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Senior Independence Act of 2006

Date: June 28, 2006
Location: Washington, DC
Issues: Education


SENIOR INDEPENDENCE ACT OF 2006

Ms. VELÁZQUEZ. Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of H.R. 5293, the ``Senior Independence Act of 2006,'' reauthorizing the Older Americans Act. This is an important measure for our Nation's seniors in delivering nutrition services, supportive services, and caregiver services. I am particularly appreciative of the bipartisan manner in which this measure was crafted by Chairman TIBERI and Ranking Member HINOJOSA, and thank them specifically for improvements in the law which would help to target individuals with limited English proficiency.

Though the bill offers valuable resources for our Nation's seniors, one area where I believe we can continue to make strides is in capitalizing on the experience older Americans can share with their communities. I have introduced legislation to establish a ``Silver Scholarship'' program--H.R. 5275--based on President Bush's 2001 proposal to reward seniors for their volunteer service. The Silver Scholarship program would provide an educational award to any senior, age 55 and older, who dedicates a set number of hours each year to volunteering in their communities. The educational award, or ``Silver Scholarship,'' would be fully transferable to a family member or any other deserving individual to help them pursue postsecondary education.

The first of the 77 million baby boomers turn 60 this year. This new ``senior'' population is the largest, healthiest, best educated population of older Americans in our history. Baby boomers are pioneers in a new stage spanning the decades between middle and late life, and represent an extraordinary pool of social and human capital. This initiative would foster senior service and invest in the education of the next generation of America's workforce.

While I understand this provision was not included in the reported version of H.R. 5293, I look forward to working with my colleagues as the process moves forward in the hopes that this worthy bipartisan initiative be promoted through our efforts.

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