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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
November 9, 2007

Ohio Voters Overwhelmingly Support Senior Services
Annual Statewide Levy Revenue to Top $117 Million

COLUMBUS - Ohio voters passed 14 of 15 county senior services property tax levies on Tuesday's ballot. With the addition of two new county levies, 64 of Ohio's 88 counties now use levies to augment declining federal and state funds and accommodate a rapidly increasing older adult population.

In addition to the 14 county levies passed on Tuesday, voters also approved one county human services levy (Montgomery), one city levy (Girard in Trumbull County) and three township levies (Franklin in Warren County and Jefferson and Worthington in Richland County) that specifically included funding for aging programs and services. The overall annual revenue from these levies is estimated at more than $117 million.

"Ohio is a national leader in the use of levy revenue to support programs for aging," said Barbara E. Riley, director of the Ohio Department of Aging. "Only a handful of other states use property tax revenue for this purpose, and none of them has experienced anywhere near the success that we have."

Ohio counties may use local property tax levies to support enhanced and expanded services to older adults. Most levy funds collected support home- and community-based services for older adults, such as home delivered meals, senior transportation, homemaker services and more. About one-fifth of the funds are used to operate senior centers.

Twelve of the 19 levies passed on Tuesday garnered more than 60 percent of the popular vote. Five of the remaining eight passed with nearly 60 percent voter support. The one levy that failed, Lawrence County, lost by only 79 votes.

"Historically, more than 90 percent of senior services levy ballot issues are approved by voters, most with a clear majority of votes," added Riley. "This success is due, in no small part, to the hard work of community leaders and advocates for seniors. But, none of it would be possible without the continued support of voters. Thank you for helping to make Ohio a great place to grow old."

Visit www.goldenbuckeye.com/about/levies.html for more information about senior services levies in Ohio.

About ODA

The Ohio Department of Aging provides leadership for the delivery of services and supports that improve and promote quality of life and personal choice for older Ohioans, adults with disabilities, their families and their caregivers. Working with 12 area agencies on aging and other community partners, the department offers home- and community-based Medicaid waiver programs such as PASSPORT, the long-term care ombudsman program, the Golden Buckeye Card and more. Visit www.goldenbuckeye.com.