U.S. Rep. Gus Bilirakis, R-Fla., announced this week that he has been honored by the American Association of Senior Citizens with its Guardian of Seniors’ Rights Award “for his continued advocacy on behalf of our nation’s seniors.”
The congressman’s office offered some of the reasons why Bilirakis was honored with the award.
“In addition to consistently fighting to preserve critical programs that benefit seniors, such as Medicare and Social Security, Congressman Bilirakis has championed a wide range of legislative measures aimed to prevent exploitation, enhance supportive services, ensure access to quality care options, and provide financial relief for our nation’s seniors. He has also been a strong supporter of the Older Americans Act reauthorization which provides funding to help seniors age independently in their homes and of the Community Development Block Grant, which funds critical senior programs such as Meals on Wheels. Additionally, Bilirakis has fought to expand and protect access to Medicare Advantage, a flexible option chosen by almost half of the seniors who reside throughout Florida’s 12th Congressional District. Locally, he has also recently secured $2 million in federal funds for a senior center in Central Pasco County and has sponsored a community budget project to provide an additional $2 million in funding for affordable senior housing options throughout Pasco County,” the congressman’s office noted.
“It is said that a society can be judged by how well it treats its most vulnerable populations,” said Bilirakis. “As a former elder law attorney, I understand the challenges that many seniors face as they endeavor to age with dignity – and with as much independence as possible. Record inflation has hit seniors particularly hard, which is unfair given that most live on a fixed income. We have to do more to ensure cost of living adjustment more accurately reflect the pressures seniors face and to ensure they have access to high quality care and treatments. I will always continue fighting to ensure a strong safety net to protect all seniors, and I am honored to receive this prestigious award.
“Your work on behalf of America’s seniors exemplifies public service at its best,” said Saul Anuzis, the president of the American Association of Senior Citizens. “Your willingness to fight to protect Social Security and Medicare is much appreciated. Whenever we have needed you, we have always been able to count on your help.”
Now 60, Bilirakis was first elected to Congress in 2006 after eight years in the Florida House. He currently represents all of Citrus, Hernando, and parts of Pasco Counties in a secure district for Republicans.
