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RSVP Program Concerned about State Budget Cuts

RSVP Program Concerned about State Budget Cuts - Thursday, February 5, 2009 at 3:52PM EST

STROUD TOWNSHIP, MONROE COUNTY - The proposed state budget cuts spending on programs for senior citizens. Monroe County officials say it could have a big impact in the Poconos, especially on one volunteer organization.
Managers of the Retired Senior Volunteer Program (RSVP) say they needed a 20% budget increase, instead they will likely get a decrease.

Governor Rendell's proposed budget subtracts spending but it could add up to trouble for one organization. "It's a concern simply because we are so far underfunded as it stands now," said Norma Fagan the local RSVP Director.

Thursday RSVP volunteers helped people do their taxes at the Hughes Library for free. "It saves me a lot of money," said John Pelligra of Mount Bethel. Volunteer Dorothy Klapatch remarked, "It really feels good. It makes you feel good."

Fagan worries the Governor's proposed budget cuts could put an end to people volunteering with things like tax help. "It's a total domino effect," she said.

Fagan said it's too early to tell exactly what senior programs could be cut or how much they might lose but she said any cut to the Monroe County RSVP program would be too much. "The heart and soul of communities is volunteerism," she explained.

It costs money to organize the group of more than 1,600 volunteers. RSVP has two paid staff members. It also pays to insure volunteers and do background checks. Fagan says cutting program funding would help pinch pennies but could cost the community big dollars. Because without volunteers local groups would have to pay people to do extra work.

RSVP Volunteers help people with transportation, grocery shopping and personal care. You can also find them helping at local libraries, schools and parks.
 


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