Members of the House of Representatives and Senate are preparing to return to their districts ahead of the August Recess. The House will adjourn Aug. 2-Sep. 8, and the Senate from Aug. 5-Sept. 6.

The August Recess offers exciting opportunities to engage with your members of Congress. Community events, site visits, and meetings allow your representatives to gain a stronger understanding of the challenges your community is facing. They also can help you foster relationships so that you can work collaboratively to develop creative, innovative solutions to address shared concerns.

Here are a few strategies we recommend for connecting with your congressperson:

Schedule a Meeting Virtually or in their District Office
As the experts of the human service sector, Congress often looks to direct support professionals and their organizations to understand avenues to promote healthier and more resilient communities, including through increased access to mental health care and support for the child welfare system. Your intimate knowledge of the strengths and barriers impacting children, adults, and families is essential to developing legislation and policy representative of your community.

Please contact our Government Relations team, Dr. Blair Abelle-Kiser and Abigail Levine, if you would like assistance connecting to your representatives.

Invite Your Members of Congress to a Community Event or a Site Visit
Community events and site visits offer representatives an opportunity to see your organization in action, demonstrating your essential role in your community. Site visits can provide representatives with a firsthand glimpse of the challenges your organization is facing and how they are experienced within your community. Similarly, these events center the voices of the individuals in your communities, as representatives will meet with individuals and hear their concerns directly.

Visit a Town Hall
Town halls offer individuals an opportunity to share their story and the issues of greatest concern, while also learning from community members. Conversations with representatives may illuminate additional pathways for support and resources. Although they are not held by all members of Congress, representatives often announce town halls through their website and email list.

    Sector Updates from the Judiciary

    These Supreme Court and circuit court decisions are especially important to consider after Loper Bright Enterprises v. Raimondo, a Supreme Court decision that holds the power to significantly shift power from agencies, like the Department of Health and Human Services and the Administration of Children and Families, toward the Judiciary.

    Loper Bright Enterprises v. Raimondo
    The Supreme Court’s June 28 ruling in Loper Bright Enterprises v. Raimondo has the power to significantly shift power from agencies, like the Department of Health and Human Services and the Administration of Children and Families, toward the judiciary. The case revolved around a challenge to a National Marine Fisheries Service rule; however, the verdict is significantly more far-reaching.

    Before the ruling, courts had been mandated to defer to federal agencies’ expertise in interpreting ambiguous statutes. The 40-year precedent, set by the seminal case Chevron U.S.A., Inc. v. NRDC, has allowed administrative agencies to executive legislation governing countless aspects of daily life, from public health to public safety and the environment. However, Loper Bright overturned the decision, removing agencies’ protective shield, known as Chevron deference, which recognized them as the final deciders of how laws will be implemented.

    One pivotal implication lies in federal courts’ newly approved authority to challenge and override the expertise of the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS). Rather than deferring to CMS to determine eligibility rules for Medicaid beneficiaries and consumer protections for those in self-insured private employer-sponsored plans, courts may exercise their independent judgment.

    The Lawyers’ Committee for Civil Rights Under Law has stressed that the structure of the administrative state provides transparency, accountability, and an integral safeguard to enforcing civil rights protections. It also shared a preeminent concern of the ruling’s potential to impact survivors and victims of domestic violence through the Violence Against Women Act (VAWA). Without clear remedies to invoke protections offered by VAWA, the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development has been responsible for determining clear standards to protect survivors, their families, and supportive landlords. This ruling, however, may complicate survivors’ ability to access the designated protections.

    The verdict of Loper Bright grants judges the final authority to interpret federal laws, effectively granting legislative authority to fortify or reject congressionally approved legislation. The decision is expected to increase challenges to federal rulemaking, which will delay the implementation of federal programs. Social Current strives to mitigate the uncertainty by sharing key lawsuits and their verdicts’ impact on the human service sector.

    Challenges to the SAVE Plan
    The challenge follows multiple previous lawsuits surrounding the legality of the Biden administration’s efforts to address the burden many student loan borrowers are experiencing.

    State of Missouri et al. v. Biden et al.
    The SAVE Plan, which offers income-driven repayment plans for student loan borrowers, was temporarily paused by the Eighth Circuit Court after a coalition of states challenged the program as unconstitutional. The state plaintiffs included Missouri, Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, North Dakota, Ohio, and Oklahoma.

    The Biden administration created the SAVE Plan to ease the burden on student loan borrowers. However, the program has sparked significant controversy, as multiple states stress the cost to the government and claim it oversteps the authority of the Higher Education Act.

    The appeals court has ordered the Education Department to temporarily stop administering the SAVE Plan until the court determines its verdict. Borrowers who are currently enrolled will be placed in forbearance without interest until the court reaches its decision. Nevertheless, the Biden administration vowed to, “continue to aggressively defend the SAVE Plan — which has been helping over 8 million borrowers access lower monthly payments, including 4.5 million borrowers who have had a zero dollar payment each month.”

