Political Quotes

“Mr. Speaker, back in 1965, when President Lyndon Johnson signed the Older Americans Act, Congress codified into law an essential and universal truth, that each generation has a responsibility to protect and support those who raised and have cared for us. These bonds of solidarity tie our society together. We are stronger both as individuals and as a Nation when we hold each other up. The objectives of the Older Americans Act were to secure adequate income in retirement, the best possible physical and mental health services without regard to economic status, suitable housing and transportation, restorative services, and employment opportunities free of discrimination. The programs funded through the OAA remain immensely popular, but funding has not kept pace. In 2010, OAA funding was approximately $42.95 per senior in today's dollars. Today, it is just $27.25 per senior. Every time funding fails to meet demand, the foundation of our Great Society is chipped away. Every time funding fails to meet demand, we run the risk of malnutrition, unsafe living conditions, and social isolation for our seniors. Fortunately, there is a solution, and that solution is the legislation we are voting on today. The Dignity in Aging Act of 2019 is a bipartisan reauthorization of the OAA, which gives all OAA programs an immediate 7 percent increase in fiscal year 2020 and a 6 percent increase every year thereafter.…”