Quick Action Needed for FY 2014 Appropriations

Call Your Senators by Wednesday, April 24

My name is Carla Jutson, and I am the executive director of Meals On Wheels, Inc. of Tarrant County. I do not like to use our blog to make political announcements, but I feel strongly that funding for Older American Act (OAA) programs has failed to keep pace with inflation or growth in our aging population.

Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-VT) has circulated a letter to his fellow Senators requesting their signatures in support of a request to Senate Appropriations Labor/HHS/Education Subcommittee leaders to increase funding support to OAA programs.

This is Sen. Sanders’ second time circulating such a letter. He notes that “in order for these vital programs just to catch up with the growth in the senior population and the increased costs of services over the past decade, the OAA budget would have to increase by at least 12 percent.” He also describes OAA programs as “cost-effective” and explains how investing in OAA initiatives can “save taxpayer dollars by reducing premature and costly Medicare and Medicaid expenditures.”

I hope you will consider urging Sen. Cornyn and Sen. Cruz to sign this letter to ensure it receives the strong support needed for the Subcommittee to take this request seriously.

3 Easy Steps

Step 1:
The quickest way to contact your Senators is by phone. Ask to speak with the staff member who handles Older Americans Act appropriations issues. Or use the online contact form to copy the letter for their review.

Step 2:
In your contact, ask your Senators to sign Sen. Sanders’ OAA appropriations letter to show their support for Meals On Wheels and eliminating senior hunger in America. If they ask for a staff contact for Sen. Sanders, tell them to contact Sophie Kasimow or Erica Solway, telephone “4-5480.”

Step 3:
Encourage others to follow these same steps.

Signatures are due by close of business Wednesday, April 24.