PACE Plus Medicare Launched
Beginning September 1, 2006, the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania in cooperation with the federal government began a new program to assist senior citizens with their drug costs. This new program, PACE Plus Medicare, coordinates benefits under the state PACE/PACENET program with the new federal Medicare Part D program launched earlier this year. By combining resources in this way, senior citizens in Pennsylvania who qualify will save more money on their prescription drug costs.
Existing PACE/PACENET beneficiaries should have received a letter from the Pennsylvania Department of Aging in July providing greater details. If you or anyone you know has any questions about the new PACE Plus Medicare program, feel free to call the Office of Congressman Todd Platts at 1-877-902-1919 or PACE/PACENET at 1-800-225-7223.
Events Over the August District Work Period
Congress suspended consideration of legislative business on the floor of the House on July 28 and the Senate on August 3. Congress reconvened on September 6.
Congressman Platts used the legislative recess to continue his practice of meeting with constituents and attending events throughout the 19th Congressional District. He also conducted a series of town hall meetings. Many constituents showed up at the meetings held in Stewartstown, Camp Hill, Littlestown, Hanover, and New Cumberland, where concerns ranging from immigration to energy to the Middle East were discussed. Finally, Congressman Platts joined President George W. Bush for a tour of the manufacturing facilities of Harley-Davidson, Inc. on August 16. Congressman Platts first invited the President to tour the facility two years ago, wanting to familiarize him with a major local employer.
Congressman Platts' Statement on the 5th Anniversary of 9-11
The full House of Representatives this week adopted a resolution (H. Res. 994) recognizing the 5th anniversary of the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001. The following is the statement submitted for the Congressional Record by Congressman Platts:
"Mr. Speaker, September 11, 2001 remains a day of both indescribable tragedy and awe-inspiring heroism in our Nation's mind. We mourn for the victims of the terrorist attacks that day, and keep their families in our prayers. But we also remember the heroism displayed by so many.
No one will forget, not ever, the courage seen on 9-11. Courage seen in the actions of firefighters and police officers, Pentagon employees, and everyday citizens. Courage seen by the choices these heroes made-to rush to the aid of others, to enter into burning buildings, to resist the hijackers of Flight 93. Many who work in the Capitol Building, both Members of Congress and staff, remember well that this symbol of democracy was most likely a target too-a target avoided only because of the heroes of Flight 93. We owe these heroes more than words can provide. We owe all these heroes more than words can provide.
We are fortunate that five years have passed without another terrorist strike on our own soil. We owe this to all those on the front lines of the War on Terror-in the military, law enforcement, and intelligence agencies. We should remember them, and their service, on this day too. We should ensure they are well-equipped, have the tools needed for their mission, and are properly recognized. They stand on the line for us-on behalf of life and hope, against an ideology that embraces death and hate.
The heroism of 9-11 is now part of what Lincoln called 'the mystic chords of memory.' As time passes, the partisan disagreements of our day will fade into obscurity. But the heroism seen on 9-11 will not. Future generations of Americans, committed to the promise of a better world, united by the sacrifices of previous generations, will remember the heroes of September 11."
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