Sequestration to impact PA counties’ revenue, programs for seniors
(Undated) — Many of Pennsylvania’s 67 counties are worried senior citizens will see a reduction in aid due to budget cuts that begin today, under the sequester.
County Commissioners of Pennsylvania Deputy Director Brinda Penyak says the cuts in payments to county-run nursing homes and senior centers could be particularly difficult.
“The senior center issue seems to be a direct hit on the home-delivered meals programs,” Penyak says. “That would definitely be problematic in areas where there is a lot of use.”
York County spokesman Carl Lindquist says cuts to meals-on-wheels wouldn’t just hurt seniors.
“They allow seniors to stay in their homes, versus having to be placed in some type of facility, which, ultimately from a taxpayer standpoint, is more expensive,” Lindquist says.
He adds the county also stands to lose some $18,000 a day in revenue as the federal government houses fewer immigration detainees in its prison.
Lindquist says the facility typically sees 850 detainees per day, but in preparation for sequestration, more than 200 fewer immigrants are being housed in the prison.
A collection of interviews, photos, and music videos, featuring local musicians who have stopped by the WITF performance studio to share a little discussion and sound. Produced by WITF’s Joe Ulrich.
