It's baffling that a current budget proposal targets only the Commission on Aging for elimination among the six constituent, legislative commissions (Women, Children, Aging, and African-American, Puerto Rican and Asian Pacific Affairs). Why target aging?

Because of its budget? It’s modest, plus there are larger commissions. Because aging is not an issue? The largest demographic shift has started, bringing tremendous challenges. Because of the quality of their work? This year they have provided policy and programmatic recommendations for issues like elder justice and long-term care, created elder abuse training for banking, served as an internationally-lauded resource for livable communities and identified ways to save Connecticut more than $7 million a year.

Older adults deserve to be treated fairly. Our legislators need to stand up for them and for the Commission on Aging in this budget.

Dianne Stone

Norwich