Sept. 22, 2007
West Virginia’s Seniors Contribute to the State’s Wellness
From The Governor’s Desk: A weekly column by Gov. Joe Manchin
Earlier this week, I had the pleasure to speak at the 15th annual Governor’s Summit on Aging in Chester, W.Va., which provided me an opportunity to emphasize the importance of our state’s older generations on the overall well-being of West Virginia. Our seniors have contributed so much to the state and their communities throughout their lives, and how we serve them through their retirement years is a measure of how well West Virginia is doing overall.
West Virginia has one of the oldest average populations of any state -- in fact the third-highest median age. The senior population also is the fastest growing segment of our population. The culture of the Appalachians and of West Virginians is not only that we have a responsibility to care for our seniors, but we also have the utmost respect for them and the sincere desire to serve our aging population in return for what they have provided to us.
It’s important for us to provide services that help them meet their unique needs, as well as opportunities for them to continue to be active in their communities. Many a wise person has said that “experience is the best teacher,” which is why our seniors are a true asset to the state. Their vast knowledge and experience can be harnessed to help move West Virginia forward. Sharing their skills, wisdom and understanding with our young people is an integral part of building a better West Virginia.
Seniors have unique issues for which we must provide assistance, such as transportation, nutrition, in-home care, legal, employment, health insurance counseling, and assistance for residents of nursing homes and other forms of long-term care homes. That is why I have committed more than $16 million in the 2008 budget for senior services, and more than $20 million since I became governor.
In 2008, we have directed more than $10 million to the Aged and Disabled Waiver program, which provides in-home and community services to individuals who are medically and financially eligible, as well as $1 million to the Aged and Disabled Resource Center, and an additional $1 million for Alzheimer’s respite care. The budget also included $150,000 for the West Virginia Elder Watch program and $3.7 million for in-home services and nutrition programs for seniors.
This past July, I accepted a $3 million check from the West Virginia Lottery for table games licenses that will go toward in-home services for West Virginia seniors. My promise on signing table games legislation was that if they were going to be allowed, I wanted significant proceeds from them devoted to West Virginia seniors. The partial-year license fee revenue will assist our state’s most-experienced citizens and help them continue to live independently as long as possible.
When the tracks renew their licenses next July, the check for seniors will jump to $7.5 million, as each table games license will cost $2.5 million. This funding, along with our other budget dedications, will help ensure we continue to serve those who have served us.
From The Governor’s Desk: A weekly column by Gov. Joe Manchin
Earlier this week, I had the pleasure to speak at the 15th annual Governor’s Summit on Aging in Chester, W.Va., which provided me an opportunity to emphasize the importance of our state’s older generations on the overall well-being of West Virginia. Our seniors have contributed so much to the state and their communities throughout their lives, and how we serve them through their retirement years is a measure of how well West Virginia is doing overall.
West Virginia has one of the oldest average populations of any state -- in fact the third-highest median age. The senior population also is the fastest growing segment of our population. The culture of the Appalachians and of West Virginians is not only that we have a responsibility to care for our seniors, but we also have the utmost respect for them and the sincere desire to serve our aging population in return for what they have provided to us.
It’s important for us to provide services that help them meet their unique needs, as well as opportunities for them to continue to be active in their communities. Many a wise person has said that “experience is the best teacher,” which is why our seniors are a true asset to the state. Their vast knowledge and experience can be harnessed to help move West Virginia forward. Sharing their skills, wisdom and understanding with our young people is an integral part of building a better West Virginia.
Seniors have unique issues for which we must provide assistance, such as transportation, nutrition, in-home care, legal, employment, health insurance counseling, and assistance for residents of nursing homes and other forms of long-term care homes. That is why I have committed more than $16 million in the 2008 budget for senior services, and more than $20 million since I became governor.
In 2008, we have directed more than $10 million to the Aged and Disabled Waiver program, which provides in-home and community services to individuals who are medically and financially eligible, as well as $1 million to the Aged and Disabled Resource Center, and an additional $1 million for Alzheimer’s respite care. The budget also included $150,000 for the West Virginia Elder Watch program and $3.7 million for in-home services and nutrition programs for seniors.
This past July, I accepted a $3 million check from the West Virginia Lottery for table games licenses that will go toward in-home services for West Virginia seniors. My promise on signing table games legislation was that if they were going to be allowed, I wanted significant proceeds from them devoted to West Virginia seniors. The partial-year license fee revenue will assist our state’s most-experienced citizens and help them continue to live independently as long as possible.
When the tracks renew their licenses next July, the check for seniors will jump to $7.5 million, as each table games license will cost $2.5 million. This funding, along with our other budget dedications, will help ensure we continue to serve those who have served us.
