Today's vote was a much better decision than last year, when the majority of commissioners chose not to adjust the millage rate and the result was a huge pay cut which hit all county employees, including all of us at Jackson. In addition, thousands of jobs were removed from the county's payroll.

We're glad Commissioners agreed that we can't afford to cut county services any further. Jackson needs to receive at least the same amount of revenue from the general fund that we received last year.

By at least maintaining the same level as this year's county budget, it establishes a platform for turning the economy around.

Thanks to all of our members who sent letters and made phone calls to Miami-Dade Commissioners, and signed the Pennywise petition! While it was essential that we win a victory with this vote, there is still work to be done as Commissioners will vote at least two more times before the final millage rate is set. Those votes will occur in September.

We must continue to urge our elected officials to maintain the current county budget!