For Immediate Release: February 7, 2023
Contact: DOEA Communications, (850) 414-2142, communications@elderaffairs.org
TALLAHASEE, Fla. – Last week, Governor DeSantis unveiled the Framework for Freedom Budget. Experts and organizational leaders in the elder care field commended the Governor for his continued support for Florida’s seniors, read what they are saying below.
“We are incredibly grateful for Governor DeSantis’ continued support and commitment to Floridians living with Alzheimer’s disease and other dementias and their families. Throughout the years, he has consistently and compassionately championed our efforts through funding, resources, and services. We especially want to say thanks to our Governor for including funding support for the Alzheimer’s Association’s Brain Bus and look forward to working on that exciting initiative through our continued partnership with the Department of Elder Affairs and Area Agencies on Aging.” – Angela McAuley, Regional Leader – Florida, Alzheimer’s Association
“With the growing senior population within our counties, and state for that matter, we are grateful and blessed to have a Governor that understands the needs for the seniors in our communities. With these budget recommendations, we will be able to continue to fulfill our mission to connect older adults and adults with disabilities and their caregivers to resources and assistance for living safely with independence and dignity.” – Maricela Morado, CEO, Area Agency on Aging for Southwest Florida
“I applaud Governor DeSantis for his unwavering commitment to support Floridians affected by Alzheimer’s Disease. His proposed budget strongly emphasizes funding research and investing in innovative technologies while continuing to support caregivers and families fighting this horrendous disease. This level of dedication is unmatched across the nation, showcasing that Governor DeSantis is a true leader pioneering a path to finding a cure for Alzheimer’s.” – Dr. Jonathan Weiss, VP Strategic Innovation – Insightec, and Chairman of the Alzheimer’s Disease Advisory Committee
“We applaud the Governor and First Lady for their constant support of our seniors. The increased budget recommendations will allow agencies such as ours to serve the elderly in a greater capacity. We are especially excited to partner with the Department further on the Hope Florida initiative to bring more volunteers into the fold on supporting seniors.” – Wendy Ford, President and CEO, Osceola Council on Aging
“The Governor’s unwavering commitment to caregiving families and people living with dementia is evident in these new budget recommendations. His support has enabled the Department of Elder Affairs to launch new programs like the Florida Alzheimer’s Center of Excellence Care Navigator Program and bolster vital services provided through the network of Memory Disorder Clinics, such as diagnostic evaluations and research.” – Cari Eyre, State Dementia Director, Department of Elder Affairs
“We enthusiastically support the Governor’s budget recommendations to increase funding for home and community-based care programs serving seniors, which help them to avoid or delay the need for more costly institutional care.” – Charlotte Mather-Taylor, CEO, Area Agency on Aging of Broward County
“The Framework for Freedom Budget continues Governor DeSantis’ support for Florida’s seniors. The Governor’s continued commitment to providing resources that help seniors remain at home safely and with dignity strengthens our families and our communities. We’re very grateful for Governor DeSantis’ support of our Area Agencies on Aging and our Service Provider Agencies.” – Anna Dyess, Executive Director, Area Agency on Aging of Northwest Florida
The Governor’s budget highlights can be found here and overview of the recommendations supporting the state’s aging network can be found here.
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