Department on Aging and Senior Wellness Program Cuts

Expressed deep concern that proposed cuts to the Department on Aging, including a social worker position and evening hours, disproportionately harm low-income older adults.

Shared personal experiences of how the Seymour Center and Department on Aging supported her late husband with dementia and urged the board to keep senior centers well-funded.

Read a statement on behalf of the Friends of the Passmore Center opposing fee increases and staff cuts for senior centers.

Expressed concern over funding inequities between older adults and school-age populations and questioned proposed senior center expansions.

Asked the board to restore staffing positions at the Department on Aging to support the vital work of senior center volunteers.

Spoke against cuts to senior wellness programs at the Seymour and Passmore centers, framing it as a values decision that contradicts health department missions.

Advocated for seniors, noting that residents over 60 comprise 23% of the population while the Department on Aging receives less than 1% of the budget.