Winnebago County leaders held a rally Monday evening to advocate for the extension of the half-cent mental health tax referendum, originally approved by voters in 2020. The tax includes a sunset clause, requiring it to be reauthorized for continuation beyond 2026.
Local officials emphasized the tax’s positive impact, stating that it has enabled 18,000 residents to access essential mental health care. Pam Clark Reidenbach, president and CEO of the Northern Illinois Center for Nonprofit Excellence, remarked, “It’s more than just a tax – it is the health of our community. What it’s doing is investing in the physical health, the mental health, and the well-being of all people in our community.”
The call for extension reflects a broader commitment to sustaining mental health services and support in the region.
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