Friday, August 09, 2024
On August 1, the Senate Appropriations Labor, Health and Human Services, Education, and Related Agencies (Labor-HHS) Subcommittee released the FY 2025 appropriations report with the funding numbers for all Older Americans Act (OAA) programs. Our top OAA priorities did not receive the increases desired; however, we are still happy to report that the Senate did not propose any funding cuts to these programs, with most programs mirroring FY 2024 funding levels.
Thankfully, due to the aging network’s advocacy efforts, the Senate did not adopt the House’s proposed cuts. The proposal included funding for (or avoided cuts to) Title III C1 and C2 nutrition programs, Title V, the Senior Community Service Employment Program (SCSEP), and Adult Protective Services.
Senate-Proposed FY 2025 Funding Details
- $410 million for OAA Title III B Home & Community-Based Supportive Services, level funded (FY 2024).
- $209 million for OAA Title III E National Family Caregiver Support Program, an increase of $2 million. This is $4 million more than the President’s budget request!
- $50.3 million combined for OAA Title VI Native American Nutrition, Supportive and Caregiver Services (level funded for FY 2024).
Next Steps
It is important to remember these are not the final FY 2025 funding levels but simply the proposed levels from the Senate. Members of Congress are back in their districts and states for August recess. When they return to Washington, DC, after Labor Day, Congress should theoretically begin the negotiation process between the House and Senate bills because the new fiscal year will begin on October 1.
That’s why, even though the House and Senate Appropriations Committees have completed their proposed Labor-HHS funding bills, our advocacy is not over! Our goal now is to keep the House increases to OAA Title III B, III E and Title VI, with the Senate’s better recommendations for the other titles.
Take Action Now!
As we all continue to live longer, healthier lives, federal programs are critical to ensuring health, financial security, and independence as we age. With 11,000 Americans turning 65 every day, we all have a stake in ensuring our legislators are prioritizing health and wellness for all of us on our aging journey. Join us in this effort!
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