MURPHY LEADS EFFORTS TO FULLY FUND SENIOR COMMUNITY-BASED PROGRAMS
WASHINGTON, D.C. – (RealEstateRama) — This week, U.S. Representative Patrick E. Murphy (FL-18), a member of the Seniors Task Force, led two major efforts in the House to protect funding for critical seniors programs, including nutrition and community-based care programs, that help older Americans live active and independent lives. Joined by U.S. Reps. Ted Deutch (FL-21), Suzanne Bonamici (OR-01), and David Loebsack (IA-02), Murphy led a letter with the support of over 40 House Democrats urging full funding of the congregate and home-delivered nutrition services provided by the Administration for Community Living (ACL) as authorized by the Older Americans Act.
(Click here to view a copy of this letter). Additionally, Murphy and Bonamici led over 45 members in calling for adequate funding for the ACL’s Home and Community-Based Supportive Services (HCBS) program. (Click here to view a copy of this letter).
“When the Older Americans Act was passed over 50 years ago, a promise was made to our seniors,” said Murphy. “The work that the Administration for Community Living supports is vital for many of our most vulnerable citizens, including the millions of seniors who call Florida home. I thank my colleagues for their support of continued funding for these critical nutrition and support programs our seniors depend on.”
The Older Americans Act (OAA) created the Administration for Community Living (ACL), which directs programs that provide millions of American seniors, most of whom are low-income, the resources necessary to maintain their dignity, health, and independence through over 600 Area Agencies on Aging that provide:
Rides to doctor’s offices, grocery stores, pharmacies, senior centers, and other critical daily activities;
Assistance with daily living activities including eating, dressing, and bathing;
Care for dependent adults in supervised, protective group settings;
Assistance in assessing needs, developing care plans, and connecting seniors and their families with public and private resources available in their communities;
Nutritious meals served at senior centers and charitable community organizations; and
Home-delivered meals to mobility-restricted seniors through public-private partnerships like Meals on Wheels.
Earlier this week, Murphy made the following statement hailing the passage of legislation reauthorizing the Older Americans Act by the House of Representatives:
“When it comes to caring for our most vulnerable and keeping our promise to our seniors, it should never be a partisan issue. I was proud to join my colleagues on both sides of the aisle in calling for this critical reauthorization to move forward,” said Murphy. “For the millions of Florida seniors who depend on the Older Americans Act – from Meals on Wheels to caregiver support to fraud and abuse protections – this is a major win. I remain committed to working in Congress to put seniors first and push for robust funding to support these critical programs.”
Contact: Erin Moffet (202-225-3026)
Source: U.S. Representative Patrick E. Murphy
