L’Observateur / June 17, 2000

DEAR EDITOR: Those of us working on the front lines to provide our frail, vulnerable seniors with the care they need have been frustrated by budget cuts that have increasingly put our 28,000 nursing facility patients who rely on Medicaid at risk. And, although no resolution was found as the legislative session ended, Imust stop and thank the legislators who had the courage to stand up for the revenue raising measures – some of which were unpopular – because they could not let our most vulnerable citizens, who absolutely depend on health services, down.

This issue is about real people – not numbers. Many of our legislators lookedbehind the line item on our state balance sheet. They looked at the faces ofMedicaid. In the case of nursing facility patients these are the faces of ourveterans, our teachers, our farmers, our parents and grandparents. Theybuilt our state. They raised us. And they put us first. They have paid taxesall their lives; they have spent their savings, and need assistance from the state.

The tens of thousands of nursing facility patients, their loved ones and the people who care for them appreciate the lifeline these legislators tried to throw. And, as the special session draws near, we ask them to remainstrong, understanding and compassionate. These people still need services.There were funds raised, but money has not been appropriated for essential health care services.

I wish to thank those lawmakers for their courage in standing up for our most vulnerable citizens. And in looking forward, I ask they recognize thatthe goal has not been reached and there is still work to be done. Peoples’lives depend on it.

Joseph A. DonchessExecutive Director Louisana Nursing Home Association

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