News
Elder Justice Act Reauthorization Receives Boost From House and Senate Champions
- By: USAging
- On: 08/13/2021 09:43:44
- In: Policy & Advocacy
With all the breaking news on Capitol Hill this week (read our most recent Legislative Update for more details) we thought we would round out the week with another piece of exciting news, this time on elder justice! On August 9, a joint press release from leading Congressional co-sponsors announced the introduction of House bill, H.R. 4969, and its companion Senate bill, S.2764, to reauthorize and enhance elder justice programs.
The legislation was authored by House Ways and Means Committee Chair Richard Neal with primary co-sponsor Rep. Suzanne Bonamici, co-chair of the House Elder Justice Caucus. The Senate bill, S. 2674, was authored by Senator Ron Wyden, Chairman of the Finance Committee, along with primary co-sponsor Senator Bob Casey, Chairman of the Special Committee on Aging.
n4a joins our national partner, the Elder Justice Coalition (EJC), in heralding this critical elder justice investment of almost $4 billion. As America ages, it is critical that we enhance the safeguards that allow older adults to age independently and safely at home, providing necessary support to safeguard individuals from the potential abuse and neglect that can occur. EJC provides a brief funding summary of the legislation by section in its press release:
- $1.6 billion for post-acute and long-term care worker recruitment and retention;
- $1.4 billion for APS functions and grant programs;
- $172.5 million for long-term care ombudsman program grants and training;
- $500 million for supporting linkages to legal services and medical-legal partnerships (MLPs); and
- $250 million for AAAs and other CBOS to address social isolation and loneliness among older adults.