PETITION AGAINST MASSIVE CUTS TO NYS NURSING HOMES AND HOME HEALTH CARE PROGRAMS We, the undersigned, are deeply concerned about Governor Paterson's proposed $250 million in cuts to nursing homes and home health programs in the current budget year, and a separate $200 million cut to nursing homes that go into effect on April 1, 2009. We urge you NOT to make these cuts that will devastate long term care services in New York for the elderly. Many are depending on you to make sure these cuts do not pass! WHY WE CARE 70% of health care budgets go to staffing, and when cuts are made, direct patient care will be adversely affected. Valuable, vulnerable elderly people will be hurt relative to their quality of life and quality of care. We need to speak for those who cannot speak for themselves. Services need to be reformed, not cut. When your loved ones need help, will the care be there for them