CONTACT: Robert Kellerman
Bob.Kellerman@gwaar.org, 608-243-5672
MADISON – With the release of his 2021-23 Caregiver and Long-Term
Care budget recommendations proposal, Governor Evers has demonstrated a
commitment to the needs of Wisconsin’s most vulnerable populations. Both
inflation and Wisconsin’s growing number of older adults and persons with
disabilities have seriously stressed Wisconsin’s valuable, cost-effective
programs and services for our vulnerable populations, their families, and
caregivers.
The Wisconsin Aging Advocacy Network (WAAN) supports the Governor’s
2021-23 budget recommendations, which build on successful initiatives like
Wisconsin’s Dementia Care Specialist program. The proposed investment in
programs and services supporting older adults, individuals with disabilities
and family caregivers reflects the need for a modernization in funding.
“A number of valuable, cost-saving programs and services have not seen
funding increases for many years. The Aging and Disability Resource Centers,
for example, have been flat-funded for 15 years,” said Robert Kellerman,
Executive Director of the Greater Wisconsin Agency of Aging Resources and
Chair of the Wisconsin Aging Advocacy Network. “We’re very glad the
proposed budget addresses the need to modernize funding to align with
current expenses and Wisconsin’s aging population.”
Wisconsinites across the state will benefit from investments in the Aging and
Disability Resource Centers, tribal Aging and Disability Resource Specialists,
Alzheimer’s Family Care Support Program, Caregiver Tax Credit, CARE Act
(Caregiver Advise, Record, Enable), Dementia Care Specialists, tribal Disability
Benefit Specialists, Family Medical Leave Act, guardian training, tailored
caregiver assessment and referral, and numerous proposals to strengthen the
paid caregiving workforce and invest in the caregiving infrastructure.
