I do not believe it is the job of human service organizations to tell city budget chiefs how to raise revenues and balance the budget, nor is it our area of expertise. It is our job, however, to speak out when further cuts cannot be sustained. The proposed cuts in the budget are harmful for clients, counterproductive for the city, and in many cases will undermine nonprofit agencies, as they come at a time of increased demand for services as well as large funding reductions from private donations and foundation grants. Everyone has to share in the sacrifice, but nonprofit human service organizations and the communities they serve have already done their part.
Restoring necessary funding for human services in the budget would cost between $150 and $200 million – roughly one-half of one percent of the city’s $60 billion budget. Imposing these cuts rather than finding the revenue needed to prevent them is a question of priorities, not of means. In the coming days as the final city budget is negotiated, the mayor and City Council must focus their priorities on protecting those most in need.
Nancy Wackstein is the Executive Director of United Neighborhood Houses, the umbrella organization for three dozen social service agencies.
