News
Concern and Celebration Mark Tumultuous Week in Washington
- By: USAging
- On: 03/13/2020 09:19:17
- In: Policy & Advocacy
With nearly all attention in DC shifted to discussions around responding to the expanding COVID-19 health crisis, the critical role of the Aging Network in serving older adults, who are especially vulnerable to the worst consequences of coronavirus, was front and center in policymakers' minds and conversations with n4a and other advocates.
Recognizing the need to shore up and support vital home and community-based services for older adults and caregivers, House lawmakers swiftly and unanimously approved a five-year reauthorization of the OAA, the Supporting Older Americans Act of 2020, H.R. 4334, which now heads to the President's desk for signature. Additionally, Speaker Pelosi and House appropriations leaders proposed an additional $250 million for OAA nutrition services as part of a supplemental funding package to offer relief to older adults who might be further isolated and sequestered throughout the crisis. The path forward for that bill is unclear at this time, but it is important that the OAA nutrition programs were viewed as a key way to ensure that older adults living in the community are supported through this pandemic.
While n4a made the difficult decision to postpone the March Aging Policy Briefing to September 21-22, 2020 out of an abundance of caution for staff, attendees and the individuals they serve, we will host a webinar on Wednesday, March 18 to release our 2020 Policy Priorities. Register for Policies for an Aging America: What We're Working Toward in 2020 today!