Governor’s Budget Action Delivers Harsh News For Older Illinoisans
Tuesday, July 15th, 2008.
Springfield, IL - Safety for Seniors is More Important than Free Rides on Public Transportation; AARP Urges Governor and Legislators to Work on Solutions
The following is a statement by Bob Gallo, State Director, AARP Illinois:
The Governor’s decision to reduce the Fiscal Year 2009 budget bill eliminates or cuts increases in funding to programs and services that are essential to the welfare and safety of thousands of older adults in Illinois.
These cuts to home and community-based services constitute harsh news for older Illinoisans, and could force many individuals into expensive alternatives such as nursing homes - meaning Illinois ends up paying more money.
Governor Blagojevich demonstrated a concern for the welfare of Illinois seniors by providing them with free rides on public transportation. While that is important to some seniors struggling with limited, fixed incomes, it does not address the core safety and welfare issues affecting thousands of older adults in the state, like the Elder Abuse and Neglect program, or the Ombudsman program for the state’s nursing homes.
Caring enough about seniors to offer them free rides should also translate into making sure that older Illinoisans have fully funded programs and services so they can live independently and with dignity in the communities of their own choice.
We call on the Governor and the legislators to work together, put aside their differences and provide solutions so the state’s seniors get the services and programs they need.
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