December 19 Support Letter S.4776, Older Americans Reauthorization Act of 2024

December 19, 2024

The Honorable Congressman Jared Huffman
United States House of Representatives 
2330 Rayburn House Office Building 
Washington, DC 20515

Re: Support for S.4776, Older Americans Act Reauthorization Act of 2024

Dear Congressman Huffman,

On behalf of the Marin County Board of Supervisors, I write to express our Board’s support S.4776, the Older Americans Act Reauthorization Act of 2024 (Sanders I-VT), a bipartisan bill that authorizes critical social services to the elderly population such as home-delivered meal services, home and community-based supportive services, and support for caregivers.

The landmark Older Americans Act has created the foundation for a comprehensive and coordinated system of care for older adults to help them maintain their independence, dignity, and quality of life as they age – across the US. Under S.4776, services would be enhanced and extended – with approximately $15.2 billion allocated to programs under the Department of Health and Human Services and the Department of Labor through 2029. Critically, this marks a 20% increase over FY 2024 funding levels, and includes targeted support for Aging in Place initiatives – such as support for in-home caregivers, home modifications, improved technology literacy, assistive technology to support those with disabilities, and expanded broadband access. The act also incorporates culturally relevant support and improved coordination across agencies consistent with the Native American ELDER Act.

Nearly one-third of Marin residents are over 60, and the Marin County Area Agency on Aging’s 2023 Older Adult Needs Assessment found that older adults who reported they were “very concerned” with housing affordability doubled from 2019 to 2023 (10% to 20%). In addition, financial security among older adults from being a concern to 13% of older adults in Marin in 2019 to nearly one-third (29%) in 2023.

Our Board is committed to supporting the growing number of older adults in need in our community, and ensuring they have the support they need to age in place: at home in Marin. We urge your support of S.4776 when it goes to the floor of the House.

Sincerely,  

Dennis Rodoni, President
Marin County Board of Supervisors

Cc:    Marin County Board of Supervisors
Senator Alex Padilla
Senator Adam Schiff