[Congressional Record Volume 140, Number 76 (Thursday, June 16, 1994)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]


[Congressional Record: June 16, 1994]
From the Congressional Record Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov]

 
 TRIBUTE TO THE JOINT PUBLIC AFFAIRS COMMITTEE FOR OLDER ADULTS [JPAC]

                                 ______


                          HON. JERROLD NADLER

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                        Wednesday, June 15, 1994

  Mr. NADLER. Mr. Speaker, I rise to pay tribute to the Joint Public 
Affairs Committee for Older Adults [JPAC] on the occasion of their 16th 
anniversary celebration and volunteer recognition day. JPAC is a senior 
citizen advocacy group of representatives from over 120 senior centers 
throughout metropolitan New York which has established a long and 
distinguished record of service to the aging community. JPAC and its 
older adult volunteers have made great strides in bringing attention to 
and inspiring legislative action on the issues that concern senior 
citizens.
  Many of the volunteers at JPAC are older adult participants whose 
work has been the impetus for many worthwhile legislative programs. In 
January of this year, JPAC's efforts contributed to the passage of 
lifeline banking legislation in New York State, which would require all 
banks to offer low-cost checking accounts so that low-income customers 
are able to afford basic banking services. They were also instrumental 
in the restoration of $6 million to the fiscal year 1994 NYC budget to 
fund meals at home and at senior centers.
  JPAC has had many other victories in the legislative arena. Their 
efforts have contributed to the establishment of a New York City 
Council committee on aging; the enactment of EPIC, a prescription drug 
cost relief program; increases in the State share of the SSI grant; 
limiting doctors fees for Medicare beneficiaries and limiting the 
impact of Federal, State and city budget cuts on the elderly. JPAC has 
also sponsored annual legislative forums on issues including health 
care reform, long term care, housing and Social Security.
  JPAC's longstanding commitment to the interests and issues of the 
elderly deserves to be applauded. I wish to acknowledge the hard work 
and dedication of the staff and volunteers of JPAC whose efforts have 
truly made a difference. Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues in the House 
of Representatives to join with me in paying tribute to JPAC and its 
volunteers and in congratulating them on 16 years of exemplary service 
to the aging community.

                          ____________________