Eden Prairie Professionals in Aging (EPPIA) is a professional networking organization made up of representatives of diverse organizations all committed to the welfare of seniors in our community.  We represent non-profit and for-profit organizations, senior care facilities, social service and community service organizations.   Our organization also includes members who serve persons with disabilities, youth and family groups and low income residents of Eden Prairie.

Our members serve populations that are not always visible to policy makers in a vibrant and affluent community.  They are, nevertheless an important part of the community fabric, and their numbers are growing.  Many seniors are returning to Eden Prairie to be with their sons and daughters, and the numbers of current residents needing services continues to grow at an increasing rate.

EPPIA members are employers and taxpayers and have a full understanding of fiscal responsibilities faced by the City.  We support Eden Prairie’s efforts to curb spending and prevent further increases in tax rates.  We believe that all city functions need to be scrutinized and held to high standards of efficiency.

We also believe that the small portion of the budget that is being spent on social services is being efficiently spent.  Through the dedicated efforts of a small group of people, a large number of people are receiving services that are, in many cases, essential for their well-being.

The position of our organization is that social services are essential to our community, and we are opposed to any budget cuts that will further restrict their delivery.  In addition to loss of the services, we believe that these cuts send a message that paints our community in an unfavorable light.  These social service providers work collaboratively with the business community to bring a better quality of life to seniors, families and youth here in Eden Prairie.

We ask that a minimum of 1% of the Eden Prairie budget be maintained for support of housing and community services, and the current services be maintained in their entirety.