State officials told lawmakers Thursday they do not have a solution to a multimillion-dollar shortfall affecting senior meal programs in Kentucky.
During a Legislative Oversight and Investigations Committee meeting, lawmakers said if the Department for Aging and Independent Living cannot find the funds, Democratic Gov. Andy Beshear should call a special session.
Committee Chair GOP Sen. Greg Elkins said, “Our seniors should never be left wondering where their next meal comes from. Either find a solution or call us into special session. This is not a partisan issue.”
The hearing follows a September notice from the department to area development districts stating that additional funding for senior meal programs would not be available. The program, which expanded rapidly between 2019 and 2025, has seen a 35% increase in participants and a 55% increase in meals served, according to Commissioner Victoria Elridge. She cited a $300 million budget shortfall and said the increase in need outstripped available funding.
GOP House Speaker David Osborne noted the governor has authority to reallocate funds but added that legislators are ready to act if a special session is needed. Governor Beshear’s spokesperson, Scottie Ellis, said last year’s supplemental funds have been fully spent, but the governor remains committed to addressing hunger.
Some development districts have already had to scale back services, with Louisville covering gaps using local funds, while the Purchase Area Development District can now only provide two days of meal deliveries instead of five.
Sen. Danny Carroll, a Republican from Paducah, emphasized urgency, saying seniors in his district need immediate relief, and GOP Sen. Phillip Wheeler from Pikeville stressed the importance of resolving the issue ahead of the holidays.
Democratic lawmakers expressed caution over a special session. Rep. Lindsey Burke questioned whether convening legislators would be the best use of funds, while Sen. Reginald Thomas credited the governor for prioritizing the program initially.
The state officials said they have not personally contacted the governor’s office for a solution, though Commissioner Steven Stack has been in discussions.
The senior meal program currently receives $10 million per year from the Kentucky Cabinet for Health and Family Services, plus $12.7 million in federal funds. Lawmakers and officials agree that additional funding is urgently needed to meet growing demand.
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