As residents of 75 State Street, a historical home for senior citizens in Portland, we — along with 36 other members of its social concerns group — express our grave concern about the imminent threat the government is posing to the well-established and overwhelmingly popular safety net: Social Security, Medicare and Medicaid.

Many residents of senior facilities depend upon one or more of these programs for their very existence. The proposed cuts represent a serious violation of the promise this country has made to care for its elders. The funds we receive today are simply a return to us of the monies we earned over many years that were withheld from us at the time they were earned. We believe any cuts or reduction in benefits pose a theft of our own money.

We appreciate the care shown to us by 75 State Street. We expect our government to honor its commitments to its citizens and respect the experience we all face of growing old.

Michael Kendall
Maia Greco
Portland