Assembly member Matt Debabneh Speaks at Eisenberg Village

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Assemblymember Matt Debabneh Speaks at Eisenberg Village

Apr 12, 2016

On the morning of Friday, April 8th, Assemblymember Matt Debabneh made his way to the Eisenberg Village’s Zuckerman Boardroom to speak to the Jewish Home’s seniors and staff about Assembly Bill 1319, also known as the Medically Needy Program Extension.

Eisenberg Village administrator Doug Tucker welcomed the crowd and gave a brief explanation of the bill. “Currently, the Medically Needy Only (MNO) program provides senior recipients with just $20 per month as a personal spending allowance. This $20 must cover over the counter drugs, clothing, shampoo and a variety of personal items such as hearing aid batteries and denture repairs. For the 12,000 individuals across the state that qualify for this welfare, $20 is simply not enough.”

Man talking in front of elderly people


Doug continued, “Last year, the Assemblymember Matt Debabneh partnered with the Home to help preserve the dignity of our MNO population and increase the amount of money these needy seniors receive. Matt did an incredible job pushing AB 1319 through the House of Representatives and on to the Senate. Unfortunately, the Bill was suspended once it reached the Senate’s budget committee last year. However, our champion, Matt Debabneh is here to discuss his plans to re-introduce the bill this year.”

group photo with elderly people


Assemblymember Matt Debabneh then took the stage and pledged his commitment to the seniors of California. “Seniors are the backbone of our community. They are the reason we are able to live in such an incredible community. The jobs you’ve worked, the taxes you’ve payed, the families you’ve raised.. And now it’s time for us to do the same for you. The $20 MNO recipients are given each month is not enough. All of our seniors should be able to live in dignity. I’m going to keep fighting for you.”

After all was said and done, seniors and staff members enjoyed delicious refreshments and had the opportunity to speak with the Assemblymember.

Stay tuned to the Los Angeles Jewish Home blog to follow AB 1319’s journey through the House and Senate.

Sign up for the Los Angeles Jewish Health newsletter, Connections.

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