Letter to the Editor

Stimulus money temporary reprieve for cut in senior meals funding

Thursday, June 18, 2009

Dear Editor:

Recent news releases from Gov. Nixon on May 13, and from the Department of Health and Senior Services on May 20, printed by some of our local newspapers, proudly announced that Missouri will be receiving $1.9 million in federal stimulus funds to provide meals to seniors. What the news releases failed to say is that this money will be a replacement for a $1.4 million reduction in next year's state home delivered meal funding for Missouri's homebound elderly.

The news releases also failed to point out that the $1.9 million in funding was provided to Missouri as part of a stimulus funding initiative by the U.S. Administration on Aging for all states and Area Agencies on Aging to help offset the increased cost and demand for senior meals during these turbulent economic times. This increased allocation of federal funding will be for next year and for ONE year only! Unless the $1.4 million reduction is restored next year, there will be a reduction in funding for senior meals in Missouri.

Care Connection for Aging Services serves as your Area Agency on Aging for thirteen counties in west central Missouri. We acknowledge and appreciate the on-going support of the Missouri Governor, Legislature, and the Department of Health and Senior Services to provide a portion of the funding needed for our home delivered meal program. We understand the desire of our elected and appointed state officials to seek credit for federal stimulus funding coming to Missouri. Yet, it seems only fair that these same individuals also acknowledge their responsibility in the recently concluded legislative session that resulted in the cut to next year's home delivered meal funding.

On behalf of the many seniors receiving home delivered meals in our area, I would like to take this opportunity to gratefully acknowledge the generous contributions and support received from the communities, counties and individuals in the Care Connection service area. Local support of the senior centers and the many related services that help keep us healthy, independent and in our own homes is essential. It is especially critical to the home delivered meal program, and has made it possible to reach those who are homebound with a meal and a visit. Local support is what makes the difference and accounts for over 58 percent of the total revenue needed to operate this vital service network in our thirteen county area. The balance of the funding comes from the federal Older Americans Act appropriations (31 percent), and Missouri general revenue (11 percent).

If your readers agree with the value of home delivered meals in their communities and surrounding areas it is time to let the governor and other elected state officials know how you feel.

Thank you.

Ray Diekmeier

Executive Director

Care Connection for Aging Services

106 W. Young, P.O. Box 1078

Warrensburg, Mo. 64093

Telephone (660) 747-3104

Fax: (660) 747-3100

Warrensburg, Mo.