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KENNEWICK Elderly and disabled senior citizens in the Tri-Cities are speaking out to prevent billions of dollars worth of services from being cut from the state budget later this year.
From $2 billion to $3 billion could be lost from the $31 billion state budget under proposed cuts from Gov. Chris Gregoire's budget , said Virginia A. Janin, a coordinator with Southeast Washington's Aging and Long Term Care office in Kennewick.
Janin and several senior citizens held a news conference Wednesday at the agency's offices in Kennewick to explain the importance of fully funding the programs.
"I am very grateful for the services I've received through aging and long term care," said Denise Brown of Richland.
Brown, who suffers from lymphedema and cerebral palsy, said the in-home care she receives is the only way she can continue to stay in her home. "Please keep these services available and make the cuts elsewhere," she said.
In-home care, the Meals on Wheels program and reductions of other services for seniors could affect dozens of clients in the Tri-Cities, said John Rupp, CEO for the Kennewick nonprofit Senior Life Resources Northwest, which administers several programs, including Meals on Wheels, in Benton and Franklin counties.
Rupp said state budget cuts in 2009 already trimmed 15 percent in funding affecting the number of hours of service to seniors, and that health, dental and insurance reductions would come in 2010 unless the governor and legislators find a way to buy back the proposed cuts.
Larry Gettman, one of 30 volunteers who take Meals on Wheels door to door weekly, said clients eagerly await the deliveries and visits.
"I go to homes three days a week and see people who are ready to meet someone at the door. It helps them get up and going for the day," he said.
Dorothy Stone, 87, of Kennewick, said she depends on the services provided through the Aging and Long Term Care office.
"I really appreciate the Meals on Wheels and I go to the senior center twice a week, and the day care on Wednesdays. I really appreciate them," said Stone, who is blind, hard of hearing and has heart trouble.
Stone's son, Ed, who is her care provider, said his mother would not be able to remain in her own home without the state's assistance.
"They really do a good job. These services help keep a family together. I believe it costs (the state) less than if she had to be placed in a care home," Ed Stone said.
Dorothy Stone's husband died in 1986, and she lived alone without state help for 20 years. But when she started two fires trying to cook her own meals about five years ago, her son decided he needed to do something to get her the help she needed.
"This program allows me to stay with her," said Ed Stone, who also was taking care of his grandparents in Toppenish until they died a few years ago.
Janin said the governor's proposed cuts in seniors services and people with disabilities can be reduced if legislators are willing to make cuts elsewhere.
"This is not a good time to receive cuts. It will be very difficult to gain the funds back," said Marcee Woffinden, Meals on Wheels program director at Senior Life Resources Northwest.
-- John Trumbo: 582-1529; jtrumbo@tricity herald.com
