Edith G. Prague

Prague Earns Special Tribute From Alliance for Retired Americans

State Senator Edith G. Prague (D-Columbia), Senate chair of the legislature’s Committee on Aging, was honored earlier today by the state chapter of the Alliance for Retired Americans (ARA). Senator Prague received the prestigious Charlene Block Award from the group at its annual luncheon.

According to its Web site, “The long-term goal of the Alliance is to become the voice for all older Americans.” Senator Prague was recognized for her long-term advocacy for senior citizens, senior citizens’ rights, and issues of critical importance to seniors. Among those: protection of Social Security and Medicare, health care for all, and many other issues that affect retired workers such as veterans rights and voting rights.

“The Charlene Block Award (is presented) to a person who has been consistently supportive of seniors and senior issues,” said Kevin Lynch, President Emeritus of the ARA. “On behalf of the Nominating Committee, I am pleased to ask you to accept this years' Charlene Block Award. It is in recognition of all your years of service to the senior community . . . . We would be honored to have you accept it.”

“The Alliance for Retired Americans has made an important and long-lasting impact on the lives of seniors with its advocacy for social and economic justice for all citizens, including the older ones,” Senator Prague said. “In that regard we work in tandem, trying to speak for those whose voices are perhaps diminished with age, and advocating for those who don’t know where to turn anymore to stand up for themselves.”

“It is my great privilege to receive this year’s Charlene Block Award from the ARA and I pledge to continue working to earn the trust and confidence of ARA officials and members,” Senator Prague added.

Senator Prague is serving her ninth term in the Senate; she previously served four terms in the House of Representatives. In addition to her responsibility for the Committee on Aging she is the Senate Chair of the legislature’s Labor and Public Employees Committee. She also serves on the Public Health Committee and the Appropriations Committee.