Georgia state budget proposal includes new funding for seniors
Gov. Nathan Deal’s 2017 state budget proposal includes $4.2 million in new funding
From Staff Reports
ATLANTA — Gov. Nathan Deal’s 2017 state budget proposal announced Thursday includes $4.2 million in new funding for a program considered critical to Georgia’s 1.3 million seniors.
Georgia Council on Aging said the proposal for the program, Home and Community Based Services, reflects the budget recommendation made in the Fall of 2016 by the Georgia Department of Human Services. Seniors from across Georgia voted this program as a priority for the Coalition of Advocates for Georgia’s Elderly, GCOA officials said.
In addition, Deal earmarked $750,000 in additional funding for meals to fight senior hunger.
“We applaud the governor for listening to our seniors,” said SOWEGA Council on Aging Executive Director Kay Hind. “This age group continues to grow dynamically in Georgia; in fact, we have the 11th fastest growing senior population in the nation. Our waiting lists are long; thousands of our seniors and their caregivers need these services.”
The HCBS funding covers home modifications and a number of other services, including home-delivered meals, adult day care and respite care.
GCOA said Thursday that over 9,000 Georgia seniors are on waiting lists for in-home services that would allow them to stay home with support and save taxpayer dollars.
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