"It defies logic and common sense to do nothing to prevent people from slipping into an expensive Medicaid system, when less expensive preventative health care, nutrition, and other services will keep many people independent and able to support themselves," he said.
As lieutenant governor, McConnell oversees the state Office on Aging and considers himself seniors' chief advocate. His address represented the first State on the Aging Population speech. It will also be his last.
The College of Charleston's board of trustees chose McConnell on Saturday as the next president of his alma mater. That job is expected to start July 1.
McConnell said he was stunned by the enormity of the aging challenges after he became lieutenant governor two years ago. While he stepped into the position reluctantly after 32 years in the Senate — following the resignation and guilty plea of Ken Ard to ethics violations — he said the experience has transformed and inspired him.
The former Senate president pro tem has used his influence to try to draw attention to the plight seniors and secure more money in the Legislature.
Before McConnell became lieutenant governor, the state provided $1.6 million to the Office on Aging for home-based services. That's increased to $6.5 million this fiscal year. He's requesting an additional $4.7 million for the year beginning July 1 — $1.7 million of which would offset federal budget cuts.
The additional money should serve an additional 3,000 people, leaving 5,000 on waiting lists. McConnell said he didn't want to request more than the agency's provider network can handle.
McConnell is also seeking $3 million in recurring money for programs that provide relief to caregivers of elderly or disabled family members, which is currently funded with one-time money. Giving caregivers a break keeps people out of institutions and families together, McConnell said.
"For an unpaid caregiver, a little break from the 24/7 responsibilities can sometimes mean the difference between life or death for the one who provides the care," he said. "The consequences of failing to fund respite services will only cause our family caregivers to burn out in addition to the waiting lists for other services to grow."
After the speech, McConnell confirmed he is considering remaining lieutenant governor after he takes the helm of the College of Charleston, to fill the position through the term's expiration in January. Senate President Pro Tem John Courson, who succeeded McConnell in that position, said Monday he would not relinquish his seat in the Senate to temporarily become lieutenant governor.
Other than overseeing the Office on Aging, the job's main duty is to preside over the Senate. The legislative session is supposed to end in June. The next one won't begin until January.
As of Wednesday, three Republicans and one Democrat have filed their candidacy to replace McConnell. The two-week filing period with the state Election Commission ends Sunday.
