Owens Devastates Prevention Programs

[Mortis]

RANT!

Greetings. I came into work this morning to discover some pretty Alarming news!

I work for a Non-Profit that provides services to AtRisk Youth. Being a Non-Profit, our funding is provided by State and Federal Grants, Foundations/Private Grants and FundRaising. This morning I found out that Colorado Governor Bill Owens LineItemVetoed two Significant State Grants for Prevention Programs- specificially, monies allocated through YCPI (YouthCrimePreventionIntervention) and DCJ (DepartmentOfCrimialJustice). This not only significantly impacts Youth agencies like the one I work for- but many others through out the state. Also impacted are government programs like Juvenile Diversion, many DV Courts and DV Services, etc... Further, what is even more alarming is that Mr.Owens waited until late Friday afternoon to do this- a cowardly move (in my opinion and yes, I am heated- this could result in my program ending -not the Agency, only My Program- when funds expire at the end of this month as these two Grants fund my program 100%). I state cowardly because Sessions were let out on Friday for the Summer. Unless an emergency session is called to over-rule his Veto- which requires a 2/3 vote, this action will stand.

I understand that Colorado has increased spending 7.5% over the last year while its dollars dropped 13%- Yes, there needs to be budget re-appropriations and cuts... but simply cutting prevention fund programs across the Board is ludicrous and detrimental!!! Owens has stated that he favors Treatment over Prevention, but to this degree?

This action by Governor Owens will bury many Programs and Agencies. Current YCPI funding expires June31'st and new monies granted will have been dispersed shortly there after. This is less than 30 days that Programs have to scurry to find replacement funds or close their doors. DCJ is End of August, so- more time there, but also as devastating as every dependent agency will be scrambling for the same funds.

I can only hope, not for myself- but for Valuable and Needed programs that this was a political ploy by Owens to get some things that he wanted- This gives him considerable leverage and position... if it is not a ploy, but an actuality- then I am more than saddened, I am sick! I am leaning (or lieing to myself) toward an agenda move- because there are many PowerPlayers and Agencies through out the state that will be negatively and severely effected by this... However, only time will tell and during this crucial time those of us in this position still need to react and respond.

Rant Wont be OFF for a While!!!

[Angela]

Without knowing any of the particulars, prima facie, favoring treatment over prevention seems extremely foolish. And I agree, the way he did it seems very cowardly! I'm really sorry!!