On February 14 th the Senior Agenda Coalition testified at a State House hearing to express our concerns about the proposed cuts in the Governor’s supplemental budget for the Department of Elderly Affairs for FY2008. In particular, we are concerned with the reduction of funds from the Home Care and Adult Day Care Co-Pay program and the additional 10% cuts to senior centers, Meals on Wheels, and other programs that the state funded for 2008.
We ask the members of the House Finance Committee to support keeping the FY2008 budget as it was enacted last year because the need for these dollars is still very great and agencies that serve the elderly cannot afford to cut their budgets more.
The reduction is not due to a lack of demand for the services. In fact, there is a current waiting list for the Home Care Co-pay program because enrollment in the program has been frozen.
In addition, the Governor’s proposals to cut funds for services that seniors receive in the community is the opposite of the type of reform efforts that the Governor has been proposing to rebalance the long term care Medicaid system in Rhode Island. We need to think about funding services for the elderly in a global way.
There should be no cuts to programs in the community for the elderly. Some of the reforms being initiated by the Department of Human Services and Office of Health and Human Services in the Medicaid long term care waiver programs could actually increase services and cut spending. With the right design and best policy practices our state can afford to provide needed services to the elderly.
We believe that both the client and the state budget would benefit by unfreezing the home care co-pay program and maintaining the current funding for important services.
Please contact your state Representative and Senator and urge them to fund the important programs you and your friends rely on. Let them know that good policy always saves money in the long run.
Announcement:
A Special Event for Professionals!
“Taking Care of Business”
For Those Serving RI Seniors
The only Senior-oriented Industry After-Hours Professional Networking Event
for those who offer value and much needed services and products to older Rhode Islanders.
The Senior Agenda Coalition invites you to attend our first of monthly Networking Events throughout Rhode Island.
The event will provide a professional networking opportunity and a chance for our coalition members to casually connect with business colleagues.
Showcase your services and/or products and learn about your colleagues too!
A fun-filled night you will surely not want to miss.
Where: Twin Oaks, Cranston RI
When: Tuesday, March 11, 2008
Time: 5:00pm-7:30pm
Cost: $20pp includes appetizers, cash bar available
Please contact me at senioragendari@yahoo.com to register.
Visit: www.senioragendari.org for more information.