State cuts gut Montgomery Co. senior meals & transport

**Texas Budget Cuts Threaten Vital Services for Montgomery County Seniors and Veterans**

**CONROE, TX –** Homebound seniors and veterans across Montgomery County are facing a looming crisis as significant state budget cuts are set to jeopardize essential services they rely on, including home-delivered meals and critical medical transportation. The reductions, stemming from decisions made by the Texas Legislature, will directly impact local organizations providing these lifelines.

The Texas Legislature has approved a $21.5 million cut from Area Agencies on Aging (AAAs) statewide for the upcoming two fiscal years, which begin September 1, 2023. These cuts specifically target Older Americans Act (OAA) Title III-B (Supportive Services) and Title III-C (Nutrition Services) funding, programs designed to keep seniors healthy and independent in their homes.

Locally, the ripple effects are substantial. Meals on Wheels Montgomery County (MOWMC) anticipates a $160,000 reduction in its funding. Summer Day, President and CEO of MOWMC, expressed grave concerns about the potential consequences. “This cut could force us to implement a waitlist for our meal delivery services, something we’ve worked tirelessly to avoid,” Day stated. “We currently serve over 700 seniors daily, and a reduction could also mean cutting down on how often we can deliver meals, potentially jeopardizing the health and well-being of our most vulnerable neighbors. Staff layoffs are a very real possibility as we grapple with this deficit.”

The impact extends beyond nutrition. The Community Assistance Center (CAC) is bracing for a $100,000 cut to its funding. Julie Martineau, Executive Director of CAC, explained that this reduction would severely limit their non-emergency medical transportation services. “We provide crucial rides for over 1,300 seniors annually, helping them get to doctor’s appointments, pharmacies, and even grocery stores,” Martineau said. “Without this support, many of our seniors, who often lack other transportation options, could miss vital medical care, leading to declining health and increased isolation. These aren’t just rides; they are lifelines that preserve independence.”

Area Agencies on Aging (AAAs) are federally mandated entities that coordinate and provide a wide range of services for older adults, caregivers, and adults with disabilities. The Older Americans Act (OAA), originally passed in 1965, funds critical programs that help seniors maintain their independence and quality of life. The targeted Title III-B and III-C funds are specifically allocated for supportive services like transportation, information and assistance, and congregate or home-delivered meals.

These state-level cuts threaten to strip away vital support for some of the most vulnerable individuals in our community, impacting their ability to age in place with dignity, maintain their health, and stay connected to their communities. The potential for increased food insecurity, neglected medical conditions, and profound isolation is a significant concern for local leaders.

Montgomery County residents are urged to contact their state representatives to voice concerns about these funding cuts. Contact information for state legislators can be found on the Texas Legislature Online website (www.capitol.texas.gov).

Local organizations are also appealing to the community for immediate support. To help bridge the significant financial gap, residents are encouraged to consider donating or volunteering. More information on Meals on Wheels Montgomery County, including how to donate or volunteer, can be found at www.mowmc.org. To learn more about the Community Assistance Center’s services or to support their efforts, visit www.cac-mctx.org.

The coming fiscal year promises to be a challenging one for Montgomery County’s aging population unless a solution to these critical funding shortfalls can be found.