WASHINGTON, DC – U.S. Senators Pat Roberts (R-KS) and Ken Salazar (D-CO) have introduced a resolution to recognize the 50^th Anniversary of the founding of the American Association of Retired Persons (AARP). They were joined by 28 bipartisan colleagues in introducing this resolution.

"I was pleased to introduce this resolution to honor an organization that is committed to improving the quality of life for older Americans," Senator Roberts said. "I particularly want to thank the over 375,000 Kansas members of the AARP who continue to give me valuable advice and counsel on issues important to them."

Founded in 1958, AARP is a nonprofit, nonpartisan organization with over 40 million members dedicated to improving the quality of life for people age 50 and older.

The resolution says, "Resolved, That the Senate recognizes and commends AARP for 50 years of outstanding service to persons age 50 and older and to future generations of persons age 50+."

Recently, Senator Roberts worked closely with his partners in the Kansas AARP chapter by working to get a Medicare reform bill signed into law. The bill, The Medicare Improvements for Patients and Providers Act (P.L. 110-275), strengthens and improves the Medicare program for Kansas patients and providers, improving benefits for Kansas seniors while holding off drastic cuts to Medicare physician payments. As a member of the Senate Finance Committee, Senator Roberts was an outspoken advocate for this important legislation which includes improved Medicare benefits for Kansas seniors, including expanded preventive care coverage, lower cost-sharing for mental health services and additional help for low-income seniors.

"My support for the Medicare bill was easy," Senator Roberts said. "It was the right thing to do for Kansas seniors and health providers."

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