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Mr. Bechill also has a long history with programs that serve our elderly citizens and has served a distinguished term as Commissioner on Aging. I look forward to hearing from these experts.

We have another expert here this morning. I am particularly pleased that Dr. Berry has joined us to share her recommendations about the reauthorization. We are all aware of Dr. Berry's accomplishments as Commissioner on Aging over the past several years. Under her leadership, AoA has been aggressive in creating stronger partnerships with state and local providers and in encouraging innovations of programs that are faced with growing demands.

I understand that over the past year Dr. Berry has held some hearings of her own throughout the country where providers and the elderly people they serve were able to speak directly to her about their needs and concerns. I look forward to her sharing with us today the insights that she gained from these efforts.

The Deputy Inspector General also has some insights to share with us this morning. Over the past two years, the Inspector General has been hard at work evaluating a number of AoA issues. Mr. Mangano's office has a well-known reputation for the high quality and objectivity of its work. As you may know, Mr. Mangano, our subcommittee has heard a great deal of testimony about the controversial issue of cost-sharing for in-home programs. I understand that you have just completed a study of state level programs that use cost-sharing to expand those services. I am certain that your testimony on that study will do much to aid our deliberations in this matter.

Mr. York also has much to add to our work today. The GAO studies have focused on how we can improve the aging network's ability to target services for low-income minority seniors, a goal that I believe we all share. I understand that his testimony will address ways to enhance information collection and technical assistance to program planners and service providers, and I look forward to hearing his recommendations on these important matters. Thank you, Mr. Chairman.

Chairman ROYBAL. Thank you. The Chair now recognizes Mr. Bilbray.

STATEMENT OF REPRESENTATIVE JAMES H. BILBRAY

Mr. BILBRAY. Thank you, Mr. Chairman. I will summarize very quickly my statement. Basically, I am here to support the Older Americans Act as most members of this committee are. I am bothered, however, by the Bush Administration's proposed cuts in the Older Americans Act specifically in Title V which funds the Senior Community Service Employment Program. This program has enabled low income older Americans to help themselves by working and helping others. This program employs seniors all across America and is a successful program as acclaimed by many community and business leaders.

I, along with many of my distinguished colleagues, signed a letter to Chairman Natcher, urging him not to allow this cut to go through. This program is an example of the success of the Older Americans Act, and, accordingly, any cuts in this funding would be imprudent and unwise. I hope that this committee, from the testi

mony we receive today, will continue to be a strong support for the Older Americans Act and resist all attempts to cut this program which is so vitally needed, and I would submit my entire statement for the record.

Chairman ROYBAL. Without objection, it will be ordered.

[The prepared statement of Mr. Bilbray follows:]

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In this Aging Committee hearing on the reauthorization of the Older Americans Act I am eager to learn from the testimony of the witnesses here today. I hope that this Committee and the rest of Congress stand behind the Older Americans Act to further strengthen its successful programs.

The Older Americans Act contains the only Federal programs not based on income levels or other distinctions, rather it was established solely to help all Americans over the age of 60. Unfortunately, it seems that a large portion of America's elderly population is unaware of the programs offered by this Act, particularly the minority elderly. I am hopeful that through the testimony to be given today we in Congress will be able to revise and improve the Older Americans Act so that every American over 60 years of age can enjoy the benefits which come from its programs.

I am bothered by the fact that the Bush Administration has proposed cuts in the Older Americans Act, specifically in Title V which funds the Senior Community Service Employment Program (SCSEP). This program has enabled low-income older Americans to help themselves by working and helping others. SCSEP employs seniors all across America and is a successful program as acclaimed by many community and business leaders. I, along with many of my distinguished colleagues, signed a letter to Chairman Natcher urging him not to allow this cut to go through. SCSEP is an example of the success of the Older Americans Act and accordingly any cuts in its funding would be imprudent and unwise.

slash

I stand firm in my resolve to halt attempts to funding levels for the Older Americans Act, and I support the Act being funded at appropriate FY1992 levels. I also hope that these hearings will provide us with the necessary information to adequately revise the Act so that it will be a more effective instrument in supporting the seniors of our nation.

mony we receive today, will continue to be a strong support for the Older Americans Act and resist all attempts to cut this program which is so vitally needed, and I would submit my entire statement for the record.

Chairman ROYBAL. Without objection, it will be ordered.

[The prepared statement of Mr. Bilbray follows:]

[blocks in formation]

In this Aging Committee hearing on the reauthorization of the Older Americans Act I am eager to learn from the testimony of the witnesses here today. I hope that this Committee and the rest of Congress stand behind the Older Americans Act to further strengthen its successful programs.

The Older Americans Act contains the only Federal programs not based on income levels or other distinctions, rather it was established solely to help all Americans over the age of 60. Unfortunately, it seems that a large portion of America's elderly population is unaware of the programs offered by this Act, particularly the minority elderly. I am hopeful that through the testimony to be given today we in Congress will be able to revise and improve the Older Americans Act so that every American over 60 years of age can enjoy the benefits which come from its programs.

I am bothered by the fact that the Bush Administration has proposed cuts in the Older Americans Act, specifically in Title V which funds the Senior Community Service Employment Program (SCSEP). This program has enabled low-income older Americans to help themselves by working and helping others. SCSEP employs seniors all across America and is a successful program as acclaimed by many community and business leaders. I, along with many of my distinguished colleagues, signed a letter to Chairman Natcher urging him not to allow this cut to go through. SCSEP is an example of the success of the Older Americans Act and accordingly any cuts in its funding would be imprudent and unwise.

I stand firm in my resolve to halt attempts to slash funding levels for the Older Americans Act, and I support the Act being funded at appropriate FY1992 levels. I also hope that these hearings will provide us with the necessary information to adequately revise the Act so that it will be a more effective instrument in supporting the seniors of our nation.

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