To the editor:

Many thanks to the six elected officials who joined nearly 50 participants at the legislative forum on issues of concern to older Kansans (co-sponsored by the Douglas County Coalition on Aging, Kaw Valley Older Women’s League and Lawrence-Douglas County Advocacy Council on Aging) on Oct. 2. 

It is alarming to see funding cuts adversely affecting local mental health services, food programs and the Lawrence Senior Center, and we oppose the governor’s decision to block the extension of Medicaid expansion to thousands of Kansans who are not currently insured.

Legislators need to take the needs of older Kansans seriously. Currently, nearly 20 percent of all Kansans are over 60. By 2030, the figure will be 25 percent. Cutting services means hurting seniors — and many others as well, since we all need good jobs, housing, transportation and education.  Programs that help older Kansans also help parents who struggle to raise children while helping their own parents. All Kansans, and especially our legislators, should support restored services for older adults.