Press Releases

Education and the Workforce Committee Chairman John Kline (R-MN) and Rep. Carlos Curbelo (R-FL) today released the following joint statement after President Obama signed into law the Older Americans Act Reauthorization Act of 2016 (S. 192), legislation that strengthens support services for seniors and their caregivers:
 

This law renews and improves upon our commitment to help Americans stay safe, healthy, and independent as they age. It includes reforms that will strengthen protections for seniors, streamline programs to better meet their needs, and deliver state and local leaders the flexibility necessary to serve seniors in their communities. These commonsense changes will help ensure older Americans can continue to live active, independent lives with the dignity they deserve. We are pleased Republicans and Democrats were able to come together to advance this important priority.

 
BACKGROUND: First enacted in 1965, the Older Americans Act established and has sustained a number of social services and programs, including nutrition services, family caregiver support, community service employment, the Long-Term Care Ombudsman, and elder abuse prevention services. As amended by the House, S. 192 reauthorizes programs and strengthens the law by:
 

• Providing better protection for vulnerable elders;
   
• Streamlining programs and improving program administration;
   
• Promoting the delivery of evidence-based programs;
   
• Improving nutrition services programs; and
   
• Aligning senior employment services with the workforce development system.

 
To learn more about the Older Americans Act, click here.

 

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