May 12, 2006

Resolution Older Americans Act

Adopted May 12, 2006

Whereas the number of Americans over age 65 will rise from 36 million Americans today to 55 million by 2020 and nearly 72 million by 2030; and

Whereas many in the increasing older population will need supportive services at some point; and

Whereas Older Americans Act (OAA) programs provide a wide range of home and community-based services—including congregate and home-delivered meals, adult day care, transportation, and community service employment programs; and

Whereas for 40 years these services have successfully enhanced the ability of millions of older persons to live independently; and

Whereas the Older Americans Act should have been reauthorized in 2005; and

Whereas the delegates to the 2005 White House Conference on Aging ranked swift reauthorization of the Older Americans Act as the number one resolution.

Therefore, be it resolved that the Alliance for Retired Americans calls upon Congress, in consultation with representatives from the aging network and other stakeholders, to draft reauthorization legislation and pass such legislation as early as possible in 2006; and

Be it further resolved that the Alliance encourages its state and local affiliate organizations to meet as soon as possible with their members of Congress and urge them to pass the Older Americans Act; and

Be it further resolved that OAA standards for current eligibility for programs, including the Title V Senior Community Service Employment Program, should remain in place; and

Be it finally resolved that Congress should authorize and appropriate funding levels that reflect inflation and population growth.