Press Releases

For Immediate Release

Wednesday, May 26, 2010

Older Michiganians Day Rally in Lansing on June 10

(Lansing) Hundreds of older persons and senior advocates from across the state will converge on the State Capitol on June 10 from 10:00 a.m. through 2:00 p.m. to urge Governor Jennifer Granholm and state legislators to adopt strategies to help prioritize state support for older adults.

The theme for this third annual rally, tabbed Older Michiganians Day 2010, is Don't Cut Seniors Out. Older Michiganians Day is named for the state law that earmarks state funding for older adult services for Michigan residents and also establishes the Commission on Services to the Aging and the Michigan Office of Services to the Aging. The Commission and State Unit on Aging oversee the network of sixteen Area Agencies on Aging (AAA). The state law, the Older Michiganians Act of 1981, makes approximately $28 million of state funds available for home delivered meals, adult day care, respite for caregivers, and other services each fiscal year.

"The rally is held to celebrate the wisdom, experience, volunteer contributions, and other resources that Michigan's seniors bring to the state," says Mary Ablan, Executive Director of the Area Agencies on Aging Association of Michigan. "Delegates from all the AAA regions across the state will meet with their representatives to discuss the benefits that older persons bring to the state and to promote four basic strategies that will help Michigan and its most vulnerable citizens get through this tough economic time."

Older Michiganians Day rally participants will ask for legislative action to protect vulnerable seniors by funding senior and long term care programs and by passing Elder Abuse laws, invest in prevention programs that work, make Michigan a retirement destination of choice, and reform Michigan government and taxation to match current conditions and needs.

The first call for legislative action asks lawmakers to protect services for the most vulnerable seniors. Advocates urge legislators and the Governor to not make any further cuts to Office of Services to the Aging programs like home delivered meals, in-home care, senior volunteers and caregiver respite; to approve the recommended $20 million increase in the MI Choice home-based nursing home alternative; and to advise no further cuts to Medicaid health, mental health and nursing home providers. The 2006 Governor's Elder Abuse Task Force Report calls for the adoption of several laws that would enhance protection for vulnerable older adults. Not one piece of legislation implementing the recommendations has been passed by the Legislature; more than 20 elder abuse bills are before the legislature, and 8 bills have passed the House and are awaiting action in the Senate. These bills must pass.

The second call for legislative action asks state policymakers to invest in prevention programs that work. It asks them to support Older Michiganians Act programs that prevent, delay or divert dependence on costly Medicaid and institutional care; and to expand financing for evidence-based wellness programs, offered by senior centers and other aging network organizations, that lower health care costs.

The third call for legislative action asks state lawmakers to make Michigan a retirement destination of choice by supporting legislation that creates communities that embrace an aging and disabled population. Michigan seniors age 65+ annually spend $32 billion, boosting our state's economy, yet only $17.13 per senior is allocated for Older Michiganians Act services.

The final call for action urges policymakers to close tax loopholes, reform government, and restructure taxes to raise needed revenue. "State funding supporting older adult services has remained stagnant since 2001," explains Ablan. "The legislative platform calls for the Governor, representatives and senators, Office of Services to the Aging, Area Agencies on Aging, service providers and consumers to work together to make the state a desirable place to live and age-in-place that is person centered for current and future generations. An estimated 407,000 Meals on Wheels will be affected by the FY 2010 $1.9 million state funding reduction, and approximately 8,800 vulnerable seniors may not receive help due to state budget cuts."

At this third Older Michiganians Day rally, Governor Granholm, Senate Majority Leader Michael D. Bishop and House Speaker Andrew Dillon will respond to the proposed legislative platform. Senate Minority Leader Mike Prusi and House Minority Leader Kevin Elsenheimer are also scheduled to speak.

Participants will hold a rally on the capitol steps and meet with their senators and representatives. Participants not attending the event in Lansing will be calling their representatives' offices that day. For more information about Older Michiganians Day, contact Mary Ablan of the Area Agencies on Aging Association of Michigan at (517) 886-1029. Tickets for the event are available from local area agencies on aging.

# # # PR and Media Inquiries:

Jenny Jarvis
(248) 262-9202
jjarvis@aaa1b.com

Ann Langford (248) 262-1282 alangford@aaa1b.com

The Area Agency on Aging 1-B (AAA 1-B) is a non-profit organization dedicated to preserving the independence, dignity, and quality of life of seniors, family caregivers and persons with disabilities residing in Livingston, Macomb, Monroe, Oakland, St. Clair and Washtenaw counties.

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