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Legislative bills

House Democrats Introduce Older Americans Bill of Rights Amid Threats to Social Security and Medicare

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

With the House Democratic Caucus Task Force on Aging & Families leading the charge, Representative Jan Schakowsky, along with her Co-Chair Doris Matsui, has introduced the Older Americans Bill of Rights. This resolution emphasizes the need to protect the fundamental rights of seniors and their families, including access to affordable healthcare, financial security, full participation in their communities, and the right to age with dignity and respect.

Key Takeaways:

  • The Older Americans Bill of Rights has four pillars: access to affordable healthcare, financial and retirement security, full participation in communities, and aging with dignity and respect.
  • The resolution identifies Social Security, Medicare, and Medicaid as critical programs under attack, with Republicans trying to cut benefits.
  • The bill is endorsed by various organizations, including Social Security Works, AFL-CIO, and the Alliance for Retired Americans.
  • Every day, 10,000 Americans turn 65 years old, and this number is expected to significantly increase over the next few decades.
  • Original cosponsors of the bill include Representatives Debbie Dingell, Lloyd Doggett, Eleanor Holmes Norton, and many others.

Statistics:

  • 10,000 Americans turn 65 each day.
  • The population of Americans aged 65 and older is expected to significantly increase over the next few decades.
  • The Older Americans Bill of Rights has 20 original cosponsors, including prominent House Representatives such as Debbie Dingell and Lloyd Doggett.

Sources:

  • United States House of Representatives -- Congresswoman Jan Schakowsky (9th District of Illinois) Full Text of Resolution (PDF)
  • Social Security Works
  • AFL-CIO
  • Long Term Care Community Coalition
  • The National Association of Nutrition and Aging Services Programs (NANASP)
  • Elder Justice Coalition
  • The Alliance for Retired Americans
  • The Diverse Elders Coalition
  • Gerontological Society of America
  • Alliance for Aging Research

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