ATLANTA — Gov. Nathan Deal’s 2017 state budget proposal announced Thursday includes $4.2 million in new funding for a program considered critical to Georgia’s 1.3 million seniors.

Georgia Council on Aging said the proposal for the program, Home and Community Based Services, reflects the budget recommendation made in the Fall of 2016 by the Georgia Department of Human Services. Seniors from across Georgia voted this program as a priority for the Coalition of Advocates for Georgia’s Elderly, GCOA officials said.

In addition, Deal earmarked $750,000 in additional funding for meals to fight senior hunger.