government
Lawmakers want seniors bill of rights recognized
NEWS IN BRIEF — Posted June 28, 2010
Sen. Debbie Stabenow (D, Mich.) on June 15 introduced a Senate resolution urging Congress to adopt a "Seniors Bill of Rights" to ensure that the elderly have access to financial security; quality and affordable health care; a strong economy; safe and livable communities; and protection from abuse, scams and exploitation.
The resolution is co-sponsored by Sen. Bob Casey (D, Pa.), and companion legislation was introduced in the House by Reps. Jan Schakowsky (D, Ill.) and Doris Matsui (D, Calif.). The lawmakers noted that millions of seniors rely on government programs such as Medicare, Social Security and Tricare. "This Congress is committed to seniors' issues and enacting public policy that will strengthen Medicare, improve health care, put in place critical Wall Street reforms and help protect seniors from financial scams," said Matsui, co-chair of the Seniors Task Force in the House.
Said Stabenow, "Sadly, our seniors have been among the hardest hit during this economic downturn and have struggled to keep a roof over their heads, put food on the table and buy the medicine they need to stay healthy."
Note: This item originally appeared at http://www.ama-assn.org/amednews/2010/06/28/gvbf0628.htm.
