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News Release
Barrios Promises Commitment to Local Aid, Prescription Advantage in Upcoming Budget Battle State House, Boston -- Senator Jarrett T. Barrios expressed
strong support for "We've got a duty to protect the services that all our residents and municipalities depend on," said Senator Barrios. "While the Governor's budget plans would rollback core services, the Legislature has proven a commitment to increased prescription drug coverage and level-funded local aid to schools and other city services." The announcement comes during a busy week in which the House released its proposed budget and as both the House and Senate promised to protect local aid to cities and towns. The Legislature released proposed local aid numbers that would level-fund -- and in some cases increase -- Chapter 70, Additional Assistance, and Lottery Aid money. Additionally, House and Senate budget proposals will seek an $80 million increase for special education programs and a $11.6 million increase for regional transportation. The Prescription Advantage program helps seniors struggling with the rising cost of medicines by providing comprehensive prescription drug coverage for over 90,000 Massachusetts residents aged 65 years and older, as well as many younger residents with disabilities. Governor Romney included no funding for Prescription Advantage in his proposed FY'04 budget and this year has provided only level-funding. In stark contrast, the Legislature's restored funding last year and now plans to boost the Prescription Advantage program by $14 million to cover increasing costs. "A weak economy and jobs losses have put a strain on the wallets of working families and forced cities across the state to cut back on services. It's our duty as Legislators to do whatever we can protect the services they depend on for survival, and that's what we'll do in this year's budget." said Senator Barrios. Anyone interested in learning more about Prescription Advantage should call 1-800-AGE-INFO (1-800-243-4636) or go to http://www.800ageinfo.com/. General questions can also be directed to the toll-free number. ### |
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10-Jul-2006 10:29 AM The Jarrett Barrios
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plans by House and Senate budget writers to boost
the state's popular Prescription Advantage program by $14 million.
Barrios is also co-sponsoring a bill that would mandate a one month open enrollment period for Prescription Advantage this coming August
to allow more seniors and disabled residents to receive discount
prescription drug coverage.