United Way Endorses City Income Tax

News - Public Policy News

United Way of Central Ohio is endorsing the proposed increase in the City of Columbus income tax (Issue 1).  The City of Columbus is an important partner in our efforts to address our community’s most significant needs; however the city’s perilous fiscal state jeopardizes our community’s ability to achieve lasting change in education, income, health and home.  Increased revenue will allow Columbus to continue its investment in health and human services and maintain a strong infrastructure that enhances quality of life for its residents and promotes economic development.

This first rate increase in 27 years will prevent substantial layoffs of police and firefighters and restore funding for health and human service providers to 2009 City Council approved levels – both are essential to public safety and quality life in central Ohio.

Issue 1, which goes before voters during a special election on August 4th, asks voters to approve a .5% increase in the city tax rate.  The proposed increase from 2 percent to 2.5 percent is expected to generate approximately $97 million a year and nearly fill an anticipated $100 million shortfall in the 2010 budget.

Passage of Issue 1 is part of a three-step plan designed to maintain a high quality of life and neighborhood safety throughout Columbus.  The three-step plan includes:

• Creating jobs through economic development and business attraction
• Making government more efficient and accountable
• Asking voters to support a .5% increase in the city tax rate