Senator Bartlett and Representative Driscoll Urge Restoration of Larrabee Village Funding

 

Augusta – Senator Philip Bartlett II (D-Cumberland County) and Representative Timothy Driscoll (D-Westbrook) have sent a joint letter urging Governor Baldacci to rethink a cut in funding for the Independent Housing Services Program at Larrabee Village in Westbrook.   

The program, which provides seniors residing at Larrabee Village with services that help them to live in their own apartments and avoid nursing home care, was cut by the Department of Health and Human Services as part of the curtailment order and supplemental budget proposed by the Governor to help meet the anticipated revenue shortfall.  The impact of the cuts will begin within a few weeks. 

“This is a very cost-effective, minimal set of services that keeps people living with a maximum of independence and dignity,” Senator Bartlett said.  “The people affected by this cut are frail, older and need these services to live on their own.” 

“Many seniors moved into Larrabee Village with the understanding that these services would always be there for them, and they planned their lives accordingly,” Bartlett added.  “To cut them off suddenly in this way is unfair.” 

“It is clear that we will have some very hard choices to make in this budget but this is not a good option,” said Driscoll.  “Without the services this program provides the only choice for many of the residents of Larrabee Village will be nursing home or assisted living care, both of which will result in far greater expense to the state over time.” 

The Legislature will be determining the future of these cuts as they work on the supplemental budget over the next few weeks. The text of the letter is below.  For more information contact Senator Bartlett at 287-1515.

 

Text of the letter to the Governor: