Commission Will Hold Columbus Field Hearing September 24, 2001

Washington, D.C. The Commission on Affordable Housing and Health Facility Needs for Seniors in the 21st Century will hold its second field hearing at the Ohio Statehouse on September 24, 2001. The hearing is sponsored by the Association of Ohio Philanthropic Homes, Housing, and Services for the Aging and the Ohio Department of Aging. The hearing will begin at 8:30 a.m. in the House Finance Committee hearing room, room 313. The Commission will be joined by Congressman Patrick Tiberi (R-OH) who will deliver opening remarks welcoming the Commission to Columbus.

At the urging of President Bush and Congressional leaders who want every American and every institution of government to carry on their work in the aftermath of the terrorist attacks on September 11th, the Commission will proceed as scheduled with a field hearing in Columbus, OH on September 24th. "We are moving forward with our work despite heavy hearts," Executive Director Gerard Holder said, "The Congress has asked us to do a job and to look ahead to the needs of the next generation of seniors and that is what we are endeavoring to do." All but two Commissioner will be making their way to Columbus to fulfill the Commission's Congressional mandate. The field hearing will have five sessions:

• Opening Session(8:30 a.m. to 9:30 a.m.)
• Panel I - Streamlining Housing and Services Financing(9:30 a.m. to 11:00 a.m.)
• Panel II - Public Financing(11:15 a.m. to 12:45 p.m.)
• Panel III - Private Financing(1:15 p.m. to 2:45 p.m.)
• Public Comment Session(3:00 p.m. to 4:30 p.m.)

Invitation to the Public:
The Commission encourages all interested parties to attend the hearing and participate in the public session. Individuals will be permitted to give three-minute oral presentations to the commissioners as well as submit written testimony and proposals. Any interested parties are encouraged to submit their written testimony to the Commission via e-mail at shhc1@hud.gov. Issues are not limited to those addressed in the panel discussions. Those interested in participating at the open session should submit their names no later than 3:00 p.m. on the day of the event for the public comment session witness list and are welcome to submit their names via the above e-mail address to the Commission prior to the hearing.

For more information regarding the Columbus, Ohio hearing or the Seniors Commission, please contact Ken Trepeta at (202) 708-4302 Ext. 106 or (703) 216-2308 on Sunday, Monday, and Tuesday or via e-mail at Kenneth_Trepeta@hud.gov.

For further information on the Seniors Commission visit our website at: www.seniorscommission.gov