July 24, 1978
Page 22411
Mr. MUSKIE. Mr. President, first of all I support this legislation and commend the committee for its diligent work in behalf of our elderly citizens.
Besides extending the Older Americans Act for 2 years, the bill before us has made significant improvements in current law.
First, the bill consolidates existing programs for State and community services (title III) , multipurpose senior centers (title V) , and nutrition services (title VIII) . This consolidation will improve administration of the act, provide greater administrative flexibility, substantially reduce the paperwork burden on State and local agencies, and expand nutrition services for the elderly at home and in congregate centers.
Further, the bill increases emphasis on in-home services, legal services, and services associated with access. And the bill authorizes a White House Conference on Aging in 1981. Increases in authorizations will insure continuation of current programs and permit significant expansion of social and nutritional services.
In short, Mr. President, this bill underscores our commitment to improving the lives and circumstances of our Nation's elderly.
Since 1965, the Older Americans Act has provided needed assistance to millions of elderly Americans. It has proven to be a popular and successful program.
This bill would improve upon the excellent groundwork we have laid in previous years.
So I support this bill enthusiastically.
Let me emphasize, Mr. President, that the bill, as reported from committee, authorizes a substantial expansion of the nutrition program. It would authorize $375 million in fiscal year 1979, an increase of $100 million from the 1978 level of $275 million.
The bill as reported would provide for the delivery of 800,000 meals each day in fiscal year 1979, an increase of 320,000 over the current program.
I would also point out that there is sufficient authorization in the committee bill to cover a major expansion of the home-delivered meals program.
I believe all of us would like to do more for our elderly citizens, particularly in the area of nutrition. Nutrition programs for the elderly in Maine have been very popular and successful.
I have visited many of the meal sites and have seen first hand the nutritional and social benefits of this program.
And I congratulate the committee which has provided for a reasonable expansion of the program.