Portland Children’s Levy

http://www.portlandchildrenslevy.org/

The Portland Children’s Levy was created by voters in 2002 and overwhelmingly renewed in both 2008 and 2013. In the 15 years since voters first approved the Levy over $150 million has been invested in over 50 organizations. Levy funds have annually supported services for more than 14,000 children and hunger relief services to more than 15,000 children.

The organizations funded by the Portland Children’s Levy are committed to providing programs in the following areas:

• Child abuse prevention and intervention: protecting children from terrible circumstances, which also addresses juvenile crime, school failure, drug and alcohol abuse and homeless youth.

• Early childhood programs: preparing children for success in school and making quality childcare more affordable. Ensuring that children arrive at school ready to learn also assists our schools and teachers.

• After school, summer and mentoring programs: promoting academic achievement, reducing the number of juveniles victimized by crime and increasing graduation rates.

• Children in foster care programs: giving foster children a better chance at success with educational support, mentoring and access to mental health services.

• Child hunger prevention: improving children’s access to nutritious meals, leading to better physical and mental health, as well as academic success.

On May 15th we have the chance to vote to Renew the Portland Children’s Levy (Measure 26-197) and continue our funding for this great program. A Yes vote for Measure 26-197, does not increase the rate but instead renews the Children’s Levy at the same tax rate we are paying now.

A Yes Vote also continues the other parts of the levy that make it both effective and accountable. The Children’s levy only supports programs that are cost-effective and proven to work. The levy is overseen by a five-member Allocation Committee who ensures that there are annual independent audits and that administrative expenses are limited to 5% or less – a commitment they have kept for over 15 years which allows 95 cents of every dollar to go directly to programs.

Renewing the Portland Children’s Levy is an important way to say that in Portland, we care about our kids – and put those values into action every day. Please Vote YES for Measure 26-197 by May 15th. More information is available at the campaign’s website: voteyesforportlandschildren.org or check out the brochure.