West Virginians seeking more state funding to keep seniors and the disabled in their own homes have received a strong show of support in the Legislature.

All 100 members of the House of Delegates jointly presented a petition this week signed by more than 10,500 residents. It urges a funding boost for a Medicaid waiver program that provides a less-costly alternative to nursing homes.

Lawmakers and Manchin administration officials have repeatedly clashed over the program's funding. While it provides in-home care to about 6,000 residents annually, more than 930 more qualify but await final approval.

The agency says the program is valuable but expensive. Bureau of Senior Services Commissioner Sandra Vanin criticized the petition while it was being circulated.

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