Friday Fable #2

Friday Fable – Setting the Record Straight

Welcome to the second Friday Fable, where Avon United clears up misinformation designed to

mislead voters.

Today’s Fable: “Surrounding township raised between $170,000 and $3 million in grants, while Avon has only gotten $44,048 in grant money.”

The Truth:

- We accept that “surrounding townships” may have received between $170,000 and $3 million in federal and state grant money, but we also acknowledge grant money is not free money like some want you to believe.

- There isn’t a money tree growing behind state and federal buildings marked “grants.”

- Grant money is created through tax collection and budget allocations. A governmental grant is created, then tax money is collected to cover the cost. So, treating grant money like “free money” is wholeheartedly incorrect.

- While Avon Township has “only gotten” $44,000 in grant money, the township has collected up to $250,000 annually in donated services or food.

- This amount is due to the momentous partnerships incumbent Supervisor Michele Bauman has made with organizations like the Community Action Partners of Lake County (CAP), Lake County Workforce, and the University of Illinois Extension.

- The township has received about $170K in food donations annually through Avon Township's Food Pantry thanks to her relationship with CAP.

- Bauman has worked with the University of Illinois Extension to bring in 4-H, Horticulture, and SNAP-Ed programs to the township, receiving about $15,000 in donated services.

- Bauman partnered with First Institute Training and Management and Lake County and McHenry County Workforce Development to host free welding programs at the township building for residents seeking career skills at a total cost savings of $84,000 annually.

- Bauman also partnered with First Institute Training and Management on a medical assistance program at the township building at a total cost savings of $10,000 annually.

Bottom Line – Obtaining “grant” money sounds wonderful, but the term “grant” money is often misleading because it isn’t free as tax money is used to cover the cost of state and federal grants. It has ALWAYS been better to secure donations or services from governmental partners instead of accepting money. To that point, Bauman has been and remains a leader among Township Supervisors throughout Lake County when obtaining donations for goods and services for township residents.