Advocacy
Benjamin Rose Institute on Aging is committed to staying engaged in, and sharing, the latest public policy news affecting older adults, caregivers and the professionals who care for them. The Washington Update is produced monthly with our partners at Matz, Blancato & Associates to share the latest information about policy issues impacting older adults and their families.
FY27 Appropriations
The President’s FY27 budget was released on April 3rd and the proposal provides an early signal of the Administration’s priorities—and raises significant concerns for aging and elder justice programs.
The President’s proposal calls for an overall reduction in funding for the Department of Health and Human Services, alongside structural changes that would consolidate the Administration for Community Living and other key agencies into a new entity, the Administration for Children, Families, and Communities.
While many Older Americans Act programs are proposed to be level-funded (an effective cut), the budget also recommends eliminating or reducing several programs that support older adults’ ability to live safely in their communities, including Low Income Energy Assistance Program, the Community Services and Community Development Block grants, and certain prevention programs like the Chronic Disease Self-Management Education Program.
It should be noted that Congress retains authority to determine final funding levels.
New Legislation
Senators Gillibrand (D-NY) and Fetterman (D-PA), along with Representatives Bonamici (D-OR) and Salinas (D-OR) introduced the Senior Hunger Prevention Act (S.4286/H.R. 8256). This legislation would expand SNAP benefits for older Americans and fund grants to nonprofits and aging and disability service providers to deliver fresh, local food to accessible locations.
Representative Schneider (D-IL) introduced the Social Security Caregiver Credit Act of 2026 (H.R. 8490) which would provide earning credits to caregivers for up to 5 years while providing care to a dependent relative.
Washington Update Newsletters
