The Advisory Council of the Central Coast Commission for Senior Citizens, Area Agency on Aging (AAA), voted at its August meeting to support HEROES Act, a proposed stimulus bill in response to the COVID19 pandemic.
“The Area Agency on Aging Advisory Council is pleased to support the HEROES Act because of its recognition of the serious community impacts of the COVID19 pandemic on our local senior citizens ,” stated Barry Jay Marks, Chair, Area Agency on Aging Advisory Council. “It is recognized that senior citizens are among the most vulnerable to the COVID19 virus.”
“Many of our local programs were able to expand and/or pivot to meet the needs of local older adults due to the resources provided by the CARES Act”, continued Mr. Marks. “For example, the Area Agency on Aging has increased allocations for the provision of meals to be delivered to the homes of hundreds of senior citizen clients never previously served. Seniors have responded affirmatively to the call to shelter in place and need food delivery, as well as delivery of groceries and prescription medications.”
“Members of the AAA Advisory Council believe that the next stimulus bill from the federal government needs to continue to provide funding to meet the needs of older adults,” continued Mr. Marks. “Another need that must be addressed in the next stimulus bill is the supplemental unemployment insurance payment. Even in good times, seniors face age discrimination in employment. With a scarcity of jobs, the supplemental UI payments allowed older adults seeking employment the ability to survive through their job loss. Many older adults, not yet eligible for social security at age 62 years, need employment.”
“The other proposed stimulus bill, Heal Act, fails to meet the needs of older adults”, continued Mr. Marks. “It doesn’t include any additional monies for meals and other services for older adults, as the COVID19 pandemic continues.”
“Many senior citizens who continue to contact this Agency express fear and anxiety about this pandemic situation and their vulnerability”, stated joyce ellen lippman, AAA Director. “Some have found that their families and neighbors can no longer assist and they are now looking for community resources. Few expected this social isolation and loneliness to continue this long.”
For additional information contact Barry Jay Marks, Area Agency on Aging Advisory Council Chair, or Mrs. lippman, AAA Director, at 805-925-9554, 1-800-510-2020, www.CentralCoastSeniors.org, or [email protected] .
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