Oct. 7, 2008: PCIC Convenes a press conference at City Hall...
to deliver an open letter to the Mayor and Council members requesting a public forum to discuss options around proposed budget cuts to outside agencies. The letters were signed by PCIC and by other Tucson area non-profit agencies slated for the chopping block:The Honorable Mayor and Council Members Dear Mayor and City Council Members: In recent weeks, community organizations and agencies have been informed through official and back-door communications that City Manager Mike Hein proposes to cut funding of community agencies and organizations for the current fiscal year by 10%. These cuts to vital programs and services could not happen at a worse time given the growing economic pressures on families. If carried out, these cuts will damage our community’s response to the most vulnerable among us, especially children, the frail elderly and disabled, even as their economic conditions deteriorate. We are deeply concerned about the absence of public inquiry and discussion around priorities and alternatives, including revenue enhancement alternatives. We call for a full review of the proposed cuts by the City Council at an evening Study Session when working families can attend. We await your response. PCIC Leadership Team |