Reason to support Proposition K

For years, there has been a decline in funding for mental health, substance abuse and social services in our county. We have an opportunity on Aug. 5 to ensure that we are caring for children in our county by investing in quality services. We know that there are more than 500 children going without necessary psychiatric services, more than 240 children who are homeless and 1,000 children who are abused or neglected each year. How can we tell these children that we "already have enough?"

Our schools have a tough job -- no doubt -- but it cannot and should not be their responsibility alone to ensure our children are mentally and physically well enough to be successful outside of school. The job of public education is to make sure each child has access to the best education possible. One social worker for 5,000 students in the Cape Girardeau School District cannot possibly be able to address every need in the district.

Our schools need community support -- support from churches, agencies, organizations, businesses and many others. We can all play a part in supporting our children by voting "yes" on Aug. 5 for Prop K. Let's turn obstacles into opportunities! This is our opportunity to show them we support and care about them. Let's make a difference in not only the lives of our children, but in the future of our county.

PHIL ROOP, lead pastor,

Bethel Assembly, Cape Girardeau