Seniors from across Maryland come to Annapolis

Seniors from across Maryland came to Annapolis today to lobby state lawmakers to keep funding levels where they presently are.  In view of the looming $2 billion state budget shortfall, older Marylanders want their state representatives to know they are willing to take a fair share, but they feel the pain needs to be shared by all programs and all ages.

There are a number of agencies which support and provide services to seniors:  the Department of Aging, Office of Health Care Quality, Department of Human Resources, Meals-on-Wheels, local food banks, public transportation, and senior centers.  One example of a program that deserves preservation is the state’s older adult waiver, which allows about 3,100 to 3,500 eligible residents to receive medical care in their homes, instead of having to enter a nursing home.

The Southern Maryland Delegation met with seniors from Calvert, Charles, and St. Mary’s Counties.  We should be thankful for the efforts of these seniors who faithfully monitor the bills introduced each year and identify those that they feel affect the lives of seniors.  They spend considerable time being part of the process and bringing their views to Annapolis.