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Thank These Seniors

I was asked, “Why do seniors need a tax freeze?”

We are your rock, your loyal citizens, who have lived in Madison up to 75 years. We, too, have loved living here and enjoy the sense of community that Madison has provided through interactions with all.

We have volunteered our services in schools, town boards, and church committees, and supported police, firemen and vets. We saw a need and were willing to help Madison become the town in which many desire to live. We willingly pay our taxes, so our schools can continue as a shining beacon of fine education.

Our spirit is alive and strong, but our bodies have become uncooperative from wear and health issues, resulting in hiring others to do things we used to do. Expensive repairs in our older homes are common and worsen as equipment wears out, too.

Our small pensions and Social Security don’t cover unexpected problems. In 2017, Social Security will be increased $4 per month, but is directed to Medicare and not received by the recipient. Everything essential for living increases, but not COLA [the Social Security Cost of Living Adjustment] and hasn’t for years.

Medicine, accidents, and general healthcare can be a stunning occurrence for seniors on limited incomes. Some cut their medications in half, take it every other day, or don’t fill their prescriptions.

Others are freezing in their homes, due to the price of oil and electricity, wearing multiple layers of clothing and blankets to keep warm, or burning wood for heat. Still others have closed rooms, living in bedroom, bath, and kitchen.

We all notice our grocery bill increasing. Many seniors go to the food bank.

No one should have to live like this.

Let’s all thank these seniors for the lovely town where we live, made possible through their taxes and talent through the years.

Marlene Beckman

Madison