WASHINGTON, DC – (July 14, 2010) Rep. Jan Schakowsky (D-IL) released the following statement in recognition of the 45^th anniversary of the Older Americans Act.

“The Older Americans Act has proved an invaluable resource for millions of Americans and today we can all join together to wish it a happy 45^th anniversary.  As the Congressional Co-Chair of the Seniors Task Force, and as the former executive director of the Illinois State Council of Senior Citizens, I know firsthand the impact that this legislation has had on the lives of American citizens. 

“Forty-five years ago, President Lyndon Johnson made a commitment to the well-being of our nation’s seniors by helping to ensure that older Americans can age with dignity and independence.  As we work to continue the promises of this groundbreaking legislation, we can not limit ourselves to simply recognizing its value; we must continually look for opportunities to improve upon it. The Seniors Task Force will be working to do that when the Act is reauthorized next year.

“The Older Americans Act provides community-based social services and nutritional support in cities and towns across the country, serving over ten million elderly Americans every year.  It provides funding for home and community based nutritional services and meals, caregiver support, community service employment, and community based efforts that prevent elder abuse.

“We still have progress to make to ensure that our seniors have access to supportive services and care, but today I would like to recognize the monumental progress that has been made possible by this critical piece of legislation.”