submitted by David Muradian 
As your next State Representative, I will fight to meet the needs and concerns of Grafton, Northbridge and Upton seniors. There are many valuable programs run by our state’s Executive Office of Elder Affairs, but we must make sure these programs are funded properly. I believe seniors want to maintain their dignity, as well as keep their independence, and I will be a strong advocate for our seniors’ needs and concerns.
As I go door-to-door and listen to the concerns of our seniors, I have found that many were born in the very homes that they live in today. No senior should ever have to move out of their residence because of increased taxes, and we must help seniors who are having trouble paying real estate taxes. I will work with the town assessors of Grafton, Northbridge and Upton to see that the criteria for tax abatement programs are increased.
Another concern expressed by our senior citizens is the ability to pay for prescription medication. As Representative George Peterson’s Director of Local Affairs, I have listened to many seniors express that they depend on the “prescription advantage program”, which acts as a donut-hole for prescription help for qualified seniors. It is crucial that we continue to fund this program at the state level, so that our seniors can afford to buy the prescription medication they need to ensure a long and healthy life.
It is imperative that our district continues to see funding for our senior centers. These dollars go a long way in helping educate seniors about the programs that are available to them, at the state and local level, in order to continue to live independently. These programs would include their ride to and from local appointments, training on medical issues, and promoting healthy eating. I will work to ensure that our senior centers are funded, as these programs are extremely valuable to our community.
Our senior centers are led by some outstanding individuals, who are extremely dedicated to the safety and well-being of our elder community. I have the utmost respect for our senior citizens, and as your next State Representative, I will listen to our seniors’ needs and concerns. For many years I have been a frequent visitor at our local senior centers, and I and value the lasting relationships that I have forged. I am proud to say that I have worked with local directors Barbara Connelly in Grafton, Kelly Bol in Northbridge, and Janice Nowicki in Upton, and look forward to continuing these relationships.
UPTON DAILY 