Adjust Text Size
For Immediate Release
June 2, 2009
Contact: Sally Kohr
(717) 787-4651

Alloway Calls for Increased Funding for Senior Centers 

HARRISBURG – Senator Richard Alloway II (R-33) today called for funding from the state's Lottery Fund to be released for vital improvements to community senior centers. 

Alloway said that many senior centers have a critical need for capital improvements, including new roofs, floors, plumbing, kitchen appliances and heating and cooling repairs. Many centers have delayed these improvements due to flat funding in recent budgets. Alloway called for the state to release approximately $16 million of the $200 million Lottery Fund surplus for repairs and capital improvements.  Many of these centers, 51 percent, are located in rural Pennsylvania.   

"Our senior centers play an important role in the lives of older Pennsylvanians in communities across the state, and we must take great care to ensure that these centers remain a vibrant part of our communities," Alloway said today during a press conference with the Pennsylvania Association of Senior Centers.  

Alloway noted that since Lottery funds are dedicated specifically to older Pennsylvanians, the improvements could be completed without any impact to the state budget. He added that the construction projects could serve as an important economic development tool in many communities. 

"As soon as the money is available, work can begin on a vast number of these projects," Alloway said. "In most cases, these construction needs can be met by local contractors, allowing these projects to contribute to the local economy while improving the quality of life for seniors."