Alliance for Retired Americans Endorses Onorato for Governor

Onorato the only candidate who will ‘enhance the quality of life for older Americans’
 
PITTSBURGH: The Pennsylvania Alliance for Retired Americans, representing nearly 300,000 retirees in Pennsylvania, today endorsed Democratic gubernatorial nominee Dan Onorato based on his experience and plans for the programs that older adults rely on. 
 
“We believe that Dan Onorato’s election as Governor of Pennsylvania will enhance the quality of life for older Americans,” said Jean Friday, President of the Pennsylvania Alliance for Retired Americans.  “Dan’s experience as Allegheny County Executive shows a dedication to the needs of seniors and retirees of this state.”
 
As Governor, Onorato, who released his policy paper on older Pennsylvanians in April, will champion the needs of older adults and ensure their interests are represented in Harrisburg.
 
“I’m honored to have the endorsement of the Pennsylvania Alliance for Retired Americans,” said Onorato.  “Our next Governor must ensure the issues facing older Pennsylvanians are a priority, and I am the only candidate with the experience necessary to make that happen.”
 
As Allegheny County Executive, Onorato has balanced the budget seven times without ever raising property taxes, and he supported an increase in the amount of county-funded property tax relief by 50 percent.  Onorato also fought an unfair property tax reassessment that could have driven older Pennsylvanians from their homes.  Onorato helped make Allegheny County the first county in Pennsylvania to offer a continuum of care to support the needs of its seniors while ensuring maximum independence.  Onorato also implemented the Allegheny County Link, one of Pennsylvania’s first resource centers to streamline access to long-term living services and provide reliable information to seniors and their family members.   
Onorato recognizes that Pennsylvania’s seniors are vital and vibrant members of our communities, and as Governor, he will:
Protect homeowners against skyrocketing property taxes.
Maximize the benefits and services available through the Pennsylvania Lottery and continue to dedicate Lottery funds to programs that benefit older Pennsylvanians.
Help communities to provide services seniors value and need.
Support caregivers who help meet the needs of older adults.
Ensure consumer and financial protections.
Prevent elder abuse.

“Allegheny County has more than 200,000 adults over the age of 65,” said Onorato.  “I have a record of protecting their best interests, and look forward to protecting the interests of all older Pennsylvanians.”
 
A life-long Pennsylvanian, Dan Onorato was raised in a working class neighborhood on Pittsburgh’s North Side. He graduated college from Penn State and received his law degree from the University of Pittsburgh School of Law. Onorato has served as Allegheny County Executive since 2004 and was unopposed for re-election in 2007.  Prior to being elected County Executive, Onorato served as Allegheny County Controller and a Pittsburgh City Councilman.  Dan and his wife Shelly reside in the Brighton Heights neighborhood of Pittsburgh with their three children.

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