Community Support

United Way of Miami-Dade and the Greater Miami Chamber of Commerce prepared the following statement in response to the state's current budget crisis. This letter was sent to the following publications: The Miami Herald, El Nuevo Herald, The Miami Times, Miami Today

To The Editor:

The Greater Miami Chamber of Commerce and United Way of Miami-Dade acknowledge the challenges of the state's budget shortfalls and the difficult decisions facing our elected leaders. It is nonetheless critical in these times to also recognize the importance of our public infrastructure, in particular the dedicated professionals and institutions that sustain and enrich our community.

We share our community partners' grave concerns for those Floridians dependent on the network of public services. The current budget crisis is unlike any in recent memory and may cause severe hardships for many. In a March 2008 statement, Florida TaxWatch calls on the leadership of Florida to "protect our state's citizens, especially the young and old who are the most vulnerable, by preserving core functions, the rule of law, public safety and public health."

We also join Miami Dade County Public Schools, Miami Dade College, Florida International University and others in placing public education on the list of top priorities as it is a critical investment in Florida's economic recovery and future growth.

The greatest attention must be given to resolving this crisis in a way that embraces the best of our community values.

Barry Johnson, President and CEO, Greater Miami Chamber of Commerce
Harve Mogul, President and CEO, United Way of Miami-Dade