Primary elections are notorious for low voter turnout. However, there is a referendum measure in place in the March 19 primary that will affect all McHenry County residents, regardless of whether they vote red or blue.
A 2020 study conducted by Northwestern Medicine found that more than 12% of McHenry County residents reported having mental health-related issues. That means 12 out of every 100 people in the county have a mental health problem.
This year’s primary ballot referendum would eliminate the property tax currently allocated to the Mental Health Commission and instead fund mental health services at a countywide sales tax of 0.25% (one quarter of one percent!). ) will be added. This is 25 cents more on a $100 purchase. Eligible foods, drugs, and medical devices would be exempt from the proposed mental health sales tax.
This funding change is expected to add an additional $2 million to the Mental Health Commission’s mental health budget in the first year. This bill passed with bipartisan support, proving that mental health issues are human issues, not political issues.
For more information about the referendum, visit mchenrycountyil.gov and click on the FAQ link. Remember, you can only ask for a nonpartisan referendum vote, so there is no reason not to vote in this referendum on March 19th.
March 19th, vote yes for mental health.
Rusty Forszcz
richmond
McHenry County Mental Health Resource League
