Linda Abernathy on the City of Champaign Township
Assistance to the Poor
November 1, 2006
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Hello. I’m Linda Abernathy, the City of Champaign
Township Supervisor.
Can you get by without a car?
Do you know how to live without electricity and a phone?
Do you know which grocery store garbage bins to look in
for throw-away food?
Can you survive without a checking account?
People who live in poverty know how to do all these
things.
According to the 2000 Census, more than 13,000 people in
Champaign live below the poverty line. 13,000. I bet
most of you didn’t know that. That’s because the poor
among us are largely invisible. They need your help. On
election day, Champaign voters can make a difference for
the poor.
Your ballot includes a referendum for a tiny property
tax increase. In real dollars this means, for example,
that if your home is assessed at $150,000 and you vote
“Yes” for this referendum, you’ll be agreeing to pay
less than $23 to directly help the poor. Less than $23
for an entire year.
As the City of Champaign Township Supervisor my job is
to follow the law with regard to helping the poor, and
Illinois Law requires townships to provide assistance to
the poorest among us.
These poor are not eligible for any other public
assistance though they live in extreme poverty and are
unable to meet basic needs critical for health and
well-being.
The Township offers these individuals temporary
assistance of $212 per month. Those who receive this
assistance must work through non-profit organizations or
local governments in order to receive their $212. Those
too ill to work or are permanently disabled, must apply
for SSI.
Currently about a 100 people are so poor that they
qualify to receive general assistance. Preserving the
last safety net for our neediest citizens is what this
referendum is all about. Please join me by voting yes on
November 7
Please note that the language of the referendum says
nothing about the poor. But it’s the first of three
referenda on your ballot. And it’s labeled “Proposition
To Increase The City of Champaign Township Tax Rate.”
Township is the office that serves the poor.
For the complete wording of the referendum and
additional facts please visit us at www.cctownship.com .
That’s www.cctownship.com. Champaign is a Caring
community – Vote Yes on November 7 for City of Champaign
Township. Thank you! |
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to the commentary: RealAudio