[Congressional Record Volume 146, Number 73 (Tuesday, June 13, 2000)]
[Senate]
[Pages S5023-S5024]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                THE 60TH BIRTHDAY OF MR. ROBERT GILLETTE

 Mr. ABRAHAM. Mr. President, on June 16th, 2000, a very dear 
friend of mine, Mr. Robert Gillette, will celebrate his 60th birthday. 
I rise today to commemorate this occasion, and to honor a wonderful man 
who has worked extremely hard to improve living conditions for seniors 
throughout the State of Michigan.
  Mr. Gillette is the president of American House, an organization that 
owns

[[Page S5024]]

and operates 24 housing facilities for seniors in the metropolitan 
Detroit area. American House strives to be the most outstanding 
affordable senior housing organization in the State of Michigan, and to 
provide all seniors, regardless of their income, with quality services 
and care. The organization is founded on the principle that individuals 
are entitled to living with dignity and with freedom as they enjoy the 
later years of their lives.
  Recently, I have had the privilege of working with Mr. Gillette on an 
issue that is of utmost importance to the seniors of Michigan--
affordable senior housing. At certain American House locations, a 
program has been developed which utilizes two assistance programs 
available to seniors. A Michigan State Housing Development Authority 
tax credit provides qualified applicants with a tax credit and rent 
subsidies, based on income limitations. In addition, the federally 
funded Medicaid Waiver Program, which has been in effect since the 
early 1990's assists qualified applicants in paying for housework, 
meals, and personalized care services in a home environment.
  Mr. President, taking advantage of these two government subsidy 
programs has the potential to narrow the gap in housing prospects that 
exists between low, middle, and high-income seniors. It will provide 
many seniors, who otherwise would be forced to move into publicly-
funded nursing homes, with the ability to remain in assisted living 
programs like that which American House offers. It is a wonderful 
program with enormous potential.
  Combining these programs to assist seniors was the idea of Bob 
Gillette. This is the kind of work that he does every day. He is always 
thinking about how to make the lives of people around him better. His 
enthusiasm for his job and his genuine interest in the people around 
him make others want to help him.
  Anyone who knows Bob will tell you that he is a wonderful person. I 
consider it a privilege to have him as a friend. He is truly a 
remarkable man. On behalf of the entire United States Senate, I wish 
Bob Gillette a happy 60th birthday, and best of luck in the 
future.

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