July 28, 2006

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

Contacts: Sarah Mashburn, AAHSA, (202) 508-9492

AAHSA Honors Maryland Senator for Commitment to Seniors

BALTIMORE, M.D. – Sen. Paul Sarbanes (D-M.D) received the American Association of Homes and Services for the Aging’s (AAHSA) "Distinguished Service in Aging" award for his long-time leadership in advocating for expansion of affordable housing for seniors. AAHSA President & CEO Larry Minnix presented the award at AAHSA’s Leadership Summit, which was held at the Baltimore Marriott Waterfront.

Throughout his career, Sarbanes has worked extensively to advance the federal government’s responsibility not only to construct new housing but also preserve the affordable housing stock, an issue even more pressing now as the aging population explodes. Sen. Sarbanes has pressed repeatedly for HUD to fulfill its responsibilities as an effective manager of housing operations, and its obligation to advocate for adequate resources to keep its program going.

Most recently, Sen. Sarbanes sponsored of S. 705, the Meeting the Housing and Service Needs of Seniors Act. The bill, which the Senate unanimously approved in November 2005, establishes a council within the executive branch comprised of department and agency secretaries to coordinate the programs that serve America's seniors. As the ranking Democrat on the Senate Committee on Banking, Housing and Urban Affairs, Sarbanes championed this legislation among his fellow senators and committee members.

"Sen. Sarbanes knows that what this country needs is a system to help all seniors find the housing and services they need and deserve," said Minnix. "This award is in honor of that commitment and his contributions to seniors throughout his three decades in public service."

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About AAHSA
The members of the American Association of Homes and Services for the Aging (www.aahsa.org) help millions of individuals and their families every day through mission-driven, not-for-profit organizations dedicated to providing the services that people need, when they need them, in the place they call home. Our 5,800 member organizations, many of which have served their communities for generations, offer the continuum of aging services: adult day services, home health, community services, senior housing, assisted living residences, continuing care retirement communities and nursing homes. AAHSA’s commitment is to create the future of aging services through quality people can trust.