Aging and Poverty News

USA TODAY, March 17, 2010: (Op-Ed) Hands off Social Security

"Medicare and Medicaid are the primary drivers of federal spending increases in coming decades. Both programs rely on the private health system to deliver care, so they are at its mercy just like businesses and families."

Los Angeles Times, March 17, 2010: A call to help gay seniors

"Lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender senior citizens face myriad social and financial problems, and lawmakers could help them by altering Social Security and Medicaid rules, according to a national report being released Wednesday."

The Washington Post, March 16, 2010: Thousands face furloughs; schools may lose millions

"It calls for cuts across government operations, furloughs of many employees and a budget for schools that is $137 million less than... requested... Montgomery's programs to help elderly and disabled residents in their homes and to reach out to the homeless would be scaled back."

The Associated Press State & Local Wire, March 16, 2010: Landlords must pay taxes for renters to get credit

"Low-income disabled people and senior citizens are entitled to a property tax credit on their state tax returns of up to $750 for renters and $1,100 for those who own their homes."

Associated Press Online, March 15, 2010: Health Care 101: A consumer primer on Obama's bill

"Seniors have been understandably worried about the health care plan, since much of it is financed with Medicare cuts the government's own experts say could be unsustainable."

The Boston Globe, March 14, 2010: Got Wi-Fi?; Community wireless was a smash hit out of the gate, but nobody wants to pay

"More than $7 billion in federal stimulus funds has been allocated for broadband expansion nationwide, and some of that money recently went to the University of Massachusetts in Lowell to make high-speed Internet available to elders and low-income minority residents."

The Boston Globe, March 14, 2010: Funding sought for Rockland senior housing, center

"The Rockland Housing Authority hopes to secure a $10 million US grant so that it can double its housing stock for low-income and elderly residents and build a new, freestanding senior center."

Newsday, March 13, 2010: Women still lag far behind men in saving for retirement

"In 2007, 20.5 percent of unmarried women age 65 and older had incomes below 100 percent of the federal government's definition of poverty - far higher than rates experienced by men or married couples, according to Census Bureau data."

The Washington Post, March 11, 2010: Ministry reaches out to veterans

"Partnering with... the founding pastor of Foundation Christian Fellowship Church..., Humphries' independent ministry heads up nine outreach programs that supply aid to active and wounded soldiers, as well as local foster children, the homeless, inmates and the elderly."

The New York Times, March 8, 2010: Obscure Budget Proposal May Threaten Senior Centers

"Only in the last couple of weeks have city officials and advocates for the elderly become fully aware of Gov. David A. Paterson's decision because it was not the typical budget reduction that becomes part of the annual jousting between Albany and New York City."

Vallejo Times Herald, March 8, 2010: Lack of health insurance hurts widows, divorcees, like woman in Fairfield

""It's a time of critical change for older women," Wyn said. "Not only are they at risk of new and complex health conditions, but as they near the age of retirement, their insurance status may change too.""

Chicago Tribune, February 26, 2010: A taste of independence

"One- and two-person apartments for low-income seniors who require personal care, medication management and other services."

Chicago Sun Times, February 25, 2010: No more free rides; Illinois House vote could mean bad news for some seniors

"Under Bassi's plan, low-income seniors 65 and older still could ride public buses and trains for free, but more-affluent seniors would pay half fare. Anyone making less than $27,610 a year -- or a couple making $36,635 -- would continue to ride for free."

Des Moines Register, February 25, 2010: Lawmakers urge closer watch on need-based aid

"Authorities filed felony charges last week against Thelma Johnson of Spencer. Johnson allegedly made 65 claims to a state program that reimburses some rent costs for low-income elderly and disabled Iowans, according to court documents..."

The New York Times, February 23, 2010: Applications For Help On Heat Bills Rise by 15%

"A large majority of recipients are low-income elderly and disabled people and families living beneath the federal poverty line, which is $22,050 for a family of four. But households with incomes up to 150 percent or even double the poverty line are eligible in many states..."

The Reporter, February 22, 2010: Job training program offered for seniors

"Job training opportunities are available for low-income older workers in Fond du Lac County."

The Courier-Journal, February 20, 201: Bullitt community agency could soon save on rent

"The Bullitt Fiscal Court is considering reducing the nonprofit's rent ... from $200 per month to $1 per year ... The nonprofit community action agency helps low-income and elderly residents by providing meals, activities, training and transportation."

St. Petersburg Times, February 18, 2010: Hernando's low-income seniors could miss tax break on homes if they miss deadline

"In 2008, the county received 4,644 applicants for the exemption. In 2009, the applicants numbered 5,198. So far this year, another 900 low-income senior citizens have applied, according to Property Appraiser Alvin Mazourek."

The New York Times, February 16, 2010: Rabbi Bernard Lander Is Dead at 94; Founded Fast-Growing Touro College

"An Orthodox rabbi, Dr. Lander was also an academic sociologist who specialized in the study of poverty and juvenile delinquency. His writings include 'Towards an Understanding of Juvenile Delinquency,' published in 1954."

The Philadelphia Inquirer, February 15, 2010: Fears that Rendell's budget shortchanges needy

"Battered by deep cuts last year, groups that offer services to the disabled, the elderly, and children are wincing at what they see in Gov. Rendell's latest proposed budget."

The Denver Post, February 14, 2010: Colo. not alone in budget bind States across the country have cut services, funding for education and workers.

"In Arizona, proposed cuts include ending health coverage for 310,000 low-income, childless adults and 47,000 low-income children; laying off more than 2,000 employees and closing state parks, highway rest stops and motor vehicle division offices."

The Associated Press, February 13, 2010: No health care overhaul will bring more problems

"By 2019, the number of uninsured would rise to 54 million, most of them low-income workers paying federal and state taxes to support health care programs for older people and the poor."

Chicago Tribune, February 12, 2010: Panel OKs limits on free rides for seniors

"Free local bus and train rides would be restricted to low-income senior citizens under a measure a House panel approved Thursday to help bring in more money for transit agencies reeling from financial woes."

Los Angeles Times, February 11, 2010: Hundreds of adult care centers may close due to budget crisis

"But advocates and center operators said care for many of the 37,000 low- income participants -- who suffer from diabetes, brain injuries, dementia and other chronic conditions -- would cost the state even more money if the centers close."

The Wichita Eagle, February 11, 2010: House votes to cut elected officials' pay

"An amendment by Rep. Mario Goico, R-Wichita, to restore the cuts failed on a voice vote. Goico expressed worry that cuts to Medicaid, which offers health insurance to low-income people, would harm nursing homes or cause them to close down, particularly in rural areas."

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