Getting ready for the president's proposed budget!

It's been a while, but I am a back! I had life happen, so I took some time off to handle things, take on some outside projects, and regroup.  Taking time off doesn't mean I haven't had my ear to the streets and my eyes on the forthcoming trends.


​As I've discussed in previous blog posts, each President has his own priorities (I use the term "his" because we here in the U.S have never had a woman President for those who take issue with the use of the term). His intention for the people, regardless of their socioeconomic status are clearly stated by his proposed budget. This President is no different, except his proposed budget cuts so deep into social, educational, and economic development programs that initiatives would cripple man of the good works small, rural, urban, and even some large metropolitan areas have worked so hard developing. The proposed social service programing cuts would starve many women, men, children, and seniors.


Many of the proposed educational programs would hurt poor youth, and place college out of reach for potential first generation college students. Many youth would be forced to join the military to survive, as it would be one of the sure employers for at least 4-10 years.


​Now, don't get me wrong, I am not saying we don't need drastic cuts, or we need to make some concessions to make a comeback. I am fully aware that during hard times, we need to tighten our government purse strings in the same way we would do in our homes. But we can't villainize the less fortunate, the poor, the unemployed, the under-employed and communities. Nor can we give a free pass to the politicians that have made policies, signed trade acts, and created laws that have made it nearly impossible for citizens of this nation to dig their ways out of poverty and hopelessness. It's a really strange time here in this nation.


​Having seen the current President's moral agenda (the budget), organizational leaders and fundraising staff should be prepared for the worst (sooner than later). Even though the budget hasn't been passed, nor has it been debated, assume some of his propositions will be passed. We don't know which ones, but there were be some. Your agencies should be preparing contingency plans, creating fundraising plans to fill in gaps, or consider developing program/project/organizational ceasing operation plans. The best advice I can give for NP's is to be proactive rather than reactive. Don't let the proposed cuts and program eliminations happen without you having a plan in place.

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Lastly, please, please, PLEASE read the proposed federal budgets for yourself. Stop watching the news, getting caught up in all of the sensationalism and hype. Know whether budgets have passed or it is simply a proposal. Call your Congressional Representatives to discuss budget cuts that may impact your community. Call, visit (advocate), and/or write (leave that paper trail) your representatives making your gripes, needs, and petitions known. If your work, your job, and your community will be impacted negatively in the President's proposed budget, speak now...................OR FOREVER HOLD YOUR PEACE! ​Speak for the voiceless, they are depending on you. Arm yourselves with knowledge, to prepare for your community's future.



​Have a great holiday weekend!

NK

​Please find President Trump's entire 2018 proposed budget here, or copy and paste the link below into your web browser:

https://www.whitehouse.gov/sites/whitehouse.gov/files/omb/budget/fy2018/budget.pdf​