COLLOQUY
The Senior Alliance's Monthly Advocacy Update August 27, 2024
Volume 5.8 |
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Welcome to The Senior Alliance's advocacy newsletter, COLLOQUY! This monthly e-mail is a look at the issues, legislation, and events impacting aging. |
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Older Americans Act Reauthorization
The Senate Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions (HELP) Committee approved the first draft of the Older Americans Act reauthorization bill (S.4776) on July 31, 2024. Originally enacted in 1965, the Older Americans Act established Area Agencies on Aging (AAAs) and is reauthorized every four years to ensure it remains current. However, since the House has not yet taken action on the bill, it is likely that the September 30 deadline for reauthorization will be missed, necessitating the passage of temporary authorization measures.
Some highlights of the Senate bill 4776 include: -
AAA Independence: Ensures AAAs and other community-based aging network organizations can carry out their mission by securing health care or other private funding to serve more older adults.
- Title III D Flexibility: Specifies funds can now be used for evidence-informed, as well as evidence-based, programs.
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Nutrition Flexibility: Codifies a grab-and-go meals option and the ability to distribute these meals in any community setting.
- Social Isolation: Prioritizes national training and technical assistance to the Aging Network on social engagement programming and innovations.
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Funding Recommendations: Increases authorization levels by nearly 20 percent over the five-year period.
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Federal Budget Update
Earlier this month, the Senate Appropriations Committee approved a bill that finances the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, the primary funding source for the aging network. The Senate's bill rejected the severe cuts proposed by the House Appropriations Committee to aging programs and instead maintained level funding. While this is an improvement, it still falls short of the investments required to ensure all older Americans have an adequate quality of life.
Congress will likely wait until after the November election to pass a full budget. This means a continuing resolution (CR) with level funding will need to be passed in place of next month's budget deadline. This is good news for elder advocates, as it leaves more time to ensure older adult issues are a priority for our legislators. To tell your federal legislators that older adult issues matter to you, click here. |
Bridge Article Spotlights Caregivers and Their Impact
An article recently published by Bridge Michigan tells the story of several individuals whose lives were greatly altered by sudden caretaking responsibilities. Approximately 1.7 million Michiganders care for their relatives, a number that will continue to grow as the population ages. The article also highlights projections that Michigan will be short 170,000 direct care workers in the next decade, unless substantial action is taken to recruit and retain these vital employees.
Read more on caregiving challenges here. |
Voter Information for the Upcoming Election Stay up to date about the upcoming election with the information below!
In Michigan, absentee ballots will be available and distributed beginning September 26. If you are not registered to vote yet, you can do so online any time before October 21. After October 21, you must register to vote in person at your local clerk's office. Helpful links: -
Register to vote here.
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Request to get an absentee ballot mailed to you here.
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Check your registration status and polling location here.
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Questions? Find the contact information for your local clerk here.
See the next editions of Colloquy for more information regarding how to find the candidates and issues on your ballot ahead of time, as well as how to vote in person before November 5th. |
Coffee Hours
Coffee hours are a great way for constituents to engage with their legislators in an informal, accessible setting. If your legislator is hosting an upcoming coffee hour, consider going to share your thoughts on issues or seek assistance with government-related matters.
Below are the upcoming coffee hours occurring in western Wayne County and Downriver: -
Senator Geiss (State Senate District 1): Virtual town hall on Sept. 11 from 6 - 7 PM. Register for the event here.
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Representative Pohutsky (State House District 17): Virtual coffee hour via Facebook Live on Sept. 16 from 6:30 PM - 7:30 PM. See her Facebook account at that time.
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Senator Santana (State Senate District 2): Ice cream social at Dairy Queen Grill & Chill, 4600 Greenfield Road, Dearborn, Friday, Sept. 20 from 11:30 AM to 1 PM.
- Representative T. Carter (State House District 1): Coffee hour at River Rouge City Hall, 10600 W. Jefferson Ave., River Rouge, on Friday, Sept. 20 from 1-2 PM.
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Representative Farhat (State House District 3): Coffee hour at Shibam Coffee, 5461 Schafer Rd, Dearborn MI, on 20 from 11 AM - 12 PM.
- Representative Byrnes (State House District 15): Fireside chat at JFK Library fireplace, 24602 Van Born Rd, Dearborn Heights, on Oct. 28, from 2-3 PM.
Please check your representative's or senator's website before attending an event to ensure it is still taking place. |
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