Jones Stands Up For Seniors, Fights Drastic Cuts to Meals on Wheels

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. – State Rep. Thaddeus Jones, D-Calumet City, is standing with seniors and senior advocates like AARP to oppose Washington politicians’ dangerous cuts to senior Meals on Wheels, which would affect the more than 115,000 elderly residents who depend on the program.

“Donald Trump’s extreme proposal to slash funding for Meals on Wheels is just another example of his out-of-touch agenda that is more focused on putting the needs of the very wealthy above our most vulnerable residents,” Jones said. “Both President Trump and Governor Rauner should be focused on ensuring our seniors, veterans, and disabled residents get the care they need and less on trying to promote their corporate agendas.”

Jones sponsored House Resolution 274, which states the Illinois House of Representatives’ opposition to efforts by Washington insiders to cut Meals on Wheels and other federally funded programs that provide senior meals.

As Gov. Bruce Rauner refuses to do his job and introduce a responsible budget that provides for our state’s most critical services, Jones backs efforts to protect Meals on Wheels and other vital programs. He is urging the governor to return to the negotiating table and work with all sides to pass a fair and responsible budget to ensure local seniors continue receiving the critical services they rely on.

“Meals on Wheels and many other senior programs have literally been starved to the bone while the demand for these services is greater than ever before due to aging demographics,” said Nancy LeaMond, executive vice president of AARP. “Without continued investments in these cost-effective programs, taxpayers will end up paying far more to hospitalize or otherwise care for the frail elderly, many of whom are homebound.”