Karla Rothan, Executive Director of Stonewall Columbus testified at the Human Services briefing held by Columbus City Councilwoman, Ms. Charleta Tavares, in council chambers at Columbus City Hall on Monday, August 17, 2009. Rothan spoke about the Center on High and the programs and services offered there for the LGBT community. She thanked council for the funding that the center receives and praised the Columbus community for passing the tax increase on August 4. “Not every city in America makes it a priority to fund LGBT programs and we are fortunate to live in a city that values diversity.” Stonewall’s funding, along with all other social services agencies funded by the city, was cut 44% in 2009. “It is our hope that next year some of this funding can be restored,” stated Rothan.