Advocate for Aging Together Funding
Aging Together maintains a diverse base of funding from a variety of local, state and federal sources as well as individual giving. On a small staff of only 2.8 FTE's and with a budget less than $250,000 annually we have been able to bring in approximately 2.5 million dollars in new funding since 2007.
This year the Governor's budget included cuts to all outside agencies that receive funds through the Virginia Department for the Aging. These cuts reduce funding by 50% in the FY13 fiscal year (starting 7/12) and 100% in FY14.
Long time supporter Delegate Ed Scott submitted a budget amendment in the House to fully restore Aging Together's funding. Senator Emmett Hanger submitted a corresponding budget amendment in the Senate. In addition to Delegate Scott and Senator Hanger, Delegate Lingamfelter, Delegate Webert, Senator Vogel and Senator Obenshain have all expressed support for continued funding for Aging Together.
Our region is extremely lucky that Delegate Scott and Delegate Lingamfelter both sit on the House Appropriations Committee and Senators Hanger and Vogel both sit on the Senate Finance Committee.
This week the House and Senate committees will be finalizing their budgets for discussion in each Chamber the week of February 19th. We need your voice!
Please contact your representatives in the General Assembly to support restoration of Aging Together's funding. Let your elected officials know what you have experienced through Aging Together whether it's participation in the Caregiver trainings, increased access to transportation options, or even the Senior Senior Prom. Remind our state leaders that not only is Aging Together a benefit to this community - but we also are a model that can benefit the entire Commonwealth.
Contact Information:
Senator Emmett Hanger district24@senate.virginia.gov
Senator Mark Obenshain district26@senate.virginia.gov
Senator Bryce Reeves district17@senate.virginia.gov
Senator Jill Vogel district27@senate.virginia.gov
Delegate Ed Scott DelEScott@house.virginia.gov
Deleage Scott Liingamfelter DelSLingamfelter@house.virginia.gov
Delegate Michael Webert DelMWebert@house.virginia.gov