Background

2. Background • Since 1984, Montgomery County has combined levies resulting in • two current human services levies. • One levy is about to expire and the county commissioners have put a replacement issue on the ballot. • A replacement means no additional millage but adds $1.30 a month to a $100,000 home. • Due to cuts in the state revenue, tax reform and growing human services needs, the county will have to cut another $16 million a year even if it passes. More state cuts are also forecast.

3. What the Levy Accomplishes • Protects tens of thousands of Montgomery County residents who • depend on critical services. • Protects vulnerable children from abuse and neglect. • Delivers home care services and meals to frail elderly residents. • Serves children and adults with mental retardation and disabilities. • Helps thousands of unemployed adults looking for jobs. • Provides desperately needed health and mental health care. • Brings home millions of your state and federal tax dollars. • In this bad economy there is more need than ever and the state has • already cut our human services by over $13 million over the last year.

4. What the Human Services Levy Supports • State Mandated Agencies: • Children Services – Child abuse and neglect prevention • Developmental Disabilities Services (formerly Mental Retardation and • Developmental Disabilities) • Public Health Services – Dayton and Montgomery County • Alcohol, Drug Addiction and Mental Health Services – Treatment and prevention

5. Children Services Protects kids from abuse and neglect. Children entering care today display more severe problems. More families are facing financial stress resulting in “at risk” conditions. Ohio closed several facilities and returned youthful offenders to the community for safe foster care.

6. Developmental Disabilities Services Formerly known as Mental Retardation and Developmental Disabilities (MRDD) Provides early intervention, treatment and education for disabled children. Early intervention enrollment has increased by 50% since 2004. Increased need for housing care of disabled adults. Developmentally disabled adults are living longer – outliving their parents – need extended care. There are currently 169 disabled adults with caregivers over 60 years of age – 41% increase since 2004. State funding cut by $1 million this year.

7. Frail Elderly Seniors Population is aging and increasing need for services and supports. In-home services and care is the most efficient way to meet the need. The ComCare program managed by the Area Agency on Aging, provides a variety of in-home services so frail elderly seniors can remain at home and not enter nursing homes prematurely. Over 1,700 frail elderly seniors were served in 2009. The average annual consumer income is $17,500. This is the most cost effective way to meet senior needs.

8. Public Health Healthcare reform is not immediate and impact is yet unknown. Significant growth in uninsured families and individuals are increasing demand for the public health system . It is estimated, there are over 59,000 uninsured adults in Montgomery County. The costs to protect our community by providing water and restaurant inspections, monitoring air quality and protecting against disasters and illness is increasing. (Ex - H1N1)

9. ADAMHS Alcohol, Drug Addiction and Mental Health Services Services prevent and treat alcohol, drug abuse and mental health problems. Left untreated these problems create serious consequences and high costs for communities and taxpayers. When these services are cut, problems result throughout the human services system. The state cut treatment programs and closed Twin Valley. We have no other choice but to step up.

10. Additional Critical Local Services • Juvenile Court – Early intervention with delinquent and at-risk youth • Stillwater Center – Residential care for severely developmentally • disabled children and adults • Homeless Solutions – Prevention and reduction of homelessness • Montgomery County Job Center – For employment assistance • Community safety net programming to support critical local needs • Mentoring and alternative education supports to help youth • successfully graduate from high school and achieve self-sufficiency • Collaborative programming to provide high quality care and early • education to low income and at-risk 3-5 year olds

11. Stronger Monitoring and Enforcement The county has reviewed every program, canceled noncompliant contracts and implemented the following steps: 1. Separating contract monitoring from contract administration 2. Building an electronic database to monitor and flag problems 3. Developing new performance standards to be measured regularly 4. Bringing in outside expertise to ensure best practices 5. Calling for vigorous enforcement of all rules and laws

12. What’s at Risk if Levy Fails This levy collects $61 million a year, almost half of all local funding for health and human services. The levy also brings home millions in state and federal dollars that would be lost. The vital safety net services to those in need throughout the community will be greatly reduced at a time when needs are increasing.

13. Why it Must Pass Protects and helps the most vulnerable citizens in our community. Replacement levy costs only $1.30 more a month ($100,000 property). The cost of not dealing with the issue is even greater.

14. How Can You Help? • Visit the campaign website at www.keepourhumanservices.com • - Volunteer for the campaign. • Sign up to receive email updates. • Tell us your story…give us a testimonial. • Link to social media networks – Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn. • Vote via absentee ballot and encourage others to do so. • Request a yard sign. • - Be part of the grassroots campaign. • Help Us Spread The Word! • Emails – send us any email lists you may have or let us know • if you can send out emails on our behalf. • Facebook – Recommend our Facebook page to your friends • to make personal posts about the issue.