On Friday March 22nd, 2024 The Network’s CEO, Reuben Rotman, spoke to top Senate Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions (HELP) Committee staff during a listening session on the Older Americans Act (OAA) reauthorization process. OAA, which is due for reauthorization by September 30, 2024, is the core source of Home- and Community-Based Services (HCBS) funding, and includes programs addressing nutrition access for older adults.

Reuben’s comments focused on the need for strong HCBS funding, continued pandemic-era flexibilities around nutrition services that expanded access for older adults, and proposals to include language to address the affordable housing crisis having an outsized impact on older adults. The Network is grateful for the leadership of the Senate HELP Committee Members and staff, and looks forward to continuing these important conversations to improve care and supports for older adults.