Wautoma, WI - U.S. Senator Russ Feingold today heralded the Head Start program, one of the many programs housed at Waushara County's CAPsell Center. At the Packwaukee Lion's Club, Feingold highlighted the importance of the Older Americans Act for Wisconsin's seniors, and called for reauthorization of this vital program.

Feingold praised Head Start in his visit to Wautoma: "Thanks to the Head Start program, kids get a head start inside and outside of the classroom, and parents get involved in their children's education, and in their long-term physical and emotional well-being," Feingold said. "I support increased funding for Head Start, so that more of Wisconsin's parents and children can benefit from this invaluable program." Feingold spoke at the CAPsell Center, which houses a Head Start Program, along with everything from Fox Valley Technical College to family literacy training and a family resource center.

At the Packwaukee Lion's Club, Feingold called for reauthorization of the Older Americans Act. "The Older Americans Act provides our senior citizens with support networks that enhance their lives, and with nutrition programs that improve their health," Feingold said. "Reauthorization of the Older Americans Act will help ensure that senior centers, and the creative programs they offer, get the support they need."

The Older Americans Act helps seniors maintain their independence and well-being in a variety of ways. The Act funds vital nutrition programs that provide meals at senior centers and delivers them to individual homes, helping millions of seniors live healthier lives. It also funds the Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program, which investigates complaints made by or on behalf of seniors who are residents of long-term care facilities, and supports home care and elder abuse prevention services.

Feingold's fourth Listening Session of 1999, and 436th since he was first elected in 1992, was held at Waushara County's CAPsell Center, beginning at 10:15 a.m. Feingold's fifth Listening Session of his term, and 437th since he was first elected, took place at the Packwaukee Lion's Club beginning at 1:15 p.m. Feingold has renewed his pledge to hold Listening Sessions in each of Wisconsin's 72 counties every year, after keeping his promise to do so during his first term.