Issue Position: On Seniors: Promoting Health, Independence, Dignity

Issue Position

I devoted much of my term thus far to addressing the needs of Seniors. I hosted two forums on the needs of our seniors, bringing House Chair Denise Garlick of the Joint Committee on Senior Affairs to one, and Undersecretary Chrystal Kornugay and House Chair of the Joint Committee on Housing to the others. You told us of your concerns with housing needs, protecting your retirement savings and health care. I made it my mission to increase funding for ECOP, a program that helps fund vital programs that helps Seniors remain independent. ECOP funds meals on wheels, and the home health aides that come to people's homes. I have supported the Circuit Breaker for Seniors, contributing funds for people who pay burdensome utility and property tax bills. We must protect people's rights to retire with dignity. We must protect Medicare benefits not only for those depending on them today, but those contributing into the system. Seniors should never have to choose between filling a prescription and putting food on the table. In Burlington, we should help the town leaders identify a space for the COA to expand, so that our seniors have the space they need to gather and so that they do not feel they are being squeezed out of the community.

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