America's population is aging. Ann Wynia believes we need public policies
that enhance the economic security of seniors and their ability to live
independent, productive lives in their communities. The senior population
is an important resource for this country and we need policies that
recognize and draw upon the enormous talents seniors can contribute to
the community at large.
Public policies should empower seniors to make their own choices with
regard to living arrangements and should provide greater access to home-
and community-based care alternatives. Seniors living in greater
Minnesota sometimes face additional challenges because of the absence of
public transportation and accessible medical services. Public policies
must take these geographic differences into account.
The Wynia Record
As Commissioner of Human Services, Ann Wynia participated in public
hearings all across Minnesota to listen directly to seniors and learn
their concerns. Under her leadership, the Department of Human Services
developed the Seniors Agenda for Independent Living, a set of
recommendations for state lawmakers designed to improve the ability of
seniors to live as independently as possible.
As a state legislator, Ann Wynia worked to enact legislation that:
- Established an insurance information program and ensured that seniors
received good value when purchasing Medicare supplement insurance
policies;
- Provided funding for home- and community-based care alternatives for
seniors who might otherwise need institutional care;
- Increased the voice of nursing home residents and their families in
care decisions;
- Appropriated money for research into Alzheimer's disease;
- Protected vulnerable adults from physical and mental abuse by those who
should be their protectors;
- Gave seniors and others the right to direct medical care decisions
through a Living Will;
- Authorized free bus fares for seniors; and
- Expanded the opportunities for seniors to participate in volunteer
programs such as Senior Grandparents, Senior Companions, meal services,
and RSVP.
As a community volunteer, Ann Wynia helped found the innovative Block
Nurse Program, which serves seniors in their homes and gives them and
their families an alternative to nursing home placement. This creative
program utilizes the skills of professional caregivers as well as
community volunteers to enhance seniorsU quality of life in a
cost-effective manner.
As Your U.S. Senator
Ann Wynia will continue her commitment to Minnesota's seniors as a member
of the United States Senate. One of her primary concerns is how health
care reform legislation will affect senior citizens. She will work to see
that health care legislation includes:
- Long-term care coverage;
- A home health care component that permits seniors to receive care in
their homes rather than forcing them into nursing homes;
- A guarantee that Medicare funding will not be sacrificed; and
- Controls on the costs of prescription drugs.
No senior can find peace of mind if his or her retirement security is
threatened. As a U.S. Senator, Ann Wynia will:
- Demand a strict accounting of both the Social Security Administration
trust fund and the federal pension fund to ensure their solvency; and
- Work for improved oversight of private pension funds to ensure that
their investment policies are sound and that they are adequately funded.
Ann Wynia will work to expand the range of housing options available to
seniors and improve access to safe and affordable transportation services
regardless of the area where one livesPurban, rural, or suburban. Good
public transportation is needed, as are programs utilizing the talents of
senior volunteer drivers.
A Voice for Seniors
Ann Wynia believes that seniors should be secure in the knowledge that
they have access to health care and other services that maximize their
opportunity to live independent lives and make their own choices.
Seniors have already contributed a great deal to their country and
community, and they deserve respect and dignity in return. Seniors also
continue to contribute to their communities as volunteers, and policies
that enhance their health and well being benefit not only them but our
society at large.
Ann Wynia will continue to listen to and work for seniors as a member of
the U.S. Senate.
Prepared by Wynia for Senate, 1916 University Avenue, St. Paul, MN 55104
Telephone/Fax: (612)646-6510/646-6944
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