The power of the vote is only one of the ways our voice is heard in the world of politics and government. When an elected official acts on the promises and expectations that got him or her into office, re-election is the reward. But we can make our wishes known to the lawmakers and executives before, during and after the elections as well. I have made some statements in this space about seniors as a voting block not working together. Even when it is in the best interest of the age group. Even when it is in the best interest of society at large.
The governor is trying to figure out where the budget can be cut. He will cut the parts that are least likely to effect re-election. That is how we give feedback after the fact. He has proposed cutting $11.4 million in state and federal funding to the adult protective services program. Not every older adult will need APS. Every older adult knows someone who will need APS. Reports of elder abuse have increased by a third in the past five years. The elderly population will double in the next twenty years as the baby boomers graduate into seniority. But the thinking in Sacramento is basically that the people who will miss out on needed help won’t make a difference at the polls. APS helps seniors to age in place. Without their services hospitalization and nursing home placements increase. The cost of those services is ultimately higher. Want to work together?
Jack Scott is on the senate budget committee. So is Bob Margett. Ed Hernandez is on the assembly budget committee. They send mail to your home asking you to vote for them. Why don’t you send them some mail telling them what to do for your vote? Search www.legislature.ca.gov by zip code to get your representative’s address. Buy a stamp. Tell ‘em “Hi” for me.