AARP Asks Lawmakers to Find a Reasonable Budget Solution

By: State: Minnesota | Source: AARP.org

Governor Tim Pawlenty and state lawmakers are currently debating how to fill a nearly $5 billion state budget deficit.

As state leaders grapple with these issues this legislative session, AARP is urging them to seek common ground, act swiftly and think long-term.

"Our leaders must put aside partisan politics and work with us—and with each other—to help older Minnesotans weather this financial crisis," said AARP State Director Michele Kimball.

AARP expressed great concern about the Governor's proposal to eliminate health care coverage for more than 100,000 Minnesotans.

When people without health care coverage get sick, they postpone cost-effective check-ups and other preventive treatments, and end up going to the hospital for a costly emergency-room visit," explained Kimball. "This is not a cost savings—it's a shift to providers, health insurance companies, and ultimately, consumers."

In a weakening economy, vulnerable Minnesotans—including children, the elderly and those with disabilities—are at greater risk for health and financial suffering, and are more likely to need critical services in order to live.

Many more Minnesotans—especially those age 50 and older—may soon find themselves in this "vulnerable" category. Job loss plus financial market meltdown is a catastrophic combination for many. For many, the declining value of their investments, 401ks and real estate further impairs their ability to afford health and long-term care. They, too, will need health care safety nets.

"We can't expect health care and human services to take an unreasonable portion of the state budget hit," said Kimball. "Let's take a balanced approach and avoid unintended consequences. Cutting certain programs today will cause greater harm to the budget in the future."

AARP will be reiterating several points this session:

• Home and community based services help people age in place, and save taxpayers money by avoiding more expensive nursing home care;
• Maintaining funding to pay for staffing in nursing homes and for home care is vital to protecting those who need care most; and
• Increasing the number of uninsured residents only shifts costs to others in the short-term, and increases costs to everyone in the long-term.

AARP is also arguing that the federal government has a strong role to play in this crisis. Federal funding should help states pay for health care programs, and AARP has been advocating for a strong federal stimulus bill and reauthorization of the States Childrens Health Insurance bill.

"AARP has a dedicated team of staff and volunteers at the State Capitol, a longtime reputation as a strong voice in Washington, and a membership that is willing to let their voices be heard," said State Director Michele Kimball. "Together, we can put a human face on these policy discussions and remind our lawmakers of their responsibility to the people."
 
Join us at AARP Lobby Days on March 19, March 31 and May 6. Help us advocate for a reasonable budget solution. Contact apope@aarp.org for more information.