Staff Report

North Carolina Senior Tar Heel Legislature Richmond County Delegate Ruth Watkins reported the group recently completed its final of three annual meetings.

After electing new statewide officers. The group heard from Gov. Bev Perdue via telephone conference, State Budget Director Charles Perusse and Division of Aging and Adult Services Director Dennis Streets.

“The STHL is very important and as Governor, I want to have an opportunity to work with you on aging issues and on getting our seniors healthier,” Perdue said. “Volunteerism is also very important to me, and I want to thank all of you for the time you give.”

Perdue told the group state agencies have taken big budget reductions and is looking at “tax modernization and revamping of our tax system.” He said moves to tax services the state previously hasn’t, like car repairs, haircuts and pet care, to raise funds.

“Unemployment in North Carolina is currently at 10.8 percent, times are still tough, but it is going to get better,” he added.

“With the budget cuts, senior centers are seeing a 81 percent increase in services, and more than one-third of the providers may run out of Home and Community Care Block Grant funds before the end of the fiscal year,” Streets said.

He also said Adult Protective services is in need of attention.

“A number of recent cases have been family members neglecting and financially exploiting a disabled adult due to their own lack of income, directly caused by the higher unemployment rate,” he said.

After wrapping up the session, members of the STHL participated in the “Relay for Extra Help” in downtown Raleigh.

The relay was intended to call attention to the fact people with limited income and assets may qualify for help to pay for health care and prescription costs through the “Extra Help” low-income subsidy and Medicare Savings Program.

This program goes into effect Jan. 1. More information is available by calling (800) 443-9354, or at www.ncshiip.com.

A new priority of requiring pre-employment and random drug testing for employees of nursing and assisted living facilities was also added during the session.