Lucille Roybal-Allard: “the cuts in the Republican Labor- HHS-Education bill, that targets the national senior service corps' volunteer program…”

“the cuts in the Republican Labor- HHS-Education bill, that targets the national senior service corps' volunteer program, is a display of blatant arrogance toward the value and experience of our country's older Americans. As we place emphasis in ensuring that all people become productive and contributing members of our society, we must not forget those who have already contributed greatly to our Nation and will continue to do so, if we do not deny them the opportunity. Recent figures indicate that there are 13,000 senior volunteers and the numbers are growing. The retired and senior volunteer program helps hospitals nurture and care for children afflicted with a serious illness. In the foster grandparent program, the forgotten child benefits from the guidance and love of a senior. The senior companion program provides frail adults with assistance in daily activities helping them remain independent and in their communities. These programs allow seniors to play a role where their expertise, time, and attention fill many voids that the rest of our society neglects. It is a disgrace that Republicans will help destroy the spirit of senior volunteerism with these cuts. Instead of praising senior volunteers as a model of citizenship, Republicans are dismissing their contributions and treating them as if they have nothing to offer. Republicans are wrong. Seniors most certainly have much to offer.”