This Charlotte Observer story is about the United Way’s fundraising struggles, but it does a better job illustrating the need for special needs tax credits.
You see, the Charlotte Speech and Hearing Center, one of many United Way charities, is doing a great job teaching 6-year-old Antonio Withers how to communicate. But fundraising shortfalls threaten to cut off funding used to pay for Antonio’s twice-weekly therapy sessions, which cost $500 per month. Antonio’s mother cannot afford to pay for her son’s therapy, so the end (or reduction) of United Way funding would mean an end to these invaluable sessions.
If Antonio’s mother had access to a special needs tax credit, she would not have to worry about the abrupt discontinuation of services. She would have to worry about those who believe that compassion is synonymous with compulsion, you know, run-of-the-mill collectivists.