THE REVERE ADVOCATE – FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 20, 2024 Page 19 ing local nonprofi ts, theaters and outdoor spaces. $362 MILLION SUPPLEMENTAL BUDGET (H 5050) — The House and Senate approved and sent to Gov. Healey a $362 million to help close out fiscal year 2024. Key provisions ratify and fund some 38 collective bargaining agreements and direct $228 million in funding for the American Rescue Plan Act Home and Community Based Services. Other provisions include $20 million to replace lost federal funding for victims of violent crimes; $29.7 million in early education and care subsidies to ensure providers can maintain access for all income-eligible families in need of childcare; $5.6 million for tax abatements for veterans, widows, blind persons and the elderly; $5.1 million to support increased demand for the Healthy Incentives Program which provides fresh healthy food options and supports local growers; and $2.1 million for Women, Infants and Children nutrition services to fully support the current caseload of recipients. “The funding included in this supplemental budget is critical, as it addresses a number of important issues affecting residents, invests in workforce development and ratifies dozens of collective bargaining agreements,” said House Speaker Ron Mariano (D-Quincy). “Today’s funding will ensure that our workers get the raises they deserve, and that vital support systems across our state have the resources they need to close out the fi scal year,” said Senate President Karen Spilka (D-Ashland). “The essential funding contained in this supplemental budget will help fund important programs and approve numerous collective bargaining agreements that will help essential employees our commonwealth relies on,” said Rep. Aaron Michlewitz (D-Boston), the chair of the House Committee on Ways and Means. QUOTABLE QUOTES “[She] committed gross misconduct and demonstrated she is unable to discharge the powers and duties of a Cannabis Control Commission commissioner. I do so with deep regret because she has a long history of public service, and when appointed I anticipated she would lead the commission capably and in an appropriate manner. I expect my appointee’s actions to be refl ective of the important mission of the Cannabis Control Commission and performed in a manner that incorporates the standards of professionalism required in today’s work environment.” ---State Treasurer Deb Goldberg on fi ring Cannabis Control Commission Chair Shannon O’Brien. “[The firing of O’Brien] whitewashes the unequivocal evidence that would lead any reasonable and fair fact fi nder to conclude that there are no grounds for removal and would immediately reinstate her to steer the rudderless shipwreck.” --- Max Stern, the lawyer who represents O’Brien responding to the fi ring and indicating O’Brien will appeal Goldberg’s decision to the Supreme Judicial Court. “Our cities and towns stand shoulder to shoulder with us in the fight against climate change. When we partner with them and provide tools and resources, we’re unstoppable. This news re-affirms that dynamic and is yet another reason to be proud of Massachusetts.” ---Lt. Gov. Kim Driscoll commenting on a report from researchers at the University of Texas and the University of California-San Diego which cites Massachusetts as a nationwide leader in food waste reduction. “Too many kids breathe harmful pollution every day just to get to and from school. Electric school buses eliminate this threat to their health.” --- Deirdre Cummings, Consumer Program Director of the MASSPIRG Education Fund on MASSPIRG’s report that 434 clean electric school buses are committed, on their way or operating in Massachusetts.” “Greyhound must hit the brakes on excessive idling. Illegal and excessive idling not only harms our environment but also harms our health, especially children whose lungs are still developing. And urban communities suff er disproportionately from toxic, polluted air.” --- Clare Soria, attorney for the Conservation Law Foundation, on filing a lawsuit against Greyhound Lines, Inc. for violating the Clean Air Act by unlawfully idling at the South Station bus terminal and at its bus lot in South Boston, releasing toxic emissions into the neighborhood. HOW LONG WAS LAST WEEK’S SESSION? Beacon Hill Roll Call tracks the length of time that the House and Senate were in session each week. Many legislators say that legislative sessions are only one aspect of the Legislature’s job and that a lot of important work is done outside of the House and Senate chambers. They note that their jobs also involve committee work, research, constituent work and other matters that are important to their districts. Critics say that the Legislature does not meet regularly or long enough to debate and vote in public view on the thousands of pieces of legislation that have been filed. They note that the infrequency and brief length of sessions are misguided and lead to irresponsible late-night sessions and a mad rush to act on dozens of bills in the days immediately preceding the end of an annual session. During the week of Sept. 9-13. the House met for a total of two hours and 40 minutes and the Senate met for a total of two hours and 44 minutes. BEACON | SEE Page 21 How to Assess What You Need in a Walker Dear Savvy Senior, Can you give me some tips on choosing an appropriate walker for my elderly father? He has some balance issues along with arthritis in his hips and could use a little more help than a cane provides. Wobbly in Wisconsin Dear Wobbly, When it comes to choosing a walker, there are several styles and options to consider, but selecting the best one for your father will depend on his needs, as well as where he’ll be using it. Here are some tips that can help you choose. Types of Walkers There are three basic types of walkers on the market today. To help your dad choose, consider how much support he’ll need. Then, pay a visit to a medical equipment store or pharmacy (see Medicare. gov/medical-equipment-suppliers) that sells walkers so he can test-walk a few. Here are the diff erent types he’ll have to choose from. Standard walker: This is the most basic style of walker that has four legs with rubberbased feet (no wheels), is very lightweight (5 to 6 pounds) and typically costs between $30 and $100. This type of walker must be picked up and moved forward as you walk, so it’s best suited for people who need signifi cant weight bearing support, or who are walking very short distances. Two-wheeled walker: This has the same four-leg style as the standard walker except it has wheels on the two front legs that allow you to easily push the walker forward without lifting, while the back legs glide across the fl oor providing support while you step forward. These are best for people with balance issues and are priced at around $50 to $150. Rollator: This is a rolling walker that has wheels on all (three or four) legs. Fourwheel rollators typically come with a built-in seat, basket and hand-breaks and are best suited for people who need assistance with balance or endurance inside or outside the home. Some rollators even come with pushdown brakes that engage with downward pressure and will lock if you sit on the seat. Or, if you dad needs to navigate tight spaces at home, three-wheel rollators, which don’t have a seat, are a nice option. Rollators typically run between $60 and $250. Other Tips After deciding on the type of walker, there a few additional things you need to know to ensure it meets your dad’s needs. First, be sure the walker’s height is adjusted appropriately. To do this, have your dad stand with his arms relaxed at his sides. The handgrips of the walker should line up with the crease on the inside of his wrist. If your dad is a large person, verify that the walker’s weight capacity will support him, and if he chooses a four-wheel rollator, that his body can fi t between the handgrips when sitting. Heavy duty (bariatric) rollators with higher weight capacities, bigger wheels and wider seats are also an option. Your dad also needs to test the handgrips to make sure they’re comfortable and be sure to purchase a walker that folds up (most do) for easier storage and transport. There are also walker accessories that can be added for convenience such as food tray attachments, tote bags for carrying personal items, oxygen tank holders, and tennis ball walker glides that go over the feet of a standard walker to help it slide more easily across the fl oor. For more tips on how to choose and use a walker, visit Mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/healthy-aging/in-depth/ walker/art-20546805. It’s also a smart idea to work with your dad’s doctor or a physical therapist, and be sure to get a written prescription, as Medicare will cover 80 percent of the cost. Send your senior questions to: Savvy Senior, P.O. Box 5443, Norman, OK 73070, or visit SavvySenior.org. Jim Miller is a contributor to the NBC Today show and author of “The Savvy Senior” book.
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