Rep. Schakowsky Statement on 46th Anniversary of Older Americans Act
Washington, D.C. (Friday, July 15, 2011) — Rep. Jan Schakowsky issued the following statement in recognition of the 46th Anniversary of the Older Americans Act:
 "Since President Lyndon Johnson signed the Older Americans Act into law 46 years ago, the landmark measure has proven its capacity to help seniors live independently and improve their quality of life.
 "The law has funded home and community-based services vital to American seniors, including over 100,000 seniors each year for the last five years in suburban Cook County. In my district, organizations funded by the law have provided health, nutrition and other vital social services as well as fraud and abuse protection. The economy is a particular challenge to seniors on fixed income and declining assets. Mortgage foreclosures and issues related to annuities have added a new layer of demand for Older Americans Act recipient agencies.
 "Today, I am concerned that the promise we made to our seniors 46 years ago is now threatened by deep budget cutbacks, just as demand increases. As our nation's elderly population grows and individuals live longer, the Older Americans Act must be allowed to keep pace.
 "The Older Americans Act has done much to improve the lives of seniors for the last 46 years. We should honor these accomplishments by assuring that appropriate programs and services are available to support America's seniors so they can live out their lives with dignity....
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Contact:Â Â Adjoa Adofo, (202) 225-2111
         adjoa.adofo@mail.house.gov