WASHINGTON—AARP Executive Vice President and Chief Advocacy and Engagement Officer Nancy LeaMond issued the following statement in response to President Trump signing legislation to reauthorize the Older Americans Act (OAA):

“AARP applauds Congress for passing and the President for signing the Supporting Older Americans Act of 2020 which reauthorizes the OAA for five years. This reaffirms the vital role that the aging services network plays supporting older adults and their caregivers, including in response to the current coronavirus pandemic. 

“Since 1965, the OAA has provided services for millions of older Americans, particularly low-income adults, allowing them to stay in their own homes and communities where they prefer to be. OAA programs provide family caregiver support, home-delivered meals, transportation, job training, and other services that enable older people to live independently and with dignity.

“We are particularly pleased that the Supporting Older Americans Act builds on the OAA by increasing funding levels for OAA programs, enhancing assistance for caregivers, and extending the bipartisan Recognize, Assist, Include, Support, and Engage (RAISE) Family Caregivers Act by one year. Strengthening support for our nation’s family caregivers will help them maintain their own health, well-being, and ability to provide care, enable better outcomes for their loved ones, and prevent or delay costly nursing home placement. And, at a time when the older population is projected to grow significantly, increased funding levels will help more older adults remain at home and in better health, avoiding costlier services.

“AARP thanks Senators Lamar Alexander (R-TN), Patty Murray (D-WA), Susan Collins (R-ME), and Bob Casey (D-PA), and Representatives Bobby Scott (D-VA) and Virginia Foxx (R-NC) for their bicameral, bipartisan work to help pass this important bill.”  

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About AARP
AARP is the nation’s largest nonprofit, nonpartisan organization dedicated to empowering people 50 and older to choose how they live as they age. With a nationwide presence and nearly 38 million members, AARP strengthens communities and advocates for what matters most to families: health security, financial stability and personal fulfillment. AARP also produces the nation's largest circulation publications: AARP The Magazine and AARP Bulletin. To learn more, visit www.aarp.org or follow @AARP and @AARPadvocates on social media.

Media Contact: Amanda Davis, 202-434-7872, adavis@aarp.org