Preserving programs, services in challenging economic times
Senator Benjamin B. Downing
As the Massachusetts Senate prepares for budget deliberations in May, we must commit ourselves to maintaining comprehensive services for elders despite drastic revenue shortfalls. You have my commitment that I will work with my colleagues to ensure that resources are targeted towards successful programs to improve the quality of life for Berkshire seniors.
To ensure a high quality of life we must continue to offer a wide spectrum of services, from residential care to community and home-based services. The Governor’s FY 2011 budget proposal (called House 2) proposes funding for such services, including: $45.7 million for the Enhanced Home Care Services Program, $6.2 million for the Elder Nutrition Program and $8.1 million to support local Councils on Aging. The Berkshires have an exceptional community infrastructure, and I am grateful to our local providers for all that they do. As my colleagues and I debate which programs to fund and at what level, I am reminded of the work done by so many Berkshire residents to ensure quality of life for our seniors.
Funding home and community-based services allows seniors the freedom to choose where they live. Many cities and towns in Massachusetts have opted in to a property tax abatement program for senior citizens who perform volunteer hours in municipal offices, providing those on fixed income with local tax relief while engaging in their community. Last year’s budget enhanced this program, modeled after legislation I sponsored, to increase the maximum credit allowed to $1,000 per year.
I am also actively working to alleviate a tax burden affecting certain nursing homes in Berkshire County. If passed, my proposal will provide financial relief for some seniors in a private-pay residential setting. The Commonwealth assesses a user fee on nursing home residents; in return, the homes in which they live receive Medicaid assistance. My legislation, which I intend to also submit as a budget amendment, will address a long-standing regional inequity and mitigate the impact of this fee on residents of applicable Berkshire County facilities.
There is still a great deal of uncertainty in the revenue projections we use to build the state budget. As we develop the spending plan we must balance the need to protect core services without depleting the state’s dwindling stabilization fund. However, due to this fiscal crisis, policymakers have an opportunity to reevaluate the investments we make with public dollars. As we prepare for FY 2011 we need to thoroughly examine programs, invest in the ones that work well and reform the ones that do not. By exploring efficiencies in the delivery of services, we can ensure that every public dollar spent goes to providing quality services to vulnerable populations. If done well, our strategic investments in the Commonwealth’s elder services network will ensure that our seniors have access to necessary programs.
Unlike the federal government, which can operate with a deficit, Massachusetts’ operating budget must be balanced each and every year. As the Commonwealth deals with unprecedented fiscal challenges, we’ll need to embrace comprehensive reforms, in order to place Massachusetts in a position to emerge stronger and better equipped when the national and global economic tides change. I am confident that we will collectively rise to the challenge.
State Senator Benjamin B. Downing (D- Pittsfield) represents the 48 western communities of the Berkshire, Hampshire and Franklin District.
He serves as the Senate Chair of the Committees on Revenue and Higher Education. To contact call 1-617-722-1625 or 413-442-4008 or email him at benjamin.downing@state.ma.us.
Editor’s Note: There is a Council on Aging in each of Berkshire County’s 32 cities and towns. Elder Services is the Aging Services Access Point and Area Agency on Aging for all of Berkshire County. We provide in-home services through our State Home Care and Enhanced Community Options Program. We also provide hot, nutritious meals through our Nutrition/Meals on Wheels program.
