Friday March 29th, 2024 4:05AM

N.E. Ga. seniors load buses for State Capitol trip

By Jerry Gunn Reporter
GAINESVILLE - Two donated double decker buses full of seniors headed to the State Capitol in Atlanta left Gainesville and Cumming Wednesday morning.
One bus left the Senior Life Center in Gainesville to observe Senior Day.

Around 150 seniors went to lobby state senators and representatives on proposed cuts to Meals on Wheels and other programs that provide services. King Rushnell and his wife Joy are from White County.

"There's strength in numbers," Rushnell said. "We need to be recognized; just because we're senior citizens doesn't mean we're beyond attention."

"It concerns seniors and the programs for seniors and hopefully it will stay in the budget", Joy Rushnell added.

Legacy Link, the area agency on aging for 12 North Georgia counties, hosted the event according to Marketing Director Don Colombero.

"They'll be able to actually go into the legislative session up in the gallery," Colombero said. "They'll be able to observe the Senate and the House of Representatives, and then meet with the legislators."

Legacy Link's Community Programs Manager Lamar Gailey said legislators have generally been fair to seniors before and after the recession brought the crunch that affected the state budget.

"We could use more money, but we understand that times are hard right now," Gailey said, adding that the seniors want Meals on Wheels protected. "We certainly don't want a senior to go hungry; we not only do meals at our senior center sites but we also deliver meals into the homes to the shut-ins."
© Copyright 2024 AccessWDUN.com
All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed without permission.