Council on Aging hears warning about state budget prospects; district attorney to visit for fraud-prevention outreach
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Summary
Members reported a legislative breakfast where state representatives warned of looming funding shortfalls for elder services and noted the district attorney will visit the islands to present fraud-prevention materials for seniors.
Council members summarized takeaways from a recent legislative breakfast attended by state representatives and local leaders. A meeting member relayed a blunt assessment from a panelist named Julian: "I hate to be a downer, but if you think this year is bad, next year is going to be plain awful," reflecting warnings that state-level funding for elder services may shrink and that agencies should rethink delivery models.
Members noted the district attorney attended the panel and will make visits to the islands to present on fraud-prevention. The council discussed common scams targeting seniors and simple guidance for residents: one speaker advised that if a caller produces a silent or delayed response after a greeting, "hang up" rather than respond to solicitations, and suggested distributing a cheat sheet or newsletter item explaining red flags.
The panel’s message prompted discussion about maintaining core programs such as Meals on Wheels and other elder services under tighter budgets. Council members agreed to share fraud-prevention resources when the district attorney’s outreach is scheduled and to include a notice in the council newsletter about how to recognize and handle suspicious calls.