Missouri lawmakers missed a critical opportunity to support our aging population with the newly passed state budget. By slashing funding for Area Agencies on Aging (AAA), the state has reduced support for older Missourians — the very generation that built our communities, schools, farms, and economy.

For many older adults in Lexington, services provided through the local senior center are not extras, they are necessities. These cuts will reduce essential services such as home-delivered meals, transportation to medical appointments, caregiver support, and programs that help seniors live independently in their own homes. With Missouri’s senior population continuing to grow, now is not the time to weaken the safety net they rely on.

Last fiscal year alone, the Margaret Gray Center in Lexington served 17,199 meals alone to local seniors. That represents people who may otherwise go hungry, seniors who get checked on daily, and long-distance families knowing that that someone close by cares about the well-being of their loved ones.

Our parents and grandparents worked hard, paid their taxes, and helped shape our community that we know today. They should not have to struggle in their later years because the state has chosen to deprioritize their needs. Cutting senior services may appear to save money today, but it will only lead to higher costs tomorrow through increased hospital visits, emergency services, and long-term institutional care.

We strongly urge our legislators to reverse these cuts and restore adequate funding for Area Agencies on Aging. Missouri’s seniors are not optional — they are our neighbors, veterans, and family members who deserve respect and support.

Lexington is a community that looks out for one another. Our seniors deserve nothing less.

It’s time for Missouri to show gratitude to the generation that built this state.

Care Connection for Aging Services