Bernie Sanders Leads Effort Supporting Seniors Program

http://www.nationofchange.org/news/2016/03/20/bernie-sanders-leads-effort-supporting-seniors-program/

Older Americans Act programs, including Meals on Wheels and other vital services. Despite the fact that more Americans are reaching the age of 60, Older Americans Act (OAA) funding has dropped 7 percent since 2009.

In a letter addressed to Chairman Roy Blunt and Ranking Member Patty Murray of the Appropriations Subcommittee on Labor, Health and Human Services, Education and Related Agencies, Sanders and his fellow senators urged the appropriations subcommittee to increase funding by at least 12 percent for programs authorized under the OAA. As the cost of living continues to rise for seniors, particularly for food, medication, and housing, more and more vulnerable seniors remain on waiting lists for services that they desperately need.

“As you know, OAA is the major federal vehicle for the delivery of social and nutrition services for more than 11 million older Americans,” Sanders and his fellow senators wrote. “These programs include congregate nutrition services, home-delivered nutrition services (i.e., ‘Meals on Wheels’), supportive services such as transportation services, employment and community service through the Senior Community Service Employment Program, vulnerable elder rights protection including through the Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program, and family caregiver support.”