With recent research showing that Connecticut taxpayers do not support a rebate of $55 in surplus tax dollars (Quinnipiac University, 3/6/14), we the undersigned strongly urge you to reconsider current budget proposals, and to appropriate $55 million to support community nonprofit providers, who serve some of the most vulnerable citizens of our state. 

An influx of state money would bring desperately-needed investments to services located in every city and town in Connecticut. These vital services would include supports for the full continuum of children’s programs, children and adults struggling with mental health illness, substance use disorders, developmental disabilities and re-entry into our communities.  Providers of these often life-saving supports and treatment have struggled with underfunding for more than two decades and employ thousands of CT residents who contribute to our economy in multiple ways.

The lives of nearly every resident of Connecticut are touched by the services of community nonprofit providers, and we have seen the tragedies that can happen when those services are scarce.  In this year's budget surplus, you have an opportunity to give community nonprofit providers and the hundreds of thousands of individuals they serve, the support they need to continue to serve all of Connecticut.