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    • « Mark your calendars! OSBA 62nd Annual Convention | Home | Boyz n the Book: Johnny can read, but won’t and who can blame him? »

    YES WE CAN!

    By Tobi Kibel Piatek | November 5, 2008

    No matter what your political affliation, I hope you will agree that last night was an inspiring one. I was thrilled by the long lines of voters, the huge crowds, the tears, the cheers, the geniuine excitement and air of hope and promise.  For the first time in a long time (at least for me), election night feels like a new beginning. With all the news and all the issues, I want to point to a little article in today’s Oregonian that offers good news to OUR kids - kids at risk.

    Portland’s voters give kids five more years of services
    The children’s levy will pay for early education, mentoring and child abuse prevention

    Portland voters overwhelmingly renewed a five-year property tax levy that pays for grants to nonprofit organizations that provide early-childhood education, after-school care and mentoring programs. The levy also will pay for services for foster children for the first time.

    The levy was passing 70 percent to 30 percent in partial returns.

    “I think Portland voters have proven that although these are tough times and concerns about jobs and mortgage payments are on people’s minds, I think they recognize a good long-term investment in the city’s kids,” said City Commissioner Dan Saltzman, who spearheaded the levy and leads a committee that approves the grants.

    My question: In what ways will this money be spent? Is your organization waiting for dollars to fund specific projects or services? Please share stories about the impact these dollars can make for the kids you work with. Click COMMENT below to respond.

    Topics: In The News |

    One Response to “YES WE CAN!”

    1. Adrilia Says:
      November 6th, 2008 at 1:42 pm

      Don’t have a specific answer to your question, but I am formerly a Portland resident and it is beautiful to see that in spite of tough times Portlanders continue to fund worthwhile, smart programs. Thanks for your post.

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