APS Budget Testimony

Yesterday the Ohio House Finance Health and Human Services Subcommittee held another day of testimony focusing on Job and Family Services, in addition to other programs. The testimony went on well into the night.

Larry Vavro, of the Cuyahoga County Division of Senior and Adult Services, testified in support of additional funding. Also testifying in support of APS were Cindy Farson (Central Ohio Area Agency on Aging), Joel Potts (Ohio Job and Family Services Directors Association), and Kate Neithammer (County Commissioners Association of Ohio).

Cindy Gramke, Executive Director of Clermont Senior Services, will be testifying today.

From Gongwer News Service, March 22, 2017:

Adult Protective Services: Larry Vavro, the adult protective services chief for the Cuyahoga County Division of Senior and Adult Services, said the current funding for APS is not sufficient.

"We are fortunate in Cuyahoga County to have local health and human services levy funding enabling us to have resources for completing investigations, but with additional state funding, we would be able to complete even more needed investigations," he said.

He said the Ohio Coalition of Adult Protective Services supports an increase of at least $10 million per year, including a base of $65,000 per county to fund a full-time worker.

"OCAPS is grateful to the Ohio General Assembly for putting protection of Ohio's frail and vulnerable adults in the forefront and its commitment to strengthen the adult protective services system," he said. "However, without sufficient resources to get the job done, more seniors will not receive the support needed to keep them healthy and safe."