Kentucky Republican lawmakers are demanding immediate action to address a multimillion-dollar funding shortfall that has left senior meal programs across the state struggling. They say if state officials can’t find a solution, Governor Andy Beshear should call a special legislative session to provide emergency funds.
During a Legislative Oversight and Investigations Committee hearing Thursday, lawmakers pressed the Department for Aging and Independent Living (DAIL) for answers after learning that hundreds of Kentucky seniors may lose access to regular meals due to budget gaps.
“Our seniors should never be left wondering where their next meal comes from,” said Sen. Greg Elkins (R-Winchester), the committee’s chair. “Either find a solution or call us into special session. This is not a partisan issue.”
The department announced last month that it could no longer provide extra assistance to senior meal programs, citing the end of COVID-era funding and an estimated $300 million state budget shortfall. Commissioner Victoria Elridge explained that participation in the program has surged 35% since 2019, while the number of meals served has increased 55%.
“The need for food has outpaced the funding available when the current budget was developed in fall 2023,” Elridge said.
The department had previously relied on federal relief funds and reallocated state dollars, both of which have now been exhausted.
Lawmakers Call for Action
Several Republican legislators said they’re ready to return to Frankfort if necessary to pass emergency funding.
House Speaker David Osborne (R-Prospect) said the governor “has ample opportunity and authority to fix this issue on his own” but added that lawmakers are “willing to do what is necessary” if a special session is needed.
Sen. Danny Carroll (R-Paducah) echoed those concerns, saying seniors in his district are already suffering.
“It doesn’t sit well when you have seniors going hungry,” Carroll said. “This has to be fixed — and it has to be fixed yesterday.”
Local area development districts, which manage senior meal distribution, have begun scaling back services. In some areas, such as the Purchase Area Development District in western Kentucky, meal deliveries have dropped from five days a week to just two. Louisville has been able to fill part of the gap with local funding, but other regions have not been as fortunate.
Governor’s Office Responds
Scottie Ellis, spokesperson for Gov. Beshear, said the administration is committed to fighting hunger but emphasized the need to maintain a balanced budget, as required by law.
“The funds used last year to support the program have been fully expended,” Ellis said. “The governor has not received any request for a special session but is always willing to meet with legislators.”
Under the current budget, the General Assembly allocated $10 million per year for senior meals, alongside $12.7 million in federal funding. Officials described the investment as “historic,” but acknowledged it isn’t enough to sustain the program’s rapid growth.
Divided Opinions on a Special Session
While many Republicans support reconvening the legislature, some Democrats are skeptical.
Sen. Lindsey Burke (D-Lexington) questioned whether the cost of a special session would be better spent directly on food.
“Would you prefer that we spend money calling a special session that could be allocated to food?” she asked.
Sen. Reginald Thomas (D-Lexington) defended the governor’s record, crediting him for prioritizing the senior meal program in the first place.
“The governor deserves a great deal of credit for putting this forward,” Thomas said.
Meanwhile, Sen. Phillip Wheeler (R-Pikeville) urged urgency, especially with the holidays approaching.
“The thought that older people might go hungry during Thanksgiving or Christmas is heartbreaking,” he said. “We need to act before that happens.”
Despite the debate, no final plan has been announced. State officials said they have not yet spoken directly with the governor’s office about possible solutions, though Cabinet Secretary Steven Stack has been in discussions about next steps.
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