Two Colorado Counties Seek Funding for Programs for Mentally Retarded
Developmental Pathways, the not-for-profit agency designated by Colorado to serve the mentally retarded populations in Arapahoe and Douglas counties, is facing a $1.4 million deficit in its budget, along with a waiting list of approximately 1,400 of the counties' residents, the Denver Post reports. John Meeker, executive director of Developmental Pathways, said Medicaid covers 85% to 90% of the program's $24 million budget but added that the funds are "no longer enough." The program also receives about $750,000 per year from Arapahoe County and up to $300,000 from Aurora County, as well as money from state and private entities. Developmental Pathways is asking both counties for a tax levy to help reduce the agency's deficit and waiting list. Last week, the commissioner boards in Arapahoe and Douglas counties last week voted to "ask voter permission to raise taxes." Although several other Colorado counties "have been subsidizing housing, transportation and other services for the mentally retarded," taxpayers in Arapahoe and Aurora counties have "never had a special tax dedicated" to programs for the mentally retarded. According to the Post, if approved, the levy could generate $2.7 million for Douglas County and $6.5 million for Arapahoe County. The Post reports that even if voters approve the levy, there is no "guarantee" the funds will go to Developmental Pathways, only that they money "will be used to support programs for mentally retarded residents" in the counties (Rouse, Denver Post, 9/10).
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