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MONDAY, MARCH 10, 2003

"Elders are a near majority in North Dakota, so health care is important.

Gov. John Hoeven's proposed budget of $7 million for health care sends a message that the health and well-being of this population is important.

The Senate cuts in some of the health-care programs, however, are a different message.

Senators cut $4.6 million from the Service Payments for the Elderly and Disabled and $300,000 from the expanded SPED program. These are programs that are less costly and more effective for many elders and the disabled.

SPED isn't a new program. It's been around since 1983. It then was called Option Services, and it made North Dakota a leader in providing programs such as in-home and community services.

The Senate increased the budget for nursing homes. This is a good idea because some elders and disabled people cannot live without the aid of nursing homes.

But the cost cutting shouldn't be at the expense of SPED programs."

Get the Story:
DORREEN YELLOW BIRD COLUMN: Unique programs for elderly need enhancing, not cutting (The Grand Forks Herald 3/8)

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