Disability Network Southwest Michigan is proud to be a partner of the Say Yes to Seniors campaign—the Senior Millage Planning Committee in Kalamazoo County. Kalamazoo is one of only ten counties in the state of Michigan that does not have a senior millage.
The proposed millage would be used to support in-home and community services for seniors. This encompasses basic needs, such as home safety and repair, including ramps, home delivered meals, and in-home care services. Successful passage of this millage would make a significant difference in keeping seniors safe and living independently in their own homes.
More than 50,000 seniors (age 60+) live in Kalamazoo County. Thousands lack the physical, emotional, mental, or financial means to care for themselves fully. A Senior Millage will provide essential, affordable services for these vulnerable citizens and their caregivers and help them age in place with the safety, dignity, and quality of life they deserve.
The millage being sought by this campaign is a modest .35 mill increase which equates to $35 a year (less than $3 a month) for a home with a taxable value of $100,000. However the impact for seniors in Kalamazoo is a significant $2.8 million annually for six years.
For more information about the Say Yes to Seniors campaign visit their website at www.sayyestoseniors.org.
If you live in Kalamazoo County, mark your calendar and be sure to get out and vote on August 7 to support independent living and the needs of seniors in our community!