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Schakowsky Commends Senators on Introduction of Seniors Bill of Rights

June 16, 2010

WASHINGTON, DC — (June 16, 2010) Rep. Jan Schakowsky (D-IL) commended Senator Debbie Stabenow (D-MI) for introducing a Senate resolution urging adoption of a Seniors Bill of Rights. It is the companion resolution to H. Res. 1342 , the Seniors Bill of Rights introduced in May by Rep. Schakowsky, Co-Chair of the Seniors Task Force and co-sponsored by Rep. Doris Matsui (D-CA), Co-Chair of the Seniors Task Force. Senator Bob Casey (D-PA) co-sponsored the Senate resolution.

The Seniors Bill of Rights calls on Congress to ensure seniors have access to financial security; quality affordable healthcare; protection from abuse, scams and exploitation; a strong economy; and safe livable communities.

"The 'golden years' are eluding many older Americans,... said Rep. Jan Schakowsky (D-IL), Co-Chair of the Seniors Task Force in the U.S. House of Representatives. "They have lost much of their savings during this recession; on average they pay 1/3 of their income for health care and 10 percent live below the poverty line. They deserve better. The Seniors Task Force was created to ensure that older Americans receive the benefits that they have earned over a lifetime of work, and that they are guaranteed a dignified quality of life.  I am incredibly pleased that today Senator Stabenow has introduced the Seniors Bill of Rights in the Senate, companion to H.R. 1342, which I sponsored and introduced in the House this May....

"America's seniors have devoted their lives to our country, our communities, and our families,... said Senator Stabenow (D-MI).  "Sadly, our seniors have been among the hardest hit during this economic downturn and have struggled to keep a roof over their heads, put food on the table, and buy the medicine they need to stay healthy. My resolution calls on Congress to make sure our seniors have access to a basic 'bill of rights,' so they receive the care and support they deserve....

"Pennsylvania has the third oldest population in the country and we owe it to them to ensure they have what they need to lead safe, healthy and stable lives,... said Senator Casey (D-PA). "This resolution recognizes the importance of protecting the financial security, affordable health care, livable communities and well being of our older Americans....

"This Congress is committed to seniors' issues and enacting public policy that will strengthen Medicare, improve health care, put in place critical Wall Street reforms, and help protect seniors from financial scams,... stated Congresswoman Doris Matsui (D-CA), Co-Chair of the Seniors Task Force in the U.S. House of Representatives.  "The Seniors' Bill of Rights formalizes this commitment and I commend my colleagues in the House and the Senate for standing up for America's seniors....

Over 40 million seniors rely on programs such as Medicare, Social Security, and TRICARE. During national economic downturns, seniors are more susceptible to greater financial losses than any other age group. Seniors are often victims of fraud, scams, exploitation, physical abuse, and other threats to their financial and health care security. This resolution acknowledges the work that the 111th Congress has done to pass legislation to help diminish threats and strengthen federal programs that provide critical assistance for seniors.

Issues:Seniors