AARP State Director Michele Kimball released this statement today about the Governor's budget unallotment announcement

ST. PAUL, Minn., June 16 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The following is a statement by AARP State Director Michele Kimball:

"AARP is disappointed in Governor Pawlenty's decision to further cut health care coverage for Minnesotans by ending the General Assistance Medical Coverage even sooner than his recent veto. This abrupt cut will force more Minnesotans into the ranks of the uninsured - and simply shift costs to more expensive and inefficient emergency rooms."

"Cutting health coverage makes no sense to the taxpayer - and only exacerbates the health care crisis at a time when the nation is trying to come together to reform the system and cover more people. It flies in the face of Minnesota's tradition ofensuring that struggling Minnesotans have access to health care, especially when the economy is in crisis."

AARP also commented on the Governor's unallotments affecting the renters' credit:

"Thousands of older renters rely on the renters' credit in order to remain in their communities and live independently. This cut will disproportionately affect low-income seniors, who are already at greater risk during an economic downturn," said Kimball.

The Governor also made unallotments that will affect nursing homes and other long-term caregivers.

"Our fragile long-term care system is currently on the brink of financial disaster, and caregivers cannot afford a reduction in payments at this crucial time," said Kimball. "Reducing payments makes it hard to ensure that our vulnerable loved ones get adequate staffing - and the right kind of care that they deserve."

AARP is a nonprofit, nonpartisan membership organization that helps people 50+ have independence, choice and control in ways that are beneficial and affordable to them and society as a whole. AARP does not endorse candidates for public office or make contributions to either political campaigns or candidates. We produce AARP The Magazine, the definitive voice for 50+ Americans and the world's largest-circulation magazine with over 34.5 million readers; AARP Bulletin, the go-to news source for AARP's 40 million members and Americans 50+; AARP Segunda Juventud, the only bilingual U.S. publication dedicated exclusively to the 50+ Hispanic community; and our website, AARP.org. AARP Foundation is an affiliated charity that provides security, protection, and empowerment to older persons in need with support from thousands of volunteers, donors, and sponsors. We have staffed offices in all 50 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands.

SOURCE AARP Minnesota

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