document was drafted through the facilities of the Department's Transportation Systems Center's Technology Sharing Program Office. It has been revised based on State and local comments received at a workshop held during June 1974, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. This workshop was co-sponsored by the Secretary of Transportation's Office of R&D Policy and the UMTA Office of Transit Management. Some 3,000 copies of the document have been requested to date, and queries for further information continue to come in. The workshop sessions were videotaped, and a summary overview tape is also being disseminated.

The Technology Sharing Program has prepared a preliminary outline of a proposed rural transportation state-of-the-art document. A final validated document is expected to be completed by July 1975. In addition, UMTA may sponsor a conference on the entire area of handicapped and elderly transportation problems in conjunction with the Transportation Systems Center Technology Sharing Program office.

F. INTERAGENCY COOPERATION

The Federal Railroad Administration has continued to cooperate with the marketing and operating departments of Amtrak to assure that new equipment design and new or renovated terminals include methods to facilitate movement of mobility limited individuals. In an engineering design study of a contemplated new metroliner train station in New Carrollton, Maryland, the contractor has specific responsibility to include methods of easing the transportation problems of the mobility limited.

Personnel from DOT have worked closely with personnel from the Administration on Aging in the development of the report to Congress on the state-of-theart of transportation for the elderly. This report is required under Title IV, Section 12, of the Older Americans Act.

The Department of Transportation and the Administration on Aging signed a working agreement aimed at assuring maximum coordination and mutual support between the programs of the Department of Transportation and the Administration on Aging. The agreement sets forth the UMTA objective of providing capital grants and loans to private nonprofit corporations and associations to assist them in meeting the special transportation needs of the elderly and handicapped for whom mass transportation services are otherwise unavailable, insufficient, or inappropriate. From the standpoint of the Administration on Aging, the agreement aids in facilitating the implementation of its programs by helping to provide transportation services for the elderly as part of a coordinated comprehensive delivery system.

The Department of Transportation and the Department of Housing and Urban Development signed a working agreement aimed at increasing the mobility of the elderly and handicapped living in HUD-assisted housing. The agreement, which is being circulated to all Federally assisted housing projects and to DOT field staff, is aimed at improving utilization of Federal Highway Administration and Urban Mass Transportation Administration programs to assist these persons.

ITEM 9. DEPARTMENT OF THE TREASURY

FEBRUARY 20, 1975.

DEAR MR. CHAIRMAN: On behalf of the Secretary of the Treasury I am furnishing you with a summary of significant activities benefiting the elderly. This summary describes work being done by the Internal Revenue Service and the Bureau of Government Financial Operations.

We in the Department of the Treasury are continuing to make assistance to the elderly a priority program. Efforts in this area involve not only improvements in the delivery of services, but also the formulation of legislative proposals to simplify the burdens imposed on the aged and retired populations.

If I can provide additional assistance to the Committee, please let me know and I shall be more than happy to furnish it.

With kind regards,

Sincerely,

DONALD C. ALEXANDER, Commissioner.

[Enclosure]

INTERNAL REVENUE SERVICE ACTIVITIES AFFECTING THE AGED The Internal Revenue Service has for some time been concerned with an emphasized providing the elderly with tax assistance. In 1974 the Service was active in several areas directly associated with providing assistance: -Conducted as part of the general Voluntary Income Tax Assistance Program (VITA) a tax aide volunteer program focused on the elderly and retired. The program was conducted in cooperation with the Institute of Lifetime Learning and the National Retired Teachers Association.

-Provided material to the Institute of Lifetime Learning with specific instructions about the Retirement Income Credit and other topics of special interest to the elderly.

-Assisted community colleges in developing adult education programs relating to tax benefits for senior citizens and the preparation of tax returns. -Conducting two day institutes to over 5,000 senior citizens, who in turn assisted approximately 145,000 elderly and retired taxpayers. -Emphasized in the Taxpayer Service Representative (TSR) training topics of concern to older Americans, such as Retirement Income Credit, taxability of pensions and annuities, additional exemptions for age, and sales of personal residences. Also included was extensive training on the preparation of Schedule E (reporting of pension and annuity income), 1040ES (estimated tax return filed by many elderly taxpayers with fixed incomes from which no taxes are withheld), and Schedule R (Retirement Income Credit). The Revenue Service also has designed an individual tax return in line with legislative proposals for tax simplification. The simplified return would be particularly helpful for elderly taxpayers, but implementation would of course require enactment of the legislative proposals. In the interim the Service is examining the feasibility of a separate tax return package for the elderly. New efforts to assist the retired and elderly in 1975 include: -Additional emphasis in the TSR training program in assistance to the elderly. including a special review session on tax benefits available for senior citizens. -Designation of taxpayer assistance to the elderly as a special emphasis program, which involves districts making special effort to assist the elderly. -Provision for additional taxpayer assistance in areas of the community with high concentrations of elderly residents. This entails dispatching TSR's to nursing homes, hospitals, leisure world locations, state welfare offices, and Social Security offices.

-Work with the Social Security Administration to develop a comprehensive approach to the problems of the elderly and retired.

BUREAU OF GOVERNMENT FINANCIAL OPERATIONS ACTIVITIES AFFECTING

THE AGED

The Bureau in 1974 participated in two significant programs involving the elderly:

-Implemented in conjunction with Social Security a pilot program by which Social Security beneficiaries may receive their payments by credit to their accounts in financial institutions. Such a system virtually eliminates loss, theft, forgery, and delays in receiving credit when the beneficiary is away from home. Extension of the pilot is now underway with nationwide implementation scheduled by the fall of 1975, and plans are underway to afford this direct deposit option to other elderly check recipients. -Issued Supplementary Security Income (SSI) checks on distinctive yellow stock to facilitate negotiation and priority processing. This also facilitates issuance of substitute checks to claimants on an expedited basis.

ITEM 10. ACTION

FEBRUARY 7, 1975.

DEAR MR. CHAIRMAN: In response to your request of December 20, 1974, I am enclosing a report summarizing ACTION's activities for Older Americans. Please let me know if additional information is needed on any of our Volunteer programs.

Kind personal regards.
Sincerely,

CARLTON KAMMERER,

Assistant Director of ACTION, Congressional Affairs.

[Enclosures]

DOMESTIC VOLUNTEER PROGRAMS

VOLUNTEERS IN SERVICE TO AMERICA (VISTA)

Volunteers in Service to America (VISTA) was originally authorized under Title VIII, Section 801, of the Economic Opportunity Act of 1964, as amended. The Program was transferred to ACTION in July 1971. It is now authorized under Title I, Part A, Section 101 of the Domestic Volunteer Service Act of 1973.

In fiscal years 1973 and 1974 approximately 11 percent of all VISTA Volunteers worked on projects geared specifically toward services to older people. Many other VISTA projects, though not directed solely toward the elderly, impact significantly on the problems of the aged.

Other VISTA Volunteer activities in which older persons are among those receiving benefits include health-related services such as food and nutrition, housing, legal services, welfare assistance and referral services.

Approximately 10.8 percent of the VISTA Volunteers serving as of January 1, 1975, are 55 years of age and older. The breakdown is as follows:

These older Volunteers work in a variety of programs across the VISTA spectrum. We anticipate approximately the same effort for fiscal year 1975.

THE FOSTER GRANDPARENT PROGRAM (FGP)

The Foster Grandparent Program (FGP) provides opportunities for lowincome persons, age 60 and over, to offer supportive person-to-person Volunteer services in health, education, welfare, and related settings to children with special needs.

The Program was originally developed as a cooperative effort between the Office of Economic Opportunity and the Department of Health, Education, and Welfare (Administration on Aging). It was given a legislative basis in 1969 under Title VI, Part B, of the Older Americans Act of 1965, as amended. In July 1971 the Program was transferred to ACTION in accordance with Executive Reorganization Plan No. 1. Current authorizing legislation is Title II, Part B of Public Law 93-113, the Domestic Volunteer Service Act of 1973.

The Foster Grandparent Program is designed to meet the needs of two groups: the low-income aging and children with physical, mental, social or emotional health needs. This activity is intended to enable older persons to maintain a sense of personal growth and self-worth, to enrich social contacts and retain physical and mental alertness. Foster Grandparents do not displace salaried staff, but complement staff care to special children with the love and personal concern essential to their well-being.

