Times are tough for Howard County?s community service groups, but the state?s budget shortfall could make providing outreach even tougher.
“Human services organizations in Howard County are operating on very thin margins,” said Anne Towne, executive director of the Association of Community Services of Howard County.
The association, which is a network of providers, is now pulling together data on organizations? funding sources and the impact of potential budget cuts.
In a few weeks, the group should have some comprehensive numbers to show the needs and make a case for continued funding, Towne said.
“A strong piece of this is to lobby the governor,” she said.
The state is facing a $1.5 billion budget deficit, which officials have attributed to increased school funding and income tax rate cuts.
Many Howard state delegates say this could mean less program funding and increased taxes.
“There will be cuts,” said Sen. James Robey, D-District 13, speaking on a panel with other members of the delegation at the Association of Community Services meeting. “The big question is, can we hold harmless all the organizations that need help so desperately?”
Del. Guy Guzzone, D-District 13, agreed that cuts would be likely, adding, “I hope they?re small.”
More than 16,000 people are on a waiting list for services from the state Developmental Disabilities Administration, according to the ARC of Maryland.
Howard?s organizations are facing proportionate backlogs, Towne said.
Guzzone said state cuts proposed this year would have only reduced this waiting list by 11 people.
“We?ve got a long way to go,” he said.
“I don?t know where you?re going to cut any spending,” said Del. Frank Turner, D-District 13. “You?re going to have to raise revenue.”
The delegates differed on where the tax increases should come from, such as the sales or income tax.
Although she said the deficit could be handled without raising taxes, Del. Gail Bates, R-District 9A, predicted the opposite would happen.
“I think we?re going to indeed have one of the largest tax increases in Maryland history,” she said.
