Senators Bieda offered the following resolution:

            Senate Resolution No. 30.

            A resolution to urge the Congress of the United States to continue the Meals on Wheels program.

            Whereas, Meals on Wheels provide vital daily nutritional support to homebound low income seniors. Over 3 million seniors nationwide and 300,000 in Michigan were served by Meals on Wheels last year; and

            Whereas, The federal budget proposal by President Trump would cut funding for the Meals on Wheels program. It would eliminate the Community Development Block Grant program which provides a portion of funding for local and state programs. While the elimination of the Community Development Block Grant could hurt many state Meals on Wheels programs, the most dramatic impact to the Meals on Wheels program may occur as a result of proposed cuts to the federal Department of Health and Human Services budget. Within that department, nutrition programs of the Older Americans Act provide support to Meals on Wheels chapters nationwide by covering approximately 30 percent of its costs; and

Whereas, The benefit of this food delivery program extends beyond providing low income seniors with essential daily nutrition. Studies have shown that homebound seniors who receive Meals on Wheels feel less loneliness and isolation. The daily deliveries by a Meals on Wheels volunteer also enable seniors to receive a well-being check and assistance in the event of an emergency; and

Whereas, Meals on Wheels is a cost-effective program that contributes to enabling seniors to stay in their homes, resulting in fewer nursing home admissions. Continuing this program benefits the lives of millions of senior and provides peace of mind to their families; now, therefore, be it

            Resolved by the Senate, That we urge the Congress of the United States to continue the Meals on Wheels program; and be it further

            Resolved, That copies of this resolution be transmitted to the President of the United States Senate, the Speaker of the United States House of Representatives, and the members of the Michigan congressional delegation.