Dear Editor,

We want to express our appreciation to Marion resident Eileen Marum for advocating on behalf of senior citizens and appearing before the Fall River City Council recently to do so. Ms. Marum, who is president of the Bristol County chapter of the Massachusetts Senior Action Council, voiced the concerns of all those appalled by the new round of proposed budget cuts and its potential negative impact on the elderly.

Eileen Marum spoke out regarding the unfairness of our revenue system and how seniors can't afford more cuts. There is already a proposed 25 percent cut for meals for seniors at senior centers and for home-bound seniors. The $1.5 million cut out of a $6 million allocation to the Elder Nutrition Program translates into nearly 250,000 fewer meals available for seniors next year.

This is literally taking the food off the the table for older people, and it just happens to be one of the most visible and popular senior programs in the state, according Ms. Marum.

Also, proposed cuts to the Serving Health Information Needs of Elders programs reduces counseling available to seniors regarding the type of Medicare plan that would best fit their needs.

We must give priority to this population who were there for our towns in voting for schools, fire and police projects throughout the years. We need to invest in programs for vulnerable and low-income seniors so they remain healthy and independent.

Thank you, Ms. Marum, for speaking out on behalf of all seniors.

Sincerely,

Roberta Tripp and Sharon Duggan, Mattapoisett