Hosted by the Drake University Seminar Series on Aging, Karen Conner, Ph.D., Sociology and Gerontology, and Dr. Ron Troyer, Dean of the College of Arts and Science, are scheduled to make opening remarks. Following his brief presentation, Grassley will open the meeting and invite questions and comments from the public. Those who attend are advised to park in front of the Olmsted Center or in the visitor's lot across University Ave., and to use the Olmsted Center's main entrance.
Under Grassley's leadership, the Senate aging panel will study issues affecting every generation in American society. At his inaugural hearing on March 6, Chairman Grassley focused on meeting the challenges of the baby boomer retirement. "Starting in 12 years, America will experience the greatest demographic shift in the history of the country," he said. "It's critical we are prepared."
Seizing the opportunity to maximize his leadership role and make a difference for Iowans, Grassley notes Iowa maintains a special position among the 50 states. Home to the nation's third largest percentage of residents age 65 and older, Iowa also ranks first in the U.S. with the highest percentage of citizens age 85 and older.
"I look forward to an open exchange and strongly local residents to attend this important forum," said Grassley. "As Congress considers proposals to save Medicare from insolvency and studies ways to prepare for the retirement of the baby boomers, I want to be able to bring Iowans' ideas to the table and make them part of the national debate."
Grassley's series of open forums has allowed him to meet with Iowans in Waverly, Fort Dodge, Rockwell City, Emmetsburg, Forest City, Northwood, Cresco, Decorah, Waukon, Elkader, West Union, New Hampton, Osage, Charles City, Cedar Falls/Waterloo, Cedar Rapids, Anamosa, Tipton, Maquoketa, Muscatine, Wapello, Burlington, Keosauqua, Mount Pleasant, Iowa City, Davenport, and Des Moines.
A charter member of the Aging Committee in the U.S. House of Representatives, Grassley has served as an active member of the Senate Aging Committee since 1981.
On Friday, April 4, Grassley will address the Gerontology Society of Iowa, at 9:15 a.m., at the Holiday Inn/Airport, 6111 Fleur Dr.
