June 15, 2005

Aging Committee explores options to offer more assistance to low-income seniors

Washington, DC – Sen. Gordon Smith (R-OR), Chairman of the Senate Special Committee on Aging, today held a hearing exploring how America’s seniors are impacted by the rising cost of energy and what measures Congress can take to solve this growing problem.

Prices for natural gas and home heating oil have risen steadily over the past year, affecting all Americans but hitting seniors on fixed incomes hardest.

“Surging energy prices are taking an enormous toll on our nation’s senior citizens, many of whom are paying up to 35 percent of their incomes just to cover their utility bills,” said Smith. “When seniors are forced with the choice of heating their homes or putting food on their tables, action must be taken to help ease the burden.”

In addition, gasoline prices that average over $2 per gallon and are not projected to decline in the near future are affecting seniors’ ability to perform everyday activities such as shopping for groceries, attending medical appointments, and visiting family. Local governments curtailing or increasing the cost of public transportation further hinders the mobility and independence of America’s elderly population.

The Aging Committee heard from a panel of experts who discussed the outlook of energy prices, how seniors are impacted and how organizations are helping poor seniors manage their utility bills. Testimony was given on the importance of programs such as the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP), and the Federal Transit Administration’s Section 5310 program, which is the major transit program for seniors and the disabled.

“While we debate a comprehensive energy policy to manage America’s long-term needs, we are faced with serious short-term problems,” said Smith. “Until we are able to stabilize energy costs, we must increase funding for critical safety-net programs like LIHEAP to ensure our poor and elderly do not suffer because of Congress’ inaction.”

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