What Will Minnesota’s Budget Deficit Mean for Older Minnesotans?

Source: AARP.org

The economic downturn is affecting more than family grocery bills and home mortgages; state coffers are suffering as well.  Governor Pawlenty and the Minnesota Legislature are facing a budget deficit of historic proportions --  $5.9 billion if inflation is counted, $5.2 billion if not.

Because the state is required to balance its budget, state leaders are expecting that every part of the budget will take some part of the cuts needed to balance the books.  AARP Minnesota will be advocating for a common sense solution to the budget problem.  Of particular interest to AARP are state investments that save money in the long-term, such as programs that help Minnesotans afford health care coverage, or help older Minnesotans in need of long-term care to remain at home.   

“The effects of the financial crisis have moved from Wall Street to Main Street. Every household on every street in Minnesota is feeling a pinch,” said AARP State Director Michele Kimball. “Our top priority this session will be to advocate for fairness.  We’ll be looking out for older Minnesotans and their families to ensure that Minnesota’s most vulnerable — including nursing home residents, children and the sick — are protected from unreasonable reductions in services.”

AARP Minnesota will be working with lawmakers and Governor Pawlenty to find a reasonable solution to the budget deficit in 2009.

You can help.  Personal stories of Minnesotans affected by cutbacks to home and community-based services often help inform lawmakers and the media. AARP Minnesota would like to hear how you might be affected.

To share your stories, call 1-866-554-5381 or send an email to aarpmn@aarp.org.

For more information on the budget deficit, go to the Minnesota Budget Project Web site.