HomeMy WebLinkAbout06-08-21 Public Comment - I. Shaida - ARPA & WagesFrom:Isabel Shaida
To:Agenda
Subject:ARPA Funds
Date:Tuesday, June 8, 2021 10:08:05 AM
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Dear City Commissioners,
I am writing today to express my support for using the majority of the American Rescue Plan
funds to raise pay for essential workers and offer direct assistance to Bozeman families. Theproposed budget shows $9.8 million going to water and sewer infrastructure projects. While
these are important projects, we could do these down the line (as they were planned) and workinstead to support families in our community right now!
The way to allow our community to thrive and better yet, strengthen in resilience, we must be
investing directly in people. We can grow together by ensuring families are able to stay in ourcommunity. I believe we can think more creatively about what safety means for all
bozemanites.... ensured housing, childcare, good paying jobs, access to education,healthcare/mental health care.
Building out water and sewer infrastructure may take pressure off future budgets and
open opportunities for building (which we will do in the future anyway) but what is to
guarantee those homes are affordable? Again, let us not assume what infrastructure
we do or do not need to healthily live into the future. Investing in social programs forpeople will foster a thriving city. I urge you to use ARPA Funds to directly assist
families, launch programs to support workers and small businesses.
Thank you for your time,
Isabel Shaida
621 N. Bozeman Ave.