Sen. Carlucci, Meals on Wheels Rockland Host Rally Against President's Budget Cuts​​

From the Office of the Senator: Senator David Carlucci (D-Rockland/Westchester) and Meals on Wheels Rockland hosted a community rally against the President's proposed budget cuts and were joined by other organizations and community members that could be impacted by the cuts. In addition to Meals on Wheels, Rockland County Housing Action Coalition, Together Our Unity Can Heal (TOUCH), and RSVP of Rockland were on hand to help raise awareness about the depth of impact the President's cuts would have throughout the region.

"These are real people's lives that are at stake and the President is claiming that these organizations have not demonstrated real results. The organizations here today are integral parts of our community because those they serve and help every day are living proof of the results. With community partners like these, we will work together and fight to make sure the people don't suffer the consequences of the President's outrageous decisions," Carlucci stated.

"It is reckless and irresponsible to suggest significant funding cuts without a real understanding of the human suffering this will cause and the value of these programs to our seniors. I challenge the White House to visit and see for themselves that our seniors are living longer and better lives because of our vital services," stated Don Hammond, President of Meals on Wheels. Meals on Wheels Rockland gets $25,000 annually from CDBG grants slated to be chopped as well as significant amounts of federal funds from other programs that are facing potential cuts.

"These plans are alarming and will have a dangerous impact in our community and throughout the entire country. If this budget passes, the Corporation for National and Community Service will be eliminated resulting in the dissolution ofthe RSVP, Foster Grandparent and Senior Companions programs. RSVP and Foster Grandparents Program are both active here in Rockland engaging close to 500 seniors in valuable service to the community," said Gerri Zabusky, Director of RSVP, which currently receives slightly under $80,000 in federal funding annually. RSVP is sponsored by Rockland Community College.

"The proposed elimination of CDBG funds will have a direct negative impact on people living with HIV infection and other chronic illness in Rockland County. The CDBG funding TOUCH receives supports our nutritionist that helps educate our members on the importance of good nutrition and works with our members to obtain improved health outcomes. Research studies show that TOUCH and programs like it reduce hospital admissions, thereby reducing overall Medicaid expenses. The elimination of the CDBG funding is short sighted and will ultimately cost our community and society more," added Robert Maher, Executive Director, TOUCH. TOUCH has provided compassionate services to people living with chronic illnesses including cardiovascular disease, hypertension, diabetes since 1989 and is also at risk of losing a $25,000 annual CDBG grant as well as other federal funds.

Photo courtesy of the Office of the Senator (Senator Carlucci is joined by Don Hammond, President of Meals on Wheels (Senator's left); Jesse Malowitz of Congresswoman Nita Lowey's Office (rear left); Robert Maher, Executive Director of TOUCH (rear right); and local consumers of Meals on Wheels to rally against President Trump's proposed budget cuts.)