Older American's Act

     Are you or your parents over the age of 60?  Or maybe turning 60 is not too far in your own future.  Aging is something that affects every single one of us.  We can't stop time, but wouldn't it be nice to be able to stay in our homes as long as possible?  That is exactly what President Lyndon Johnson had in mind back in 1965 when he signed the Older American's Act.

     The Older American's Act created state aging departments and local Area Agencies on Aging in 1973.  The Act provides the money to the local Area Agencies on Aging to help older adults with things like bathing, transportation, and getting a hot nutritious meal.  Other good things that come from the Act are increased employment opportunities for seniors, support for families who are caring for an older adult, local senior centers, and programs to protect older adults.   

     The Older American's Act expired in September 2011.  While the same funding has continued, without reauthorization that will change.  The programs and services listed above will not receive funding.  In the past, voting to keep it hasn't been a problem because everyone agreed on its importance.  But with budget cuts headed our way, there are no guarantees.  So if you think the Older American's Act has importance for you and your loved ones, please contact your representatives and urge them to vote to reauthorize the Older American's Act.

United States House of Representatives

Congressman Todd Russell Platts

Washington, DC Office                                                             York County District Office

1032 Longworth House Office Building                                      2209 East Market Street
Washington, DC  20515                                                               York, PA   17402
Phone:  (202) 225-5836                                                               Phone:  (717) 600-1919
Fax:       (202) 226-1000                                                               Fax:      (717) 757-5001

1-877-902-1919
Website:  http://www.house.gov/platts

United States Senate

Senators of the 111th Congress

Senator Robert P. Casey, Jr. (D-PA)

393 Russell Senate Office Building                                              22 S. Third St., Suite 6A
Washington, DC  20510                                                                Harrisburg, PA  17101
Phone:  (202) 224-6324                                                               Phone:  (717) 231-7540
1-866-802-2833                                                                             1-866-461-9159
Fax:       (202) 228-0604                                                               Fax:       (717) 231-7542

Website:  http://casey.senate.gov/ 

Senator Patrick J. Toomey, (R-PA)

502 Hart Senate Office Building                                                    U.S.Federal Building
Washington, DC  20510                                                                 228 Walnut St, Ste. 1104
Phone:  (202) 224-4254                                                               Harrisburg, PA  17101
Fax:       (202)  228-0284                                                               Phone:  (717) 782-3951
                                                                                                           Fax:       (717) 782-4920

Website:  http://toomey.senate.gov/