It is the job of our legislators to protect Maine’s most vulnerable populations — older adults and challenged individuals. I am fully aware that this is a tough economy, but it is even tougher when one is frail, elderly, alone and in pain.
Maine seniors have watched and continue to watch as their hard-earned Social Security benefits are debated over and over again in Washington. Any savings many at-risk Mainers may have had are long-gone in the face of soaring costs for utilities and food.
In the last 10 years, hunger among older adults has increased by an unbelievable 80 percent, according to the AARP.
Social Security is the only source of income for one-third of Mainers age 65 and older. Many older Mainers rely upon every dime, every penny, to get them through each month. These are individuals who have no choices. They have nowhere else to turn. The state has alternatives, but these are Maine residents who do not.
These are the residents who need for their voices to be heard. Please do not cut the Drugs for the Elderly or the Medicare Savings Program. These are the programs upon which many of our most at-risk Mainers rely to stay in their own homes and communities where we know they want to be.
Vanessa McGrath, volunteer
AARP Maine Communications
Portland
Send questions/comments to the editors.
-
Business
Whole Foods workers say Portland store’s operation raises infection risk
-
Opinion
Today’s editorial cartoon
-
Editorials
View from Away: An unavoidable impeachment requires prompt resolution
-
Community
Kathleen McCowan named to Muhlenberg College dean’s list
-
Community
Bishop Deeley appointed chairman of the Board for National Catholic Risk Retention Group
Success. Please wait for the page to reload. If the page does not reload within 5 seconds, please refresh the page.
Enter your email and password to access comments.
Hi {SUB NAME}, to comment on stories you must . This profile is in addition to your subscription and website login.
Already have one? .
Invalid username/password.
Please check your email to confirm and complete your registration.
Only subscribers are eligible to post comments. Please subscribe or login to participate in the conversation. Here’s why.
Use the form below to reset your password. When you've submitted your account email, we will send an email with a reset code.