Senior Centers Are Under Attack in Dane County

After limiting my activities, for years, to reasoned debate within the "system", I've decided to combine my reasoned approach with political activism. I recently joined the Four Lakes Green Party (4LGP) chapter of the U.S. Green Party in order to actively challenge the "system".

The Wisconsin Green Party is one of four recognized political parties in Wisconsin and stands for true social, economic, and environmental justice. The Green Party is attempting to build a democratic society in which human needs matter more than corporate profits.

Included among the commitments that the 4LGP stands for:

• A health care system that EVERYONE can access;

In my previous blog, I described the march and rally that I participated in on July 25, 2009 in support of "Health Care for All!" That was the start of my polictical activism to express my support of democratic principles.

Human needs matter more than corporate profits and matter more than Wisconsin's governmental agencies blindly supporting whatever administration, Democratic or Republican, that may be in power at any given point in time.

Dane County's system of Senior Centers provide services important to the health and wellbeing of seniors and disabled. The State of Wisconsin has mandated that Dane County move to "Family Care" and a system of Aging and Disability Resource Centers (ADRCs) in the future and remove funding for case managers. I've copied an article from the August edition of McFarland Area Senior News written by Ingrid Thompson, Director of McFarland's Senior Outreach Program explaining the attack:

INGRID'S INSIGHTS

"Each Citizen $1.57 for Every Senior".

In Dane County, there are 16 "Focal Points" (better known by some as "Senior Centers"). Each Focal Point has case managers (i.e. social workers) who assist seniors with applications to receive services or financial assistance, connect seniors with agencies or people who can help them with various concerns or issues, refer seniors who are abused to local authorities, check on the most frail and vulnerable seniors, among other things. Lori and Sara are our case managers. About half of their salaries are paid by county dollars.

As Dane County prepares its 2010 budget, we want to be sure the county supervisors keep the funding for all case managers (including Lori and Sara). It costs each Dane Co. resident $1.57 to maintain the county case management program. We think that is so little to pay for so much.

If you agree with us, we ask you to contact our supervisor, Patrick Miles at 838-6866 or Dane Co. Executive Kathleen Falk at 266-4114. Let them know how you feel. We'd appreciate your support!

---Ingrid

A complete copy of the McFarland Area Senior News can be found at:

http://tiny.cc/s1jad