(Washington, DC) Today, Congressman John Yarmuth (KY-3) was announced as the 2009 recipient of the National Aging Impact Award by the Southeastern Association of Area Agencies on Aging. Given to just one national public policymaker each year, the Aging Impact Award recognizes contributions that benefit the quality of life for older Americans in the areas of advocacy, public policy change, and developing and expanding support programs.

“I am truly honored to receive this award, and accept it knowing that I will continue to work to ensure older Americans will be able to live out their golden years with the security and peace of mind that they have earned,” said Congressman Yarmuth. “I believe a true measure of the character of a nation can be found in how it treats and cares for its older generations. America’s seniors spent decades working toward retirement, raising families and contributing to our communities.  Yet, far too often, they are neglected by the very institutions that are supposed to support them. I am proud to fight to restore our national commitment to older Americans.”

During his time in the U.S. House, Congressman Yarmuth has worked to allow the Department of Health and Human Services to negotiate prescription drug prices for Medicare enrollees and supported continued funding increases for programs included in the Older Americans Act.  As a Member of the House Ways and Means Social Security Subcommittee, Congressman Yarmuth has championed policies that support the long-term sustainability of Social Security. While receiving a 100 career percent approval rating from the Alliance for Retired Americans, Congressman Yarmuth has introduced the ElderServe Act - legislation that would fund programs to curb elder abuse through community-focused collaboration.

Past winners of the Aging Impact Award include Congressmen Jack Kingston (GA-1) and Sanford Bishop (GA-2) as well as Kentucky State Representative Jimmie Lee.