[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 158 (2012), Part 8]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 11037]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




      CELEBRATING THE 47TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE OLDER AMERICANS ACT

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. LAURA RICHARDSON

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                         Tuesday, July 10, 2012

  Ms. RICHARDSON. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in celebration of the 47th 
anniversary of the Older Americans Act.
  The Older Americans Act of 1965 was the first federal-level 
initiative aimed at providing comprehensive services for American 
seniors. The Older Americans Act has played an instrumental role in 
shaping American society by supporting critical nutrition services, job 
training, senior centers, caregiver support, transportation, health 
promotion, and benefits enrollment, among other services.
  The Older Americans Act remains an important element in our 
government, especially as American citizens live longer, and as many 
face financial challenges during these tough economic times.
  Today, the Older Americans Act authorizes an extensive array of 
service programs through a national network of 56 state agencies, 629 
area agencies, nearly 20,000 service providers, 244 tribal 
organizations, and two Native Hawaiian organizations that represent 400 
Tribes. Additionally, it includes community service employment for low-
income seniors. It also provides older citizens with training, 
research, and demonstration activities in the field of aging and 
vulnerable elder rights protection activities.
  Mr. Speaker, I am happy to report that many seniors in the 37th 
Congressional District of California have benefited from this 
indispensable piece of legislation and have been protected from 
homelessness and joblessness. On the anniversary of the Older Americans 
Act, I urge my colleagues to join me in celebrating the wonderful 
contributions American seniors have made to our nation and to continue 
supporting the services critical to their wellbeing.

                          ____________________