ISSUE BACKGROUND: Congress is back in session and Democrats on the U.S. House Appropriations Committee are getting ready to vote on spending limits for programs critical to the older adults and caregivers.

Congress failed to reach consensus on overall FY 2023 budget numbers in the last round of negations. Thus, the House Democrats unveiled their initial proposal of $1.6 trillion in spending for defense and non-defense discretionary programs, which is roughly on par with the President’s proposed FY 2023 budget. Since final spending bills will require bipartisan support, we must secure the highest possible levels for our programs in the House Democratic bills before negotiations begin. That’s why we need all hands on deck to push for the highest possible spending levels to support older adults and caregivers!

We must ensure that all Members of Congress know how important increased, stable, federal funding for OAA is to promote the health, well-being and independence of their older constituents and those who care for them. Appropriators must understand the incredible work being done, why it matters to the health and independence of their constituents—and that this work needs to be funded.

It is imperative that all U.S. Senators and Representatives hear from their OAA champions in their state/district and constituents who benefit from the OAA programs and services that your agency delivers. Since the action is primarily in the House over the next two weeks, it is critical to connect with your Representative and/or the Representatives that serve your area - urge them to share their support with their colleagues who sit on the House Appropriations Committee or Labor-HHS Appropriations Subcommittee!

ACTION: We need your help advocating to ensure that OAA and other aging related funding is boosted in FY 2023 budget. Send an email or call your U.S. Representative now. Urge them to support funding for services that assist the safety and health of older adults.

An email template is provided below. As always, we encourage you to add in personal stories and accounts of how Older Americans Act programs have impacted your life or the life of someone you care for.

By contacting your members of Congress, your voice will be heard as an advocate for older adults in need of support during these difficult times.

Use these links to reach the contact forms for each member of Congress. You can cut and paste from our template into the form on each member’s page. 

You can also post the template language in your social media applications. Be sure to tag the legislators, @theUSAging @aaa1c #AAAs and #LiveYourWay.

TEMPLATE FOR E-MAIL:

June   , 2022

The Honorable NAME HERE

Dear Senator/Representative NAME HERE,

I ask that you work to push forward funding for Older Americans Act (OAA) initiatives in the FY 2023 budget. This funding is imperative to the health, well-being, and independence of older and disabled adults. This funding also helps support caregivers and Area Agency on Aging's across the state who help serve older and disabled adults. Please do what you can to ensure that the Older Americans Act funds are increased and stable in the budget as it moves through the U.S. House of Representatives and committees.

Your support of the Older Americans Act provisions in the FY 2023 budget would make a significant difference for countless people across our nation.

Thank you for working on behalf of older adults and their loved ones.

Sincerely,

YOUR NAME HERE

YOUR ADDRESS HERE

QUESTIONS: Please contact Emma Olson, Planning and Advocacy Assistant, with any advocacy or public policy questions via e-mail at advocacy@thesenioralliance.org.

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