Greetings:

Our efforts to improve the quality of life in Houston never end. The Combined Municipal Campaign is another opportunity. Through CMC, city employees have a chance to give back to the community that provides us so with much in our professional and private lives.

This year, the CMC is getting on track.

The city’s charitable giving arm is lining up with the calendar year so you can more easily keep track of when your donations are actually paid. Also, CMC agencies will receive their money sooner.

Previously, deductions came out of your paycheck from May through April. Donations pledged during this year’s campaign will come out of your paycheck from May through December 2006, lasting eight months instead of 12.

For those who want to be 1 percenters, you’ll still donate 1 percent of each paycheck. It won’t equal 1 percent of your 2006 salary, but it will make a big difference in the lives of those you help.

This short transition campaign will fine-tune the deduction cycle so that in 2007, and thereafter, deductions will be January through December.

This new cycle will make it easier when you fill out your tax forms, and it will help the agencies keep track of each year’s campaign totals.

With these changes, the CMC is racing down the road to an even more successful future. And city employees will continue to help those in our community who haven’t been as fortunate as we’ve been. I’m proud of your continued generosity.

Sincerely,

Bill White
Mayor