HomeMy WebLinkAbout2009-14 Senior Populations and Eligibity for Entitlement Programs/COLAsRESOLUTION NO. 2009-14
WHEREAS, seniors sixty years of age, or older are among the most vulnerable citizens
in our Country, being at risk of physical, financial, emotional abuse and neglect; and
WHEREAS, over 8% of seniors sixty-five years of age, or -older in Mendocino County live
below the federal poverty level; and
WHEREAS, in 2000, over 15,000 seniors resided in Mendocino County comprising 18%
of the total County population, totaling 5.6% higher than the national average; and
WHEREAS, Over 600 cases of neglect and abuse were reported to Mendocino County
Adult Protective Services in 2008; and
WHEREAS, the failure to address the widespread and persistent abuse and neglect of
seniors breaches our social commitment to protect our most vulnerable citizens from harm; and
WHEREAS, increases in Social Security benefits cause seniors to fall out of eligibility for
numerous federal, state and local service programs in food, housing and medical services,
which result in tremendous hardship and suffering for our most vulnerable populations; and
WHEREAS, seniors living near or below the poverty level should be protected from
disqualification from entitlement programs when they are granted- automatic Cost of Living
Adjustments; and
WHEREAS, poverty levels are not adjusted automatically when COLA increases are
implemented, leaving many seniors either ineligible or with a loss of services; and
WHEREAS, based on Area Agency on Aging surveys, issues affecting seniors' access
to affordable health and dental care were identified as top priorities for Mendocino County
seniors, and
NOW THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Ukiah City Council will support and
advocate for the following:
Legislation that would increase protections for seniors receiving automatic Social
Security Insurance Cost of Living Adjustments;
Legislation that would increase protections for seniors, including physical and financial
abuse and neglect;
The Elder Justice Act, which would increase protections for seniors, including elder
abuse, and establish more stable funding streams for protective senior services;
® Outreach and information dissemination measures to increase seniors' awareness
regarding elder abuse prevention and COLAs and their potential impacts to Social
Security and other entitlement program benefits;
Oppose legislation that would further denigrate protective services programs serving our
nation's senior populations, and measures that would increase the population of seniors
living at or below the federal poverty level.
PASSED AND ADOPTED on this 1st day of April, 2009 by the following vote:
AYES:
NOES:
ABSENT:
ABSTAIN:
Councilmembers Landis, Crane, Rodin, and Mayor Baldwin
Councilmember Thomas
None
None
ATTEST:.
a C. ro City d'
PMayor