At the end of 2018 Gov. Charlie Baker certified a raise of 5.93 percent for the 200 members of the House and Senate for the 2019 and 2020 session. While I have no problem with the pay increase, especially since it is justified using data from the United States Census Bureau regarding median household income. I take no issue with their raise but with General Court's unwillingness to adjust the annual factor for nursing home allowable costs.

The current law provides for nursing home reimbursements at 2017 rates and for those who are not aware, we are well into 2019! In the one hundred and ninety first session of the Massachusetts General Court ( 2019 - 2020) a petition has been filed by Sen Harriette Chandler, Thomas Golden Jr. And others seeking legislation to stabilize the Commonwealth's nursing Facilities.

I must point out that this is not the first or second time similar bills have been filed but never saw the light of day. It is sad that the nursing facilities across the State have to wait in vain for legislators to approve a practical and common sense funding system that takes care of both the over 300,000 residents and their caregivers.

As Senate bill number 352 languishes in the legislative process unsure of its fate just as Senate Bill number 336 of 2017 - 2018 which died a natural death, it is real not in anyone's best interest to force caregivers to leave their posts to come to the State House as they did on Tuesday May 21 during what has become an annual advocacy day.

It is worth noting that the caregivers being short changed by the State are taking care of the greatest generation and making daily adjustments in preparation for the baby boomers who are set to test the system like it has never been tested before. There is a serious shortage of caregivers and this is only going to get worse.

The legislators may tout a balanced budget, but when it is done by shortchanging the most vulnerable, it is inhumane and demonstrates misplaced priorities. The elderly and their care must be a priority to all and not just to the caregivers. The State must demonstrate that it is willing to support, stabilize and fund the industry, not just regulate it without providing the financial oversight and safety nets needed to ensure the highest quality of care this side of the Sun.

- NGUGI SIMON