LeadingAge Members Advocate During Congressional Recess

LeadingAge members this summer hosted over 25 legislative tours in their communities or met with lawmakers in their district offices. More events are scheduled for the fall.

Lawmakers had an opportunity to meet with staff and residents directly, tour communities and engage in discussions that include issues such as affordable housing; low-income housing tax credits; Medicare/Medicaid and home and community-based services.

These events showcase LeadingAge members' commitment to serve seniors and also advocate on their behalf.  As nonprofit organizations, we recognize the importance of advocacy in achieving systemic changes through service.

Congressional site visits are an effective advocacy tool. By inviting legislators to visit your community, you get the unique opportunity to show them first hand the impact of government actions on senior care. What’s more, these visits help you establish a vital relationship with the lawmaker and their staff.  

Although members of Congress have returned from the summer recess, we anticipate they will spend a short amount of time in Washington and extended periods of time in their states and congressional districts. We encourage you to take advantage of this opportunity and continue inviting them to tour your communities. 

If you have any questions, need additional details about these events, or if we can be of further assistance to you, please don’t hesitate to contact Marsha Padilla-Goad at 202-508-9442.

Photo Descriptions:

1. Rep. Bobby Scott (D-VA), Dr. Laverne Joseph, and John Skirven - CEO, Area Agency on Aging, Senior Services of SE Virginia. This event took place at Village Point/Village Gardens in Norfolk, VA.
2. UCH board members, Sandy Lindahl, Cathy Green, and Rev. Geoffrey Black, are talking with resident Sylvia Johnson, along with Cheryl Wickersham, UCH vice president of housing services, Rev. Ken Daniel, UCH president and CEO, and John Ryan, state director with Sen. Sherrod Brown’s (D-OH) office. This event took place at South Haven Woods senior community in Bedford, OH.
3. Karen Messer, LeadingAge IL, Susan Sinderson, Consecra Housing Network, and Rep. Bill Foster (D-IL)