For Immediate Release: January 26, 2018
Easthampton: January 26, 2018: David Stevens, the executive director for the Mass Association of Councils on Aging (MCOA), is most grateful for Governor Baker’s House 2 budget that included a 22% increase in the COA line item (9110-9002) for FY 2019’s budget. The funds provide grants to the councils on aging and for grants to or contracts with non-public entities which are consortia or associations of councils on aging. MCOA has been conducting a five-year campaign to increase the Formula Grant portion of this line item to $12/elder/year, the Governor’s allocation completes this campaign one year earlier than expected.
MCOA Board President, Brian O’Grady, Stated, “Governor Baker is aware of the growing elder demographics in Massachusetts and has consistently demonstrated his support for elder focused programming. His creation of the Council to Address Aging in Massachusetts, the addition of the Age-Friendly designation to the Commonwealth Compact, and now the enhancement of Council on Aging Formula Grants are clear indication of his interest in supporting our older citizens. We can not thank Governor Baker enough for his support. We anticipate wonderful things to come for Massachusetts elders.”
MCOA partners with the Executive Office of Elder Affairs, a variety of state agencies, other non-profits and academic institutions, all seeking to improve the quality of lives of the Commonwealth’s 1.7 million older adults over the age of sixty.
About Massachusetts Association of Council on Aging (MCOA)
MCOA is a non-profit membership organization serving the Commonwealth’s municipally-based Councils on Aging. Our mission is building strategic partnerships to educate, empower, and advocate for professionals who work with older adults. Our office is located at 116 Pleasant St., Suite 306, Easthampton MA 01027. For more information about programs, events, and trainings visit MCOA’s website at www.mcoaonline.com.
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CONTACT:
Donna Popkin
413-527-6425- O
617-667-0116- C