From KOAA5 (southern Colorado): Do you have a right to know how your tax dollars are spent?

Hundreds of people across our state are demanding that the financial books be opened on non-profits. This all comes after shameful spending was revealed at Rocky Mountain Human Services, a place that provides help for developmentally disabled children and adults around Colorado. An audit revealed that administrators at the Denver-based nonprofit used tax dollars for personal expenses like Costco memberships and internet services instead of using the money for those who need it most.

Now local families struggling to find help, are fighting for transparency.
Six-year-old Ryan Myers has autism and for him even a last minute trip to the grocery store can be all too overwhelming. His mother, Kate Myers says, “It caused screaming so bad. I tried to buckle him in the car and he climbed in the front seat while I was driving and opened the passenger door.”
Ryan was approved for medicaid in September so he could he could get assistance with things like behavioral therapy. Kate explains, “Our goal is for him to be independent one day and the longer we wait the harder that is going to be. The Myers have just one place to turn to for Ryan to get the help he needs locally. The Resource Exchange is the only Community Centered Board CCB option for families in El Paso, Park and Teller counties. The Myers have been on a waiting list for almost a year, even though the 20 boards across the state take in millions in public dollars.

Shawn Gliniewicz’ 22 year-old son Garion has Autism and he says, “I feel like the system right now really fails the families, across the spectrum.” Gliniewicz frustrated with the system says, “When you have companies like the CCB here in town bringing in 14 million a year and you have people waiting years to get those services they need,something needs to be looked at.”

The organizations are not required to post an itemized budget because they are nonprofits. However, they get between 82 and 94 percent of their budgets from you, tax money right out of your paycheck.

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