A resolution encouraging the Mayor and Metro Social Services to review current information and outreach methods for the purpose of expanding and improving the Metropolitan Government's assistance to citizens regarding the availability of governmental aid programs.

WHEREAS, according to a June 2005 special report entitled "Screening Tools to Help Families Access Public Benefits" published by the National League of Cities' Institute for Youth, Education, and Families, "in cities and towns across America, millions of hard-working families struggle to make ends meet; and

WHEREAS, a 2004 report on the cost of living for working families in 10 communities across the country found that, on average, full-time work at the federal minimum wage covers just a third of a family's basic costs"; and

WHEREAS, in that same report, the Institute recognizes that "one of the most important-and least expensive-ways municipal officials can help low-income working families is through outreach and enrollment campaigns to ensure that they have access to the public benefits for which they are eligible, such as the child tax credits, food stamps, subsidized health insurance, child care subsidies, and energy assistance"; and

WHEREAS, many citizens do not know of the various programs that are available or do not necessarily understand what they may, in fact, be eligible for; and

WHEREAS, the Metropolitan Council appropriated $50,000 in the fiscal year 2005-2006 operating budget for the purpose of educating the public about the federal earned income tax credit; and

WHEREAS, although the Metropolitan Government website contains links to information about the earned income tax credit, the government should always be looking for new and creative ways to "reach out" to its citizens in order to better inform as to other programs and assistance that are available; and

WHEREAS, cities such as New York City and Memphis have created innovative ways of using their existing resources and websites to reach out to their citizens in an effort to provide access to city-wide screening processes and vital information to their respective citizens; and

WHEREAS, it is fitting and proper that the Metropolitan Government take additional steps to educate the public and promote the various governmental assistance programs that may be available to citizens of Nashville and Davidson County.

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE COUNCIL OF THE METROPOLITAN GOVERNMENT OF NASHVILLE AND DAVIDSON COUNTY:

Section 1. That the Metropolitan County Council hereby goes on record as encouraging the Mayor and Metro Social Services to review current information and outreach methods for the purpose of expanding and improving the Metropolitan Government's assistance to citizens regarding the availability of governmental aid programs.

Section 2. That the Metropolitan Clerk is directed to send a copy of this Resolution to Mayor Bill Purcell, to Gerri Robinson, the Director of Metro Social Services, and to each member of the Metropolitan Social Services Commission.

Section 3. That the Mayor and Metro Social Services are further requested to respond to the Council as to the action taken in compliance with the request stated in Section 1 hereof within sixty (60) days from the adoption of this Resolution.

Section 4. This Resolution shall take effect from and after its adoption, the welfare of The Metropolitan Government of Nashville and Davidson County requiring it.

Sponsored by: Jim Shulman, Michael Craddock