JEFFERSON CITY — At the same time Republicans in Washington are signaling that cuts are coming to federal programs supporting older adults, Republicans who control state government in Missouri are rushing to deliver dollars to a cash-strapped food program affecting 250,000 seniors. In another example of how GOP-led states are not
following the cost-cutting lead of billionaire Elon Musk in his role as an adviser to President Donald Trump, the Missouri House Budget Committee Thursday endorsed a $14 million mid-year spending adjustment for the state’s senior meals program. The committee’s action puts the request on track to be voted on this month, which is also when money that provides free midday meals to Missouri is expected to run out.
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The national Meals on Wheels America, meanwhile, is warning that a budget bill approved by the U.S. House on Tuesday could unravel the program. The blueprint
narrowly approved in the House includes $4.5 trillion in tax breaks and $2 trillion in unspecified spending cuts. “Funding cuts of any kind would exacerbate an already dire situation for millions of older Americans,” said Meals on Wheels America President Ellie Hollander in a statement. “These programs are one of the most successful public-private partnerships and have a proven track record of saving taxpayer dollars by improving overall health, reducing health care costs and helping seniors to live with independence and dignity in their own homes,” Hollander added. At issue in Missouri is a spending limit at the state Department of Health and Senior Services. The Missouri Area Agencies on Aging already has the federal funds to keep the program afloat. But in order for the state to use the money, the Legislature has to approve the spending. A request from
Gov. Mike Kehoe’s administration says without action from the House and Senate, services provided to seniors ranging from meals to in-home services could be jeopardized for the months of April, May and June. In addition, the administration says it doesn’t want to give the money back.
