Economic Impact
The following Economic Impact Statement was completed by John McAnulty, MS, MLAP, ICADC an independent contractor. Mr. McAnulty has 32 years of experience in the field of Mental Health including positions as an Executive Director. Mr. McAnulty has a Master’s Degree in Psychology and presently works as a Therapist and a consultant for non-profit organizations in Alabama, Georgia and Florida. The purpose of the research was to determine the approximate economic impact that Eagle Rock Boys Ranch is having on the community.
If a young man learns good work ethic, starts to work at age 19 and consistently holds a job until retirement age he will contribute $1,437,691 to the economy and $109,983.82 in income taxes alone. In contrast, if he learns to “milk” the welfare system instead of working he will cost American tax payers $1,076,040 during his lifetime.
If a young man fathers a child and fails to support the child, resulting in the child being cared for by the state Department of Human Resources, that child will cost taxpayers $317,520 to raise to age 18.
If the child is abused by the father an additional $339,066 to $1,008,846 per youth, (depending on the emotional state of the child and the intensity of services required.) will be spent on investigation, legal fees, and specialized treatment for the child.
If a young man commits a crime at age 19 and receives a ten year prison sentence he will cost taxpayers $99,000 in legal fees and incarceration before he is 30 years old.
If success were measured in economic terms only and Eagle Rock was only successful with 60% of its children American taxpayers will save $3,685,207 per child or $22,111,242 for 6 children in the next ten years as a result of Eagle Rock’s efforts.
- (Based upon median annual income of 37,860 (Alabama) and inflation at 3.99% (as of January 2006))
- Based upon 15% tax bracket.
- Based upon the following monthly government handouts: $570.00 SSI eligible mental deficiency, $100.00 in food stamps, $400.00 for public housing and utilities, $400.00 government sponsored medical insurance, average lifespan of 80 years.
- Based upon annual incarceration cost of 9,073, and $35.00 per hour for attorneys fees.
- Assuming two out of ten are redirected from criminal activity, two out of ten become responsible parents, and two out of ten break family chains of welfare dependence.
