In the midst of the global pandemic, I reflected on the quick change in mindset and commitment to quickly remove the unsheltered from streets across the USA. Local governments are adopting an Abundant Mindset. When we operate with an Abundant Mindset, no matter the challenge, a multitude of solutions appear….”Ameri – Cans” can do all things!!
Decades of tax cuts dating back to the 70s created the homeless crisis in the US and I dare say, the world! Taxes have become an evil word – something to be avoided at all cost. This was embraced first by those with the most access, education and wealth who began to believe they were being asked to give their money away to the undeserving… cities, gov’t, less educated, mentally ill, addicted…and now this scarcity attitude is pervasive across all socioeconomic levels.
As a result, a popular campaign promise is, ‘tax cuts and no new taxes’!!
Taxes need to be redefined and understood for what they are…revenue/ income. Imagine if your employer said, no salary increases! Taxes are used in government like a salary is used in the home. Without adequate revenues, services and programs are reduced and ultimately eliminated.
I remember when California voters, at the time primarily homeowners, voted for Proposition 13, which basically froze property taxes to 1-2% throughout the life of ownership. I saw the impact immediately in the less affluent areas — library closings & hours reduced, street maintenance eliminated, public safety officers reduced and overall reduction in quality of life to the most vulnerable communities. Ultimately, infrastructure maintenance and services were reduced and investment was eliminated.
Over the years, this cry for tax cuts have cut away the safely nets that existed and fast forward 30 years to today- we see the integrated impact most dramatically manifested in the homeless crisis– public safety & public health crisis, mental illness, drug dependency, employment instability, food insecurity, physical depletion. The population is so large – the historical approach of turning a blind eye and blaming them for their failures is not an option – they are our families, our grandparents, school children, college students and even our neighbors. The programs and services meant to be of service have systematically been unfunded over decades of tax cuts. It is no longer only the homeless who are now impacted… they shelter in our neighborhoods, lay on our sidewalks & in our parks, block our streets & highways, and are students in our schools… they threaten our very health and safety with their erratic, unhealthy behavior living in the most inhumane conditions which we are now subjected to.
We have essentially created the homeless crisis by our obsession with tax cuts!
We got ourselves into this situation and now in the midst of the current COVID-19 pandemic, suddenly, in cities around the USA, a strong will is being hastily applied to create housing and wrap around services despite the price tag, regulations and public outcries. When the pandemic is over we will all pay up for years of our scarcity mentality. As the saying going, ‘ pay me now or pay me much more later.’