Last week I was privileged to welcome 58 seniors and their supporters from Troup County to the capitol for “Be there 4 Seniors Day.” I wish their visit could have been under more pleasant circumstances. But unfortunately, they were there to express their fears about the Governor’s proposed budget cuts which, if passed, will negatively affect the lives of senior citizens all over the state. I was so proud to see them advocate for their programs; and, I wholeheartedly understand and support their efforts.

Here’s what our seniors are fighting against. The Governor proposes to reduce the Division of Aging Services programs by 9.3 percent which is $8.5 million for fiscal year 09; and, 11.4 percent which amounts to $10.4 million for fiscal year 2010 budget years. If successful, the services to be cut include adult day care, in-home respite, information and assistance; help with purchasing transportation, food and groceries, and case management. These cuts will truly create a hardship for many of our elderly.

Over and over my colleagues and I heard testimonies about the importance of these and other services affected by this budget proposal. Of particular concern was the Meals on Wheels program which provides, for many, the only wholesome meal they receive some days. Others testified how they look forward to getting up in the mornings to go to the centers and fellowship with folks their age. This may not seem important to some, but in your twilight years loneliness can be a death sentence.

In addition to the seniors who visited the capitol, I have also received correspondence from about 40 of our Golden Age citizens who participate in the Greenville and Hogansville senior centers expressing the same apprehensions, seeking support.

In my opinion, we need to reduce the hardship of these cuts on our senior citizens. They have paid their dues and deserve better. If we don’t stand up and protect our senior citizens today, who is going to stand up and protect the senior citizens of tomorrow?

On last Friday, the Georgia House of Representatives passed HB 143 which funds the homestead exemption for this year. But, the bill also says, in future years, before the homestead property tax relief can be funded, the economy would require at least a 3 percent revenue growth.

Let’s see. Ten months ago, we passed our present year budget with a revenue growth projection of 2 percent which included the property tax relief that our local government anticipated and computed in our 2008 property bills. Three months later, the governor recognized the existing recession and began calling for cuts and savings from all state agencies. Then six months later, January 2009, the governor’s budget proposal called for the elimination of the $438 million property tax relief.

In years past, we have passed numerous bills, some that the Governor signed and some he didn’t that said we would spend money, but the monies were never appropriated and approved in the budget. The bottom line is, if we are serious about tax relief then, we have to find the money with or without HB 143.

As always, please call me, Carl Von Epps, 404/656-7859, with your concerns; and, let me know when you and your group are visiting your State Capitol.