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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
November 9, 2006

Older Ohioans Win Big on Election Day
Senior Services Levies Pass in 11 Counties

COLUMBUS - Ohio voters handed senior citizens a victory on Election Day by passing all 11 of the countywide senior services property tax levies on the November 7 ballot. Ohio currently has countywide senior services levies in 62 of its 88 counties. Collectively, these levies generate more than $100 million each year to supplement state and federal funding and expand and enhance services to seniors.

"This is truly a coup for older citizens all over the state," said Merle Grace Kearns, Director of the Ohio Department of Aging. "The success of levies in Ohio demonstrates the value of our communities and is just one reason Ohio is a great place to live."

Voters approved additional, increased or renewal levies in Athens, Belmont, Hancock, Lake, Morrow, Noble, Preble, Sandusky, Van Wert, Warren and Wood counties. Additionally, the human services levy in Cuyahoga County that benefits older adults also passed. Six of the levies garnered more than 60 percent of the vote, as did the human services levy.

"Senior services levies are critical to augment declining federal and state funds and accommodate a rapidly increasing older adult population," Kearns added. "The aging network is truly thankful for the efforts of community leaders, advocates and, of course, the voters who consistently support older Ohioans at the polls."

Levies are based on the fair market value of real estate and are implemented through voter approval as ballot issues. Most are in effect for up to five years, at which time they can be placed back on the ballot for renewal. Twenty percent of monies collected through these levies help support the operation of senior centers in the affected counties. The remaining levy dollars support home- and community-based services for older adults, including home delivered meals, senior transportation, homemaker services and more.

Only four other states (Kansas, Louisiana, Michigan and North Dakota) use senior services levies to fund programs, services and facilities for their older populations. Ohio's levy success far outpaces that of the other states. Information about and a list of levies in Ohio are available on the Ohio Department of Aging Web site: www.goldenbuckeye.com/about/levies.html

About ODA

The Ohio Department of Aging serves and represents two million Ohioans age 60 and older. The Department advocates for the needs of all older citizens, with an emphasis on improving the quality of life for older Ohioans, helping them live active, healthy and independent lives, and promoting positive attitudes toward aging and older people. The Department provides services to older Ohioans through 12 area agencies on aging, home- and community-based Medicaid waiver programs such as PASSPORT, the long-term care ombudsman and the Golden Buckeye Card. For more information, visit www.goldenbuckeye.com.