Aging and Disabilities Community to Meet with Legislators

Subsidized housing, home health aides, public transportation, meals-on-wheels, protection from abuse and neglect: much of the safety net we depend on exists because of state and federal legislation and is funded by state and federal appropriations. Continued funding is never a sure thing, with a federal government shutdown looming on the horizon and Governor Healey’s recently announced cuts to the 2024 Massachusetts state budget. So it is important that those who benefit from and rely on these programs let their voices be heard.

Next month, members of the aging and disabilities communities will have an opportunity to do just that at a Legislative Breakfast organized by the Aging and Disabilities Resource Consortium and sponsored by Elder Services of Cape Cod and the Islands (ESCCI) and the Cape Organization for the Rights of the Disabled (CORD).

The Aging and Disability Resource Consortium anticipates robust representation from the Cape and Islands statehouse delegation as well as from its representatives to Congress at a Legislative Breakfast planned for early next month. “The response from both constituents and elected officials has been heartening,” said Sarah Franey, Community Services Officer at Elder Services of Cape Cod and the Islands (ESCCI), “because there are serious things to talk about.” Bob Seay, of Eastham and WGBH Boston, will moderate the forum.

Cathy Taylor, Director of Services for CORD, shared some of her organization’s advocacy agenda, which includes support for the MA Housing Bond Bill, including specifically generous funding for the  Home Modification Loan Program and for Community Based Housing initiatives to support people with disabilities who are not clients of the Department of Mental Health or Department of Developmental Services. H.1168/S.726 “An Act Protecting the Homes of Seniors and Disabled People on MassHealth” is also a priority for both CORD and ESCCI.