| Senate rejects House legislation that would cut programs to help seniors |
| Tuesday, 15 March 2011 10:52 |
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The bill, called HR 1, suggested cutting $390 million in the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program and $551 million in the Section 202 Supportive Housing for the Elderly initiative. The proposal also included a reduction of $525 million in job training and placement costs for low-income seniors in the Senior Community Service Employment Program. "HR 1 includes drastic cuts in housing, heating and jobs for vulnerable older Americans," said Jim Firman, who serves as president and CEO of the National Council on Aging (NCOA). "We must reject attempts to make life even worse for our nation's poorest seniors."The NCOA is urging both the Senate and the House to protect initiatives designed to maintain and improve the quality of life for older adults. Approximately 13 million seniors currently live below 200 percent of the federal poverty level, earning incomes of less than $22,000 for singles and $29,000 for couples. Firman added that Congress should focus on finding ways to help these individuals, rather than cutting programs that may be needed by many. |
Recently, the U.S. Senate rejected legislation proposed by the House of Representatives that would have cut programs designed to help seniors stay healthy and financially secure.
