AARP to State Leaders: Protect Vulnerable Minnesotans from Severe Budget Cuts
February 10th, 2009
2009 FEB 10 -- As Governor Pawlenty released his budget recommendations today, AARP urged state leaders to find a balanced approach to protecting vulnerable Minnesotans of all ages from severe budget cuts.
"Older Minnesotans have been among the hardest hit by the economic crisis, and we need to ensure that we maintain important health and long-term care safety nets at this crucial time," said State Director Michele Kimball. "This crisis requires that we all work together -- at the state and federal level -- to ensure that our most vulnerable can be assured of basic needs."
Over the next few days, AARP will be studying the Governor's budget proposal to determine the impact of the budget on consumers. AARP is committed to working in a bipartisan fashion to find ways to minimize the budget's impact on health care coverage and long-term care services.
Kimball expressed concern about the Governor's proposal to eliminate health care coverage for adults. "This is the wrong time to increase the number of uninsured," said Kimball. "Health care is a basic need, and we must ensure that struggling Minnesotans have access to health care, especially when the economy is in crisis."
Kimball also expressed concern about adequately funding long-term care services. "Given Minnesota's current struggles with abuse allegations in nursing homes, we must do everything in our power to make sure that we are adequately funding quality care and protecting our most vulnerable."
AARP is also working at the federal level to urge Congress to pass an economic stimulus bill that will help the state deal with the budget crisis. AARP members across the state are being urged to contact their U.S. Representatives this week and urge action on the economic recovery bill. The Governor's budget proposal assumes that Minnesota will receive at least $900 million in federal aid when the legislation passes.
Keywords: AARP Minnesota.
This article was prepared by Managed Care Business Week editors from staff and other reports. Copyright 2009, Managed Care Business Week via NewsRx.com.