ACTION grants to support the operation of Foster Grandparent Programs are awarded to public or private non-profit agencies and organizations except program settings where Foster Grandparents serve. These settings include institutions for the mentally retarded; correctional facilities; pediatric wards of gen eral hospitals; schools, day care centers, private homes; and institutions for physically handicapped, emotionally disturbed, and dependent and neglected children. Foster Grandparents serve four hours a day, five days a week, and receive a small stipend for their service. They are also reimbursed for, or provided with, transportation and, where possible, are provided a nutritious meal daily. They are covered by accident insurance and receive annual physical examinations. An orientation and in-service training program is provided; and through the professional staff of each program, Foster Grandparents receive Counseling on personal matters and information and referral services.

In fiscal year 1974, with an appropriation of $25 million, the Foster Grandparent Program expanded from 150 to 156 local programs in 50 states, Puerto Rico, the Virgin Islands, and the District of Columbia. This growth will permit 12,200 Foster Grandparents to serve 24,000 children each day. During fiscal year 1975 ACTION expects to maintain the current project and Volunteer strength.

48-635 75 19

In a recent survey of over 950 Foster Grandparents, 95% of the Volunteers reported improved "satisfaction with life"; 94% reported improved "feeling of usefulness to others", and 92% reported improved "happiness" and "less financial worry." In addition, 75% of those Foster Grandparents queried reported that the Foster Grandparent Program was one of the most important events to occur during the past five years of their lives.

In many instances the Foster Grandparent Program offers to the children served an opportunity to participate more fully in the activities and joys of life. One Foster Grandparent, a retired typist, has helped a severely retarded cerebral palsy victim learn how to walk for the first time in his thirteen years. Another Foster Grandparent has taught a blind and hydrocephalic child to feed himself and talk; as a result of the Grandparent's efforts, the boy, who had not been home for years, is now able to visit at home for extended periods of time. And Jim, a child with severe hearing impairment and no speech, has been transformed from a withdrawn, silent loner into a curious, expressive boy able to communicate in sign language, thanks in part to the efforts of his Foster Grandparent. Numerous other examples attest to the ability of Foster Grandparents to train the "untrainable" and give reason for hope to the "hopeless."

The Foster Grandparent Program has provided many insights ito the potential utilization of the elderly in community settings by demonstrating that older persons have the talent, skills, experience, and desire to serve their communities. This desire to serve was expressed repeatedly by older persons at the 1971 White House Conference on Aging. The Conference Section on Retirement Roles and Activities established this need as a national priority.

SERVICE CORPS OF RETIRED EXECUTIVES (SCORE)

The Service Corps of Retired Executives (SCORE) is a Volunteer program that links retired businessmen and women who have management expertise with the owners/managers of small businesses and community organizations that need management counseling. Since SCORE began in 1965, it has responded to more than 250,000 requests for assistance and in fiscal year 1974 handled more than 43,000 management counseling cases. It is sponsored by ACTION and the Small Business Administration.

There are now approximately 5,000 SCORE Volunteers serving in all 50 states, the District of Columbia, and Puerto Rico. SCORE Volunteer growth has resulted in the formation of more than 250 chapters across the country.

SCORE Volunteers work in their home communities. There are very few forms of private enterprise that have not received their assistance. To name a few grocery and drug stores, restaurants, hardware stores, fast food franchisees, repair shops, dry cleaners, clothing stores, truckers, laundries, and a wide variety of small manufacturers. SCORE counseling is especially helpful to those persons considering going into business.

Volunteers in this program provide their services without charge, but are reimbursed for out-of-pocket expenses.

THE SENIOR COMPANION PROGRAM (SCP)

The purpose of the Senior Companion Program is to provide meaningful opportunities for low-income persons, age 60 and over, to offer person-to-person supportive services to adults, especially older persons, living in their own homes and in residential and non-residential group care facilities.

The Senior Companion Program, an Older Americans Community Service Program, was originally authorized under Title VI, Part B, of the Older Americans Comprehensive Services Amendments of 1973. Current authorizing legislation is Title II, Part B, of Public Law 93-113, the Domestic Volunteer Service Act of 1973.

The Senior Companion Program became operational in fiscal year 1974 and there are now 18 demonstration projects established nationwide with 750 Senior Companions as of December 31, 1974.

