MIAMI — Dozens of people representing at least 60 local nonprofit organizations gathered Wednesday morning to raise concerns about how Miami-Dade County’s budget cuts will impact their work.
“I’ve heard it said many times that the number one priority of this $12.9 billion budget is public safety. Let me tell you that the CBOs (Community-Based Organizations) who are standing here today are on the front lines of public safety,” said Amanda Altman, the CEO of Kristi House.
The rally took place outside the Stephen P. Clark Government Center in downtown Miami, with the goal of getting Mayor Daniella Levine Cava’s attention.
“I’ve been a client for Epilepsy Alliance since I was 8 years old,” said Sofia Quintana. “With this cut of funding, it would be detrimental. This lifeline that has saved me will not be available to as many people.”
Debra Webb, the CEO of Key Club House South Florida, said her organization is “part of that continuum of care for Miami-Dade County and we are here to support to get 100% restored.”
Each year, the county allocates $16.5 million in funding that is divided among nonprofits. This year, Levine Cava said she has had to make significant budget cuts.
“We understand we are all drawing from the same pot and that is creating challenges, and that is why we have a $402 million gap,” Levine Cava said.
While she was able to reallocate funds to secure 70% of the usual $16.5 million, nonprofit leaders say that’s not enough.
“The proposed fiscal year 25-26 county budget fails our communities’ most basic test: whether we protect those that are most in need or whether we turn our backs on them when they need us the most,” Miriam Singer, the CEO of Jewish Community Services, said.
The next public budget hearing is scheduled for Sept. 18 at 5 p.m.
Members of the public are invited to speak and Levine Cava, along with county commissioners, will be in attendance.
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