United Senior Action Kicks Off Support Our Seniors-- fully fund the Older Americans Act Campaign

At the April Getting to the issues meeting in Indianapolis, Duane Ettiene, CEO and President of CICOA In Home Solutions, helped USA launch its new campaign to fully fund the Older Americans Act (OAA) by increasing its funding by 10% in 2008. As Duane Etienne said, "the need is great, and this modest funding increase can accomplish a great deal."

The OAA is the backbone of services for America’s seniors, providing nutrition, jobs, caregiver support, health promotion, senior center services, transportation, and protection against elder abuse. Congress reauthorized and strengthened the OAA last fall, so now USA's top priority is to get more money for all of the Act’s titles and programs.

Funding for OAA programs has been frozen for years, so fewer seniors are receiving needed services. If funding since 2002 had simply kept pace with inflation and the increasing number of seniors, it would be more than $400 million higher this year. By comparison, during the same period, Congress cut taxes for the wealthiest Americans by $378 billion.

Are you mad yet? Check out our ACTION CENTER to find out what steps you can take to participate in USA's newest campaign.