(The opinions and views expressed in the commentaries and letters to the Editor of The Somerville Times belong solely to the authors and do not reflect the views or opinions of The Somerville Times, its staff or publishers)

Dear Governor Baker,

I can’t believe you would even think about decreasing our PNA (Personal Needs Allowance.)

Too many Nursing Homes and Rest Home Residents. We don’t have enough to allow us to live our lives.

Now we merely sub-exist on hope, that’s all we have, $72.80 does not allow much. An increase to $100 a month is a necessity, not merely a dream. You must have elderly relatives. How do they survive? I’m sure you give to them help: what about us? We are deserving. We did all the right things. Many of us even voted for you.

I realize Massachusetts has recently suffered a severe financial decrease and as always you cut the elderly dearly first. Always the elderly get butchered first. There must be something else you can do. We don’t deserve to suffer as we do. A little more money would be a great deal for us, and thank you for not reducing our PNA to a lower amount.

Winter and colder weather is coming soon and we need supplies, warm clothing, boots, warm shoes etc…. Please Governor Baker find it in your heart to increase the PNA to $100. A month we desperately need this.

Sincerely Yours,

Elena Lowry
Somerville Home
September 5, 2016