Aging Services in Kentucky: Top Priortity?

By Scott Wegenast , January 21, 2014 07:33 PM

AARP Responds to Governor Beshear’s Proposed 2014 Budget Priorities

AARP Kentucky commends Governor for no new budget cuts to Department of Aging and Independent Living, but reminds General Assembly that ending long waiting lists for senior meals and aging services must remain a budget priority.

Although no new funding was included in the Governor’s budget to help older Kentuckians and aging services, AARP Kentucky is pleased that the Governor is holding the Department for Aging Services safe from another round of cuts. Additionally, the Governor’s decision to help 3,500 more Kentuckians receive Meals on Wheels is to be commended.

Today, Kentuckians 65-plus make up some 16 percent of the total state population and the number of aging Baby Boomers is growing. Kentucky must begin investing in these basic sustaining services especially in tough economic times and with decreasing federal support for nutrition programs. Kentuckians want to feel secure as they age and live independently with dignity in retirement years. Increasing the state budget for simple supports offered by DAIL will help them achieve that independence and security.

2014 AARP Kentucky Legislative Priorities_web

Today, Kentuckians 65-plus make up some 16 percent of the total state population and the number of aging Baby Boomers is growing. Kentucky must begin investing in these basic sustaining services especially in tough economic times and with decreasing federal support for nutrition programs. Kentuckians want to feel secure as they age and live independently with dignity in retirement years. Increasing the state budget for simple supports offered by DAIL will help them achieve that independence and security.

Recent AARP research shows overwhelmingly that 89% of AARP Kentucky members want to continue living in their own homes rather than depending on nursing home care. According to AARP Kentucky State President James Kimbrough, “People my age have built this state and we expect basic needs, like senior meals and home energy costs, are a priority in Kentucky. Our aging citizens send a consistent message when asked – let us stay in our homes; give us help when needed with basic services and supports so we can remain part of our community.”

Kimbrough adds, “It’s time to end the wait and make these basic support services a priority as the Governor and General Assembly negotiate our next state budget. AARP will not stop fighting to make the needs of seniors today a priority and we’re committed to mobilizing grassroots activists across the state to make this happen.”

AARP Director for Advocacy Cathy Allgood Murphy also calls on the General Assembly to follow the Governor's lead and “keep the promise” and to the full Annual Required Contribution (ARC) payment owed to Kentucky’s retired firefighters, police officers, nurses, and health care workers who have paid into the system over a lifetime of hard work. “50-plus years ago AARP was founded with a clear vision: A society in which everyone ages with dignity, independence and purpose. The Governor and General Assembly should find responsible ways to shore up the pension system, so hard-working Kentuckians can receive the benefits they've been promised and remain financially independent,” said Allgood Murphy.