Our non-profits are the backbone of the county, the unsung heroes of the day lending a helping hand in the time of need or even in a matter of life and death. It’s true, but you don’t need me to tell you that. Platitudes and pats on the back have their place, but public policy is a “what-have-you-done-for-me-
The Health and Human Services Committee and the Council Grants are excellent places to start for those of you who want to keep up with public policy, but there are also important issues tucked away in other committees. You may have heard about the Hillmead controversy a few months back since it got quite a bit of ink in the local media. Although ultimately we did not designate that property for affordable housing, many nonprofits chimed in, reminding the Council that there are about 150 families with children currently homeless in the County, and your voices added real weight to the debate.
Another issue, with a potentially larger impact on the nonprofit community, was buried in the spring budgeting process. I proposed eliminating the impact tax for non-profits providing direct services. The impact tax is assessed on new construction or additions to current structures in order to offset the costs associated with increased demand on public infrastructure, specifically the neighboring roads. We need the impact taxes, certainly, but I felt that the burden was too high for non-profit organizations who were already struggling with staggering property prices. I’m pleased to say that this particular measure passed even though we didn’t hear much from the non-profit community. Next time we might not be so lucky, so please help me help you!
Again, I’m really happy to see the launch of this site, and please feel free to contact me if you need help sorting through the mountain of information that comes out of the Council. Keep up the good work!
Submitted by Montgomery County Councilmember Nancy Floreen
No comments:
Post a Comment