Rep. Huffman Supports Legislation to Protect Critical Programs for Older Americans

March 21, 2016

WASHINGTON, D.C.—Today, Congressman Jared Huffman (D-San Rafael) applauded the passage of legislation to reauthorize and improve upon the federal Older Americans Act, which provides funding and support for critical local social, nutritional, and employment programs that serve seniors in the North Coast and beyond. Local programs, including Meals on Wheels, the Area Agencies on Aging, and programs to combat elder abuse, rely on this funding to provide these essential services to older Americans.

“It’s not every day that Congress comes together to bolster the social safety net but today we did just that,” said Rep. Huffman. “Passage of the Older Americans Reauthorization Act will help ensure that millions of Americans, many who live in my district, can continue to live independent lives with dignity and meaning. The reauthorized legislation helps make sure our loved ones are shielded from abuse, provided with nutritious food, and have access to critical social services.”

The legislation approved by the House of Representatives today would:

  • Authorize a total of $6.01 billion from fiscal 2017 through 2019 to support essential programs for seniors;
  • Updates legal definitions for abuse and exploitation, and trains states and local agencies on best practices for preventing and screening elder abuse;
  • Promotes modernization of senior centers; and 
  • Improves nutrition services and encourages the use of locally grown foods in meal programs.

This legislation is supported by AARP, American Public Health Association, Meals on Wheels America, National Association of Counties, National Committee to Preserve Social Security and Medicare, National Association of Social Workers and National Council on Aging.

Earlier this year Huffman sent a letter to the Education and Workforce Committee urging action to reauthorize the Older Americans Act.

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