Statement from Candace Williams, AARP Alabama interim state director, on passage of the 2016 General Fund budget

“Tonight, the Alabama Legislature passed a 2016 General Fund Budget that cuts the Alabama Department of Senior Services (ADSS) by 4.6%. While this is a reduction from the cut of 9% that was passed by the House last Friday, it is still a very disappointing outcome for Alabama’s seniors.

At a time when both the senior population in Alabama and the need for senior services are rapidly growing, this cut to ADSS is particularly painful and imprudent. We will be evaluating the cut and its impact in more detail in the coming days.

We know the Legislature had a difficult job to do in filling the General Fund deficit. We look forward to working with them in the 2016 legislative session in February to find ways to restore the funding for ADSS and the programs that Alabama’s seniors so desperately need.”