Klobuchar Introduces Legislation to Support Seniors and Caregivers

Press Release

U.S. Senator Amy Klobuchar (D-MN) reintroduced two bills to help support seniors during the coronavirus pandemic. The Americans Giving Care to Elders (AGE) Act, introduced with Senators Dianne Feinstein (D-CA) and Tina Smith (D-MN), will provide financial relief to caregivers by creating a tax credit for the costs of caring for an aging relative, while the Senior Corps Distance Volunteering Act, introduced with Senator Bill Cassidy (R-LA), will ensure seniors can continue to safely volunteer during the coronavirus pandemic through remote and virtual volunteer activities.

As a population particularly vulnerable to the coronavirus, seniors and their caregivers face unique challenges. In-person caregiving now comes with increased health risks and, often, monetary costs. Many seniors -- the single largest group of national service participants -- have been unable to continue volunteer activities, distancing them from their communities and causing organizations to face volunteer shortages.

"We know that this pandemic has taken a toll on seniors and their caregivers, both emotionally and financially," said Sen. Klobuchar. "This legislation will allow seniors to stay connected to their communities and offset the cost of caregiving to ensure those who look after seniors -- often family members -- are able not just to take care of others, but also themselves."

Throughout her time in the Senate, Klobuchar has been fighting to ensure that older Americans can live with dignity, access to good health care, and the peace of mind that their personal information is safe.

In January, Klobuchar and Senator Jerry Moran (R-KS) introduced the Protecting Seniors from Emergency Scams Act, which would direct the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) to report scams targeting seniors during the pandemic to Congress and make recommendations on how to prevent future scams during emergencies. Last Congress, this legislation to help fight scams designed to strip seniors of their assets passed the House and Senate.

In October 2017, the bipartisan Court-Appointed Guardian Accountability and Senior Protection Act Klobuchar introduced with Senator John Cornyn (R-TX) was signed into law as part of the Elder Abuse Prevention and Prosecution Act. The law helps crack down on elder abuse by strengthening oversight and accountability for guardians and conservators.

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