How many of us would say that $800,000 is a lot of money? $800,000 yearly is the amount of money available through the Senate Bill 40 tax in Cape County to be used for supporting programs that benefit the develomentally disabled. Years ago when this special tax was created there was really only one company out there offering employment and housing for persons with developmental disabilities and I commend them for being among the first. However they have not kept up with the times in my opinion. And they seem to feel entitled to this tax money and are wanting to fight to exclude other more progressive and forward thinking organizations from applying for funding through SB 40 tax funds. We can be sure that this company receives funding from many other sources as well. Myself along with many other tax payers and advocates for those with developmental disabilities would like to see more options in work placement and housing available in our area. So there is one company in our area that has used SB40 tax funds to get itsself up and going. Now it's time to give other groups a chance. I am hoping it's no longer just an assumption that Cape County's SB 40 tax funds are only available to assist one particular company- and others need not apply. Our SB 40 Board members are working together diligently to ensure going forward that they are conscientiously doing what is right with our tax money- and answering only to the appropriate authorities- not the organizations who RECEIVE their funding, but the folks who PROVIDE the funding (taxpaying citizens) and the clients who will benefit from it. It's a new day for our SB40 board and a new day for folks with developmental disabilities in Cape County- and it's about time.