Bilirakis receives Guardian of Seniors’ Rights Award

 By Special to The Laker/Lutz News

U.S. Rep. Gus Bilirakis has been recognized for championing seniors’ rights.

He has been awarded the Guardian of Seniors’ Rights Award from the American Association of Senior Citizens, according to a news release from Bilirakis’ office.

The award acknowledges Bilirakis’ continuous efforts to preserve critical programs that benefit seniors, such as Medicare and Social Security, the release says.

The congressman also championed a wide range of legislative measures aimed to prevent exploitation, enhance supportive services, ensure access to quality care options and provide financial relief for our nation’s seniors.

Bilirakis has been a strong supporter of the Older Americans Act reauthorization, which provides funding to help seniors age independently in their homes, and of the Community Development Block Grant, which funds critical senior programs, such as Meals on Wheels, the release noted.

He has fought to expand and protect access to Medicare Advantage, a flexible option chosen by nearly half of the seniors who reside throughout Florida’s 12th congressional district. Locally, he also recently secured $2 million in federal funds for a senior center in Central Pasco County and has sponsored a community budget project to provide an additional $2 million in funding for affordable senior housing options throughout Pasco County, according to the release.

“It is said that a society can be judged by how well it treats its most vulnerable populations,” Bilirakis said, in the release.

 “As a former elder law attorney, I understand the challenges that many seniors face as they endeavor to age with dignity – and with as much independence as possible. Record inflation has hit seniors particularly hard, which is unfair given that most live on a fixed income. We have to do more to ensure cost of living adjustment more accurately reflects the pressures seniors face and to ensure they have access to high quality care and treatments. I will always continue fighting to ensure a strong safety net to protect all seniors, and I am honored to receive this prestigious award.”

Published August 09, 2023

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Bilirakis receives Guardian of Seniors’ Rights Award