The Senate HELP Committee Chairman Bernie Sanders (D-VT) has once again led efforts to send a letter to the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Labor, Health and Human Services, and Education leadership, urging an increase in funding for programs authorized under the Older Americans Act (OAA). The letter is requesting $4.63 billion in funding for OAA programs and services in fiscal year (FY) 2024.  In total, 42 Senators signed the letter, requesting additional funding to address the increased demand for and cost of OAA-related services.

OAA programs provide vital services for over 11 million seniors across the country, including congregate and home-delivered meals, transportation services, family caregiver support, activities that promote socialization and wellness at senior centers and employment, and community service opportunities for low-income seniors. Additionally, increased OAA-related funding could support an increase in funding allocated to ACL’s Direct Care Workforce Center and Competitive Grants.

This program is authorized in Title IV of the OAA, in coordination with the Secretary of Labor, to carry out the demonstration of new strategies for the recruitment, retention, or advancement of direct care workers. If at least $8 million in funding is appropriated, ACL would begin with demonstrations that could prove the concept of what approaches were effective.