State’s Senior Services Expecting Funding Cuts

MAY 19, 2025 |

Photo – Medicine Bow Senior Center – Bigfoot99 file photo

In Medicine Bow, town officials are urging residents to contact their federal representatives to oppose grant cuts for senior services.

On Monday, May 12^th, Medicine Bow Senior Center Manager Lisa Bata presented a letter from Carbon County Senior Services Executive Director Kelly Morrell. Bata explained the letter outlines cuts to federal grant funding for community support programs, such as senior services and food pantries.

Executive Director Morrell’s letter directly references the 1965 Older Americans Act, which funds programs that benefit seniors, including Meals on Wheels, family caregiver assistance, and in-home support services. Morrell writes that the Act was scheduled to be renewed last year, with full support from the United States Senate. However, the House of Representatives failed to vote on the measure.

Morrell also wrote that the Department of Health and Human Services has eliminated the Administration for Community Living, which oversaw grants specifically targeting older adults.

Despite claims in Executive Director Morrell’s letter, the Administration for Community Living has not been completely eliminated. However, the agency has undergone a major restructuring, including a 40% staff reduction, which could affect its ability to process senior-focused grants.

Morrell’s letter included contact information for Congresswoman Harriet Hageman and Senators John Barrasso and Cynthia Lummis, urging the public to contact their representatives and advocate for the reauthorization of the Older Americans Act.

Back at the May 12^th Medicine Bow Town Council meeting, Mayor Justin George also encouraged those present at the meeting to reach out to their elected officials. Mayor George referenced the Carbon County Library System’s recent call for additional financial support from the town stemming from state-wide property tax relief programs. The mayor pointed out the town receives its funding through the county and questioned how Medicine Bow could be expected to increase support for the library and senior center when the county is struggling to do the same.

Deputy Clerk Alice Clark said the town has paid the library’s water and landfill fees for the past decade. Mayor George said he mentioned that fact during a recent meeting with the Board of Carbon County Commissioners. The mayor expressed disappointment with the Medicine Bow library’s hours which have continued to be reduced despite the town’s financial contributions.

Returning to the senior center, Mayor George emphasized the grants from the Older Americans Act are vital to the facility’s continued operation and urged the public, once again, to contact their elected officials. Medicine Bow Senior Center Manager Lisa Bata warned smaller towns like Medicine Bow would likely be the first to face budget cuts if the grants are not renewed.

In her letter, Carbon County Senior Services Executive Director Kelly Morrell wrote that Title III grants, which fund support programs for older adults, are expected to be reduced by 68%, while nutrition services face cuts of 12 to 15%.

Morrell continued, citing Wyoming has the fastest-growing aging population in the country and senior centers are essential in helping older adults age in place and remain active members of the community.