The Senior Companion Program, like the Foster Grandparent Program, primarily benefits low-income older persons. It provides them with opportunities through Volunteer service to maintain a sense of self-worth, retain physical and mental alertness, and enrich social contacts. Additionally, the program's provision of a stipend and other direct benefits enable them to partially overcome the combined hardships of poverty and old age.

ACTION grants to support the operation of Senior Companion Programs are awarded to public and private non-profit agencies and organizations, Volunteer Stations where Senior Companions serve include hospitals, nursing homes, intermediate care facilities or home for the aged, various health, welfare or related settings in a community.

Senior Companions serve four hours a day, five days a week, and receive a small stipend for their service. They are also reimbursed for, or provided with, transportation and, where possible, a nutritious meal daily. They are covered by accident insurance and receive annual physical examinations. An orientation and in-service training program is provided; and through the professional staff of each project, Senior Companions receive counseling on personal matters and information and referral services.

In fiscal year 1974 ACTION awarded grants totalling $2.4 million to establish the 18 pilot projects to support the services of approximately 1,000 Senior Companions who, in turn, will serve approximately 3,000 to 4,000 adults. The persons served are primarily older persons with special needs. During fiscal year 1975 ACTION shall continue to support the 18 demonstration projects.

THE RETIRED SENIOR VOLUNTEER PROGRAM (RSVP)

The purpose of the Retired Senior Volunteer Program is to develop a recognized role in the community and a meaningful life in retirement for older adults through significant Volunteer service.

Originally authorized under the Older Americans Act Amendments of 1969, RSVP became operational in 1971 when the Department of Health, Education, and Welfare (Administration on Aging) funded eleven pilot projects. In July 1971 the Program was transferred to ACTION in accordance with Executive Reorganization Plan No. 1. Current authorizing legislation is Title II, Part A of Public Law 93-113, the Domestic Volunteer Service Act of 1973.

ACTION grants are awarded to local public agencies and nonprofit private organizations to support the development and operation of RSVP's providing Volunteer opportunities for persons 60 years of age and over. Either transportation, or assistance with the costs of transportation, is provided between the homes of senior Volunteers and their Volunteer Stations. When senior Volunteers serve over a meal hour, meals are available without cost to them at many Volunteer Stations. Accident insurance is provided for all RSVP Volunteers.

As an inherently local program, each RSVP is locally planned, operated, controlled, and supported. Federal funding is provided on an annually decreasing basis for the first 5 years of a local project's operation. According to legislation enacted July 12, 1974 (P.L. 93-351 amending Section 201 of P.L. 93-113), sponsors are generally expected to meet locally 10% of the cost of the project in the first year of operation, 20% in the second, 30% in the third, 40% in the fourth, and 50% in the fifth. Exceptions to this requirement may be granted by ACTION in individual cases of demonstrated need.

Retired Senior Volunteer Programs encourage organizations and agencies to develop a wide variety of Volunteer opportunities for retired persons. The focal point of RSVP activity is the needs and interests of the senior Volunteer, and Volunteer opportunities are arranged to match his interests, abilities, and physical capacities. Orientation or instruction for Volunteer assignments may be provided. Older adults, including the isolated elderly, are sought out and actively encouraged to contribute their time and experience in service to their communities. Handicapped older persons are included in the ranks of senior Volunteers; special arrangements to facilitate their service are made when necessary. There are no income, education, or experience requirements for a retired person to become a senior Volunteer.

Special assignments arranged for senior Volunteers offer varied opportunities to serve people of all ages. Assignments are made to publicly owned and operated facilities or projects, and to local programs sponsored by private nonprofit organizations. Examples are schools, courts, libraries, museums, hospitals, nursing homes, day care centers, institutions, and programs for shut-ins.

In the last 3 years the Retired Senior Volunteer Program has experienced truly dramatic growth. In the latter 6 months of Fiscal Year 1973 alone, the Program more than doubled in size to total 590 local RSVP's. These programs are located in all fifty states, Puerto Rico, the Virgin Islands, and the District of Columbia. Almost 65,000 senior Volunteers were in service by the close of Fiscal Year 1974. Program strength increased to 666 by June 30, 1974. That approxi