As a supporter of The Village at Marymount in Garfield Heights, the issue of fair funding for skilled nursing facilities has piqued my interest – and the interest of my co-workers. With this thought in mind, I am asking for your support for fair funding for skilled nursing facilities. It is my understanding that skilled nursing facilities once again face a reduction in Medicaid payments. Everyday I see residents who struggle to make ends meet try to decide between their health and life's basic necessities. These people already find it difficult to navigate the rough waters of our economy. Further turbulence will hit them hard – and it is something they cannot afford.

Several issues make your support of fair funding for skilled nursing facilities a vital component to allowing these people to live fruitful and productive lives. Baby Boomers are aging and more Americans are living longer. Data supports that more Ohio residents than ever require greater amounts of care. Those facilities and health care professionals providing quality service with less and less support create a formula that will devastate many Ohioans, including those in the 12th District.

I am well aware that some relief is in sight for Ohio residents in the form of federal stimulus funding – and it will be possible to grant a small increase in Medicaid funding without incurring additional state expense. This approach seems reasonable to me – providing much-needed support for those who most need it without incurring additional obligations from the state. I believe the answer is not shifting federal dollars away from caring for those who desperately need it in an attempt to balance the state budget.

Furthermore, Gov. Strickland's Executive Budget proposes an astronomical 76 percent increase in skilled nursing facilities' bed tax (the franchise permit fee) from $6.25 per bed per day to $11. If this proposal is approved, it will toll a death knell for many skilled nursing facilities.

My friends and the families who have a loved one receiving skilled nursing care need your support of these vital services – and your full support behind fair funding for skilled nursing facilities. I ask you to reject all cuts to Medicaid reimbursement, and any related tax increase, in favor of a modest Medicaid increase that can be accomplished without any further obligation of state funds.

I look forward to hearing from you on your position regarding this crucial Medicaid funding issue. I also encourage you to visit The Village at Marymount so that you can see for yourself the quality care you can help to support through fair funding.

Thank you for considering my request.