On November 3rd, Jackson County voters will decide whether to continue the existing COMBAT sales tax for another 10 years. The COMBAT tax brings in 30-35 million a year to fight drugs and weapons on our streets and also for prevention and treatment programs.
COMBAT is a funding program with a purpose to make Jackson County safer by reducing violence and drug abuse. COMBAT has funded many organizations, on including ArtsTech, a place that is built to give youth like me, new opportunities and experiences.
ArtsTech has become a very valuable place to me, since I’ve been there I’ve gained work experience, learned valuable life lessons, gotten to know that there are people out there who care about youth, and gained access to many new experiences and opportunities.
One recently was an HBCU college tour where I got to visit 4 different colleges. I would’ve never even known about these colleges had it not been for this tour, or found a genuine space where I as a Black person can feel safe during college. I’ve also learned more about working, by having to be responsible enough to show up on time, stay focused on a task and get it done, and working with people with different backgrounds and lives.
There are many people my age with less who don’t get the chance to have a place like ArtsTech to gain the same opportunity and experience that I have been fortunate to have gained. I truly believe that if the COMBAT tax is kept for another 10 years, tons more families and youth can be helped and given new opportunities and experiences.
Vote yes to renew the COMBAT tax and continue supporting resources for families and individuals who need help. According to COMBAT’s 2025 Impact Report, 885 people graduated from Jackson County Treatment Court between 2022 and 2025, a program that receives most of its funding from COMBAT.
I believe that supporting opportunities for recovery should matter when considering your vote. Cases of drug abuse and violence are still present, which means there are still people out there in need of help. If you vote yes, you will be voting for the betterment of your community, struggling families, and more opportunities and experiences for youth like me. Vote yes on November 3rd.