Sarasota, Manatee Nonprofits Warn Amendment 3 Vote Threatens Local Mental Health Funding
Leaders at NAMI Central Suncoast and United Way say potential county budget cuts from the tax measure could reduce peer support and education classes for families in crisis.
By Jason Cooper ·
Nonprofit leaders in Sarasota and Manatee counties warn that voters have less than 13 hours to decide on a tax measure that could alter local government budgets. Amendment 3, scheduled for the ballot on Election Day, proposes property tax relief for specific homeowners. In exchange, the measure would reduce state funding to local counties, a change that threatens the financial stability of social service providers.
Colleen O’Neil Thayer, CEO of NAMI Central Suncoast, stated that the organization depends on county funds to deliver free peer support, education, and outreach. If the amendment passes, Thayer said the organization may not close its doors, but it could reduce the number of support groups and classes available to the community. "It could impact the level of service, right, so it doesn’t mean that we would have to shut our doors and not serve anyone, but it definitely could impact the amount of support groups we could provide in our community or the education classes," Thayer said.
Jennifer Propsem joined NAMI in 2020 after her daughter faced severe mental health challenges. She described a system of failed referrals where providers cited insurance limits or age restrictions. NAMI connected her with a parent peer who had navigated a similar crisis. Propsem now works for the organization, helping other families. She noted that NAMI is currently operating near capacity.
Propsem emphasized the growing demand for youth and family services. "If our services were cut in any way, especially for the family and youth programs, it would be very detrimental," Propsem said.
Kourtney Sanchez, CEO of United Way Suncoast, warned that nonprofits will bridge larger service gaps if county budgets shrink. She stated that philanthropy alone cannot replace lost government funding. "Nonprofits are going to be bridging issues larger than they had previously because of gaps created by Amendment 3 budget cuts," Sanchez said.
Both organizations said they are preparing for potential funding changes while remaining neutral on the ballot measure. They are focusing on educating the public about the possible consequences of the vote. Polls open in under 12 hours for voters to cast their ballots.
Source: WWSB
