Legislators speak against cuts to elderly

At a press conference today, a group of legislators spoke about how proposed budget cuts could impact the state's aging population.

The press conference was held in honor of former Sen. Vernon Malone, who died in April. In the Senate, Malone was an advocate for issues facing the elderly.

Among various cuts, the House budget proposed cutting about $50 billion for in-home health services, though $34 million of that would be restored by the proposed revenue package. Cuts also would impact adult care facilities.

"It is our responsibility to protect those most in need, out citizens and the elderly," said Sen. Katie Dorsett, a Raleigh Democrat.

Speakers said representatives succeeded in preventing major cuts to services for the elderly, but they noted that, with the House and Senate representatives beginning to conference on the budget, there is stil a long way to go.

More after the jump.

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The group also touted several proposals before the legislature to expand and improve care for the elderly, but said budget constraints might hurt their chances.

The proposals include increasing reimbursement on adult day care, purchasing new mobile dental vechicles and increasing funding for senior centers.

"We are in come perilous times," said Sen. Tony Foriest, a Graham Democrat. "It saddens me that we wont be able to do the expansions that were would like to do. Hopefully we won't do any harm."