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Local Meals-on-Wheels program warns $250,000 in federal/state funding is uncertain
Summary
A leader of a local Meals-on-Wheels program told the Washtenaw County Commission on Aging that about $250,000 in funding is "hanging in the balance" amid federal and state budget uncertainty and urged the commission to help coordinate information for senior service providers.
Barbara Muse May, president and CEO of a local Meals-on-Wheels program, told the Washtenaw County Commission on Aging that her program has "about $250,000 hanging in the balance" because of cascading uncertainty around federal and state budgets.
"It's our understanding that it is going to be significantly delayed from a cascading effect of potentially a federal shutdown," Barbara Muse May said in public comment, adding that the state has signaled it will not fill gaps left by a federal shutdown. She said the program typically uses federal funds October through February–March and relies on a contract from the county that normally arrives in mid-August and is signed by the end of August.
The presenter said about 85% of the people Meals-on-Wheels serves live below the poverty level and that she and partners are modeling scenarios in which clients could lose substantial income or benefits by FY27. "Several folks could be seeing a net loss of about half of their income for the resources that they need to live day to day," she said, and asked that the commission be aware of on-the-ground impacts.
Commissioners responded by urging better coordination among senior centers and county staff. Elizabeth Thompson suggested the newly planned Office on Aging might serve as a centralized place to provide updates. Annie Somerville said the commission should convene regular briefings and noted she has been raising the issue with the county administrator.
Commissioners and staff acknowledged mixed capacity at the county to monitor both federal and state budgets directly; they noted the county receives regular updates from a contracted lobbying firm and from congressional staff, and suggested arranging periodic calls that include state and congressional liaisons so local providers receive clearer, more timely guidance.
The commission agreed to encourage meal sites to coordinate their preparedness plans and to pursue a town-hall–style session to explain Medicaid and other benefits changes to local seniors. The commission did not take a formal vote on funding at the meeting.
Ending: Commissioners said they will continue to pursue a central information mechanism and consider a public town hall on Medicaid and benefits as they finalize schedules.
