Monday, June 1, 2009

UPDATED: Government-supported orgs facing cutbacks and worse

By Mike Orren

It was inevitable, but we're starting to see local organizations that are dependent on government grants feeling the pinch.

First, I got word that all area Weed and Seed programs face a nearly 20% cut due to reduced funding from the Department of Justice.

Kerry Goodwin, of the Ferguson Road Initiative Weed and Seed told constituents in our neighborhood what that means for his group:

"In response to this request, we are being required to make a significant reduction in our budget from our originally anticipated $175,000 to $142,000, a reduction of $33,000 which includes a reduction of $9,625 in our police overtime funds. In order to make our numbers work, it has been necessary to commit to raising at least $25,000 in local cash match money to underwrite our payroll. This increases the importance of raising money locally to support our operations. As detailed at our last Steering Committee meeting, a number of proposals have been developed and submitted to other entities to help us cover our bottom-line, expanded demand, and neighborhood challenges. Your support and assistance to find and secure these resources is essential. Please take a moment to consider ways you can help and forward any ideas you may have to me as soon as possible. In light of our significant decrease in crime over the past six months, these reductions, particularly in our police overtime are difficult. We will be meeting with DPD and Dep. Chief Lawrence to sharpen our overtime focus to get the most for our dollars. "

Now comes news that our content partner, Dallas iMedia Network, faces loss of all of its City of Dallas funding as the City faces a $190 million deficit.

More to come, undoubtedly and unfortunately...

Do you know of other government-supported groups who have lost funding? Tell us about it in the comments.

See more stories in:

• Economics > The Economy / Employment
• Media > Television
• Ferguson Road Initiative
• Politics and Government > City Government > Dallas

Comments

Travis Bush Verified

At least some of the money that was going to "abstinence only" orgs has been canceled..maybe now some of that money will be put to good use.

5 months, 1 week ago ( Link to this comment | Suggest removal )

alexander troup Verified

Around 1933, they had a Hundred million people, give or take 500.000 in the U.S. OF A,and it was the invention of that Goverment era, quite original and novel at the time...things could be....and the whole system would not have to become big brother folks down the drain....and they found wealth and spread it around, while the illgain rich of the 1920's...hid well and the other side of the track's folk's began to live life as a diffrent scene....while to spread the butter and the wealth in a nation that has gone from white bread to whole wheat...let see....A/T, Wish I could of had 3 billion to seed...

5 months, 1 week ago ( Link to this comment | Suggest removal )