STATEMENT BY SENATOR EDWARD M. KENNEDY ON HOUSE PASSAGE OF OLDER AMERICANS ACT OF 2006

Washington, D.C. – Today, Senator Edward M. Kennedy released the following statement on the House passage of the Older Americans Act: “I commend the House for passing these amendments to the Older Americans Act to strengthen the vital services and programs for our senior citizens, and I urge the Senate to pass it before Congress adjourns this week for the election. The bill combines the key provisions of the bills passed earlier by the House and Senate. It maintains the Community Service Employment program which promotes part-time employment opportunities in community service for unemployed low-income seniors. It also encourages civic engagement by all seniors, and urges the development of more effective ways for older Americans to contribute to critical needs of their local communities. The bill also addresses potential issues that may arise as a result of the retirement of the baby boom generation. It addresses the need for better outreach to seniors about the benefits available to them. It expands mental health services, and promotes the availability of long term care plans. It’s a needed measure to update the Older Americans Act and will mean better lives for both seniors and their communities in the years ahead.” ###