Twenty at-risk, special-needs youth were supposed to attend a three-day computer camp starting today, Feb. 4, and running through Sunday. But they don’t get to.
With a 3-2 vote, the El Paso County Commission last week rejected a federal grant of $38,520, which would have funded the camp. Participants were local youth, ages 16 through 21, enrolled in the federally funded Workforce Investment Act Youth Program, which the Pikes Peak Workforce Center administers for El Paso and Teller counties.
The camp would have provided an introduction to laptop computers, including the Windows platform, MS Office skills and Internet-based employment assistance. The intent: to provide the youth to become “self-sufficient and independent job searchers, career explorers and entry-level workers.” They also would have received a laptop computer, upon completing the camp.
Commissioners objected to the expense, even though the federal government would have picked up the tab.
“I think this is an outrageous fee for taxpayers — $1,920 per kid,” said Commissioner Peggy Littleton.
Commission Chairwoman Amy Lathen agreed.
“We cannot sustain these kinds of programs. Citizens pay federal income taxes, and at at this point, they’re funny money; they’re not federal dollars,” she said.
Littleton, a former state board of education member, said the youth could get computer training through school or other avenues.
Lathen said the program seems redundant .
Pikes Peak Workforce Center Chief Executive Officer Charlie Whelan said he understood the commissioners’ concerns and that he would try to find another way for the youth to receive laptops and computer training.
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Shame on them for rejecting federal funds that would help special needs kids in our community!
Swell, putting their stupid ideology before the welfare of kids.
Of course, since it’s OTHER people’s kids, it’s okay to screw them over.
And we elected these idiots????
So, we’re all going to pay federal taxes for this program that kids in other counties and states are going to get, but denying it to our own.
The saddest thing about it is that special needs kids in El Paso County are already very neglected. The state just cut funding to the CCB’s by over 50%. Every other county in this state has a mill levy that is helping keep them in programs that will allow them to be more independent, but because we have TABOR to the nth degree here, most kids and families with special needs are getting absolutely no help.
Littleton and Lathen, you might say your prayers before meetings, but no nothing about the compassion of Christ. I challenge you to spend ONE EVENING with one of these families and then deny them because of politics.
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An absolutely despicable decision.
But, it well describes the value-set of who runs for office in so many cases.
Now wait a minute – the commissioners did not say the kids couldn’t go. The objected to accepting an expenditure (of almost $2000 per child) of federal tax money. I think this a reasonable and appropriate responsibility of the council.
To each who think this shameful, despicable, idiotic, or what-not – how about facilitating a voluntary fundraising to acquire the money? I’m sure that there are plenty of voluntary donors willing to foot this expense. If not, then please explain why allocation of tax dollars (not a voluntary contribution) is justified?
You know why, Ken? Because people here just don’t care about kids and adults with special needs, or they care more about keeping that extra dime. Voters here could have taken all of the kids off of waiting lists with just a 1/10 of 1 cent tax increase a few years ago.
There is lots of voluntary fundraising being done, but no one seems to care except for the families of the kids affected, and they don’t have money.
Again, now we’re all paying for this program for kids in other states, while, again- our children are neglected.
There’s no such thing as a free lunch.
But – - it is so important to stay in office!
My political career first.
My party needs second.
Needs of the community come last.
I am an El Paso county leader.
I would also like to note that I know students who get Pell Grants from the Federal Government for college tuition at around $2000 per semester.
This was a program for special needs and at-risk kids who aren’t going to college, to help them with job skills and make them less dependent long term. They aren’t kids that are going to have the opportunity to get Pell grants. I’m very thankful that our County Commissioners don’t have control of accepting those funds, because a lot of young students would be out of luck with these commissioners, wouldn’t they?
*shakes head in disgust*
What’s wrong with you commenters? The government finally decides to take an action to NOT spend our taxes frivilously, and you complain. This is exactly the type of things we should NOT be paying for. This is exactly the reason why we REFUSE to vote for higher taxes.
Sure, pay for roads, police, fire department, parks, etc. Quit paying for this balogna. This type of stuff should be funded by private organizations for publicity and marketing, not by my pocket book.
archos 101…
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