Bill reauthorizes the Older Americans Act, which helps seniors remain independent by supporting programs that provide basic necessities such as meals, home-care, job training, legal services, and help coordinating long-term care
WASHINGTON, DC – U.S. Senator Amy Klobuchar (D-MN) has cosponsored bipartisan legislation that supports key social and nutrition services for seniors in Minnesota and across the country. The bill reauthorizes the Older Americans Act, which helps seniors remain independent in their homes and communities by supporting programs that provide basic necessities such as meals, home-care, job training, legal services, and help coordinating long-term care.
“We should be doing everything we can to ensure that our seniors can live full, healthy, and independent lives,” Klobuchar said. “From cracking down on fraud and abuse to providing healthy meals to strengthening transportation services, this bipartisan bill includes critical resources that will go a long way toward improving the lives of seniors in Minnesota and all across the country.”
The Older Americans Act Reauthorization Act of 2015 has been endorsed by dozens of seniors organizations, including: AARP, Alzheimer’s Foundation of America, ASSETS Senior Employment Opportunities Program, the Center for Independent Living, the Elder Justice Coalition, the Eldercare Workforce Alliance, Lutheran Services in America, Meals on Wheels and More, the Meals On Wheels Association of America, National Association of Area Agencies on Aging, National Association of Nutrition and Aging Services Programs (NANASP), and National Committee to Preserve Social Security and Medicare.
Throughout her time in the Senate, Klobuchar has been fighting to ensure that all Americans have safety, dignity, and good health in their senior years. She recently reintroduced the Americans Giving Care to Elders (AGE) Act to help reduce the financial burden on families by establishing a federal tax credit to assist with the costs of caring for an aging family member. Klobuchar has authored the Guardian Accountability and Senior Protection Act, which pushes for stronger screening and oversight of court-appointed guardians for seniors and persons with disabilities. She supported the Elder Justice Act to prevent the abuse, neglect, and exploitation of the elderly, which was incorporated into the health care reform bill that passed in 2010. She has also worked to preserve and strengthen Medicare, improve access to less-expensive prescription drugs, and protect seniors from fraud.
In March, members of Klobuchar’s staff held a statewide “Supporting Our Seniors” tour to highlight resources available to assist seniors with health and financial needs, as well as steps seniors can take to protect themselves from fraud. Seniors who need assistance accessing services are encouraged to contact Senator Klobuchar’s office by calling 612-727-5220.
###
