Katie Smith Sloan, LeadingAge president and CEO, sent an open letter to newly selected Speaker of the House, Mike Johnson (R-LA), highlighting the growing population of adults 65+ and the need for bold leadership to ensure older Americans age with dignity and appropriate care and support.

In addition to requesting a meeting with Johnson to discuss critical issues impacting older adults, Sloan encouraged him to consider the following:

• Create an aging stakeholders group to act as advisors for his staff and other congressional leaders on aging services issues
• Mandate the enactment of a White House Office on Aging Policy
• Work with the Administration to engage the Departments of Labor, State, and other relevant agencies to collaborate and streamline the immigration process for applicants seeking to enter the U.S. legally and use their skills in aging services.