ONORATO: STATE WILL FULFILL COMMITMENT TO OLDER PENNSYLVANIANS

By ONORATO FOR GOVERNOR

PITTSBURGH: Today, Democratic gubernatorial candidate Dan Onorato detailed his strategy to improve Pennsylvanians’ quality of life as they age and deliver enhanced services along the entire continuum of care during a visit to Pittsburgh’s South Side Market House.

“Pennsylvania currently has the third highest percentage of older adults in the nation, and the oldest of the ‘Boomers’ will turn 65 next year,” Onorato said. “Our next governor must make the issues facing older Pennsylvanians a priority as the Boomers generation ages.”

As Governor, Onorato will ensure that Pennsylvania champions the needs of older adults and recognize their contributions to strengthening our communities by focusing on:
Enhancing the quality of life of Pennsylvanians as they age; and
Delivering quality services to older adults along the entire continuum of care.

“Allegheny County has more than 200,000 residents over the age of 65,”
Onorato continued. “And I am the only candidate for Governor who has run a county with a proven record of standing up for seniors.”

Pittsburgh’s South Side Market House has served the community as a recreation and community center since 1943. Renovated in 1978, the center hosts activities and provides resources for Pittsburgh’s seniors.

Onorato recognizes that Pennsylvania’s seniors are vital and vibrant members of our communities, and as Governor, he will:
Protect homeowners against skyrocketing property taxes.
Maximize the benefits and services available through the Pennsylvania Lottery and continue to dedicate Lottery funds to programs that benefit older Pennsylvanians.
Help communities to provide services seniors value and need.
Support caregivers who help meet the needs of older adults.
Ensure consumer and financial protections.
Prevent elder abuse.

As Allegheny County Executive, Onorato has enacted six consecutive budgets without raising property taxes, and he supported an increase in the amount of county-funded property tax relief by 50 percent. Onorato also fought an unfair property tax reassessment that could have driven older Pennsylvanians from their homes.

As the Boomer generation ages, Pennsylvania will see an increased demand for long-term living services, and our government must be as effective, efficient and responsive in meeting those needs. As Governor, Onorato will:
Support the successful PACE and PACENET prescription drug programs.
Maximize the benefits and services available through the Pennsylvania Lottery and continue to dedicate Lottery funds to programs that benefit older Pennsylvanians.
Expand support for home- and community-based care.
Support the Area Agencies on Aging and senior centers that Pennsylvanians rely on.
Recognize the role of nursing homes and ensure quality care.
Ensure that the direct care workforce is prepared to meet projected needs.

Onorato helped make Allegheny County the first county in Pennsylvania to offer a continuum of care to support the needs of its seniors while ensuring maximum independence. His Kane Regional Center Action Plan restructured county services to expand independent living, assisted living and transitional care choices while continuing to provide skilled nursing care to those who need it. Onorato also implemented the Allegheny County Link, one of Pennsylvania’s first resource centers to streamline access to long-term living services and provide reliable information to seniors and their family members.

###

pa2010.com publishes press releases, statements and other information from campaigns and political committees. We also publish legislative releases from candidates considering higher office in 2010 and from incumbents holding those offices. E-mail releases to press@pa2010.com.