Al Franken

When I say nickel and diming, some of these volunteers get reimbursed only for the period of time when the senior is in the car.

All of you are working incredibly hard on behalf of seniors in Minnesota, and Jim on behalf of seniors nationwide.

That's real savings, and that's why it's important that we're not pennywise and pound foolish by underfunding these programs that help people stay in their homes.

Senator Franken. What percentage of care is provided by family members? Because I think it's in the 80-something percent?

Thank you, Ms. Ferrier. Let me just say that you--it's great to have you here because you put a real human face to this.

I think this is a good idea, because Ms. Harrington, you brought it up.

These issues are especially salient now because our country's demographics are changing.

A little support goes a long way, and that's what the Older Americans Act is all about.

The main message I've heard from Minnesota seniors across the State is that they want to remain vital and active in their later years.

What you call the single point of entry.

We are grateful for the support you have provided for Older Americans Act programs and especially for your strong interest in consumer fraud and elder rights issues.

Senator Franken. Yeah, but it's interesting, because again, across anything, there's bad actors and good actors, right?

As our United States Senator, I strongly urge you to consider Chores and More Program when making funding decisions for the aging.

Senator Franken. I've heard in the testimony about the, I think it was Ms. Moe, who talked about the fear of, 'My son won't visit me unless I give him money.'

Nutrition is Meals on Wheels, and is also congregate dining.

So, that would be something for someone in government to do.

I'm proud to sit on two key Senate committees that oversee senior services and I want to make sure that we're doing all that we can so that Minnesota seniors remain independent and healthy for as long as possible.

Thank you, all. This concludes the time that we have for today. I really appreciate you all being here.

Sometimes this is like a bus line, you know, sometimes this is volunteers who come out and drive seniors.

But, can those barriers be overcome? It seems like, maybe they can.

I think there is a reason to be doing this on for-profit colleges, and I have tremendous respect for the Ranking Member.

There's no bigger defender of Pell grants than me, because of that.

This feels like low-hanging fruit.

I'm very disturbed by the videos.

I have a responsibility to the taxpayer, OK? I have a responsibility to the taxpayer.