Social services still need funding

By The Daily Progress

Published: October 12, 2008

Certainly our elected officials face difficult times caused by the economic backsliding of our state and local economy. Whenever income projections are out of sync with tax revenue realities, tough financial decisions lie ahead.

Less money to spend is also hitting most families and individuals.

These hard times require thoughtful consideration of what is necessary and what is not. Governments and their citizens share this challenge.

I encourage our local governments to leave untouched, unless to increase, those human services funds so essential to our community’s most at risk — the poor, the frail and the unemployed. In times of broad economic distress, government assistance programs are needed the most.

The money spent by local government for social and health services represents a very small part of their overall budget — less than 5 percent. These funds loom big however as deterrents to additional suffering and further hardship.

In our community the gap continues to widen between the “have a lots” and “have nots.” One out of every five people in Albemarle County is considered impoverished.

Is it not an appropriate role for government to help minimize the consequences this growing imbalance has on quality of life?

Government alone is not the answer.

However, by taking off the budget cutting block programs serving our most vulnerable neighbors, government sends hope and delivers a humanitarian message.

Our public and private sectors together can rally in times of greatest need to care for those who are hurting the most.

Gordon Walker
Albemarle County

Gordon Walker is CEO of the Jefferson Area Board for Aging.