Doyle addresses senior group Gov. James Doyle speaks to the Coalition of Wisconsin Aging Groups Thursday (photo by H. Marc Larson). He asked seniors to stand up for themselves and children By Sarah Riley News-Chronicle Gov. Jim Doyle told a ballroom full of active senior citizens different generations of Wisconsinties have to stick together to help each other. The seniors came to the Radisson Hotel on Thursday to hear Doyle address the Coalition of Wisconsin Aging Groups, which brings together senior advocacy groups from around the state. Doyle told the crowd intergenerational solidarity would help seniors and schools in their fight to keep funding that was cut under the Joint Finance Committee's proposed state budget. "Both of those generations are connected to the health of Wisconsin, and we must work to have intergenerational solidarity," Doyle said. Doyle slammed the 12 Republicans on the Joint Finance Committee for voting for a budget that would hurt medical aids like SeniorCare and Medicaid and cut funding to the schools. Most of his speech centered around budget issues facing the state. "They resorted to some of the same old gimmicks and games that got us in trouble in the first place," he said. "Seniors, school children and those who depend on local services pay a disproportionate price." Doyle said his proposed budget asks all citizens to suffer a little by paying increased fees and taking cuts, but the Republican budget centered on cutting services to seniors and schools. For example, Doyle said he wanted to increase enrollment fees to medical-care services as a way offset the state's deficit. That way, many people would contribute help the state in a small way. "Unfortunately, the Republicans have increased enrollment fees and co-payments for everyone and have increased the deductibles even further," he said. "It's a question of values. When times are tight, I think seniors should come first." Helen Marks Dicks, one of the organizers of the conference and director of the Elder Law Center, said governors typically have not addressed the conference, except when candidates speak before an election. She said she enjoyed Doyle's speech, especially a story he shared about a family that rescued an injured eagle and Doyle was asked to set it free. Doyle equated Wisconsin to the injured eagle and said it needed a boost to be able to fly again.