Pennsylvania Retired Americans Oppose Bush Cuts to Older Americans Act

by Mike Hall, May 31, 2007

The Older Americans Act (OAA), the landmark legislation that is the funding vehicle driving senior care programs such as Meals on Wheels and other social and human services since 1961, faces a $109 million budget cut under President Bush’s proposed 2008 budget. The Pennsylvania Alliance for Retired Americans says cutting the program is the wrong way to go.

Instead, says Pennsylvania Alliance President Jean Friday:

A significant increase in funding can enhance the ability of older Americans to live with maximum health, independence and dignity.

As part of the group’s two-day convention that wrapped up yesterday in Grantville, the 100 delegates signed a letter to Sen. Arlen Specter (R-Pa.) saying it’s time to add to the program, not cut it back. Noting that on top of Bush’s proposed spending cuts, inflation has eroded the purchasing power of the act’s funds, and the needs for the services it provides have climbed. Alliance members called for a 10 percent increase in funding (about $180 million).

The OAA is the pre-eminent vehicle that delivers human, social and nutritional services for older persons. It provides funding for such critical programs as Meals on Wheels, congregate meals, senior center services, transportation, protection against elder abuse and support for family caregivers.

Pennsylvania seniors benefit from OAA programs that help to preserve their health and independence….

OAA spending actually saves taxpayer dollars by reducing premature nursing home placement, averting malnutrition and controlling chronic health conditions and thus reducing more expensive Medicaid and Medicare expenditures.

Delegates also took part in several workshops and forums about important senior policy issues, including Social Security, pension reform, Medicare and the Medicare prescription drug program. They also attended sessions to improve their communication skills so they can better talk about these key issues to their friends and families, lawmakers and the media.

With May as Older Americans Month, Friday says that it’s

…time to honor the Americans who remain such a vibrant part of our community. But it is also a time to reflect on what we can—and must—improve as our nation’s population continues to grow and change.

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