    State of Alaska, et al. v. United States Department of Education, et al.
    The challenge follows multiple previous suits surrounding the legality of the Biden administration’s efforts to address the burden many student loan borrowers are experiencing.

    Alaska, Texas, and South Carolina filed a similar lawsuit June 24, 2024, and the judge ruled in favor of the states. Judge Daniel D. Crabtree, the district judge of the United States District Court for the District of Kansas, affirmed the likely loss of income the states will face. He also determined the SAVE Plan lacked congressional authorization and deemed the monthly payment cap and period limitation an overreach. Judge Crabtree prohibited the Department of Education from implementing changes in the payment cap or repayment periods, effective July 1, 2024.

    The Department of Education vowed to appeal the decision and affirmed its commitment to assisting borrowers and ameliorating the burden of student loan debt.

    Mackinac Center. for Public Policy v. US Department of Education
    The ruling was also issued the same day in which a Michigan federal judge ruled against a nonprofit that challenged the Biden administration’s suspension of student loan payments during the COVID-19 pandemic.

    The judge determined the nonprofit, the Mackinac Center for Public Policy, was unable to demonstrate how it was harmed by the U.S. Department of Education’s pause in payments. The ruling was upheld by the Sixth Circuit Court.

    Challenges to Proposed Title IX Expansions
    The Biden administration recently issued a rule to expand existing federal Title IX protections against sex discrimination and harassment on the basis of sexual orientation and gender identity. The rule would also prevent schools and educational programs receiving federal funding from barring transgender students from using bathrooms, changing facilities, and pronouns that correspond with their gender identities.

    Although the rule was set to take effect Aug. 1, 22 states have filed and joined lawsuits, claiming the provisions are unconstitutional. They also detail the harm that would likely follow complying with the rules, especially through immense administrative costs.

    While several cases remain undecided, many of the judges have claimed the states are likely to succeed. The courts maintain the Department of Education has not provided sufficient evidence to demonstrate how they would be harmed if the rule did not go into effect. Inversely, states are likely to incur enormous administrative costs and experience immense uncertainty surrounding the receipt of federal funds.

    Eleven states have temporarily been allowed to pause any efforts to implement, enact, or enforce the rules. The states affected include Texas, Tennessee, Kentucky, Ohio, Indiana, Virginia, West Virginia, Louisiana, Mississippi, Montana, and Idaho.

    Lawsuits Social Current Is Monitoring

    Tennessee v. Becerra
    Title X grants fund reproductive health care for low-income patients and include a longstanding federal requirement to offer counseling and referrals for abortion when requested by a patient. However, Tennessee failed to comply with the regulation after the Supreme Court’s decision in Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health Organization. In response, the Department of Health and Human Services declined to renew the state’s Title X funding, leading Tennessee to sue to regain its grant.

    The suit will likely offer key context to the authority of agencies in interpreting ambiguous laws and the deference courts offer. Judge Kethledge of the Sixth Circuit maintained that the court was no longer bound by the seminal Supreme Court ruling, Rust v. Sullivan, following Loper Bright.

    Arizona Families Tax Rebate Mayes v. IRS
    The attorney general of Arizona filed a suit against the IRS following its decision to subject Arizona’s family tax rebate to federal income taxes. A 2023 bill directed the state’s surplus to fund a rebate to families of $250 for every child younger than 17 and $100 for older dependents, up to a maximum of $750 per family.

    Typically, the IRS requires certain criteria to be met to qualify for a general welfare exclusion. State payments must:

    • Be paid from a governmental fund
    • Be for the promotion of general welfare (that is, based on the need of the individual or family receiving such payments)
    • Not represent compensation for services absent a specific Federal income tax exclusion

    The U.S. District Court affirmed courts are not allowed to prevent the government from collecting taxes. Rather, courts can only decide the legality of a tax once it has been collected and paid. Additional suits filed once the tax has been collected will likely offer key precedent, especially in light of the immense financial impact on state residents. The IRS’ decision to tax the rebates would cost Arizonans an estimated 20.8 million.

    Subscribe to the Policy and Advocacy Radar to receive our biweekly policy roundup, which includes commentary on issues in Social Current’s federal policy agenda, opportunities to take action, and curated news and opportunities.

    Social Current’s Knowledge and Insights Center is now offering access to the Next Big Idea Club. This virtual book club, curated by bestselling authors Malcolm Gladwell, Adam Grant, Susan Cain, and Daniel Pink, delivers the most important nonfiction books of the year. Through our online forum, you can dive deep into impactful ideas with 45-minute audio and video lessons. These lessons distill the essence of groundbreaking books, offering you a comprehensive understanding in a fraction of the time.

    Social Current’s access includes highlights from the Next Big Idea Club’s collection of books, with a particular emphasis on:

    • Workplace relationships
    • Workforce resilience
    • Improved communication and interpersonal connection
    • Authentic approaches to diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging

    In this forum, featuring lessons from the books below, you’ll learn strategies and techniques that improve relationships with coworkers, clients, community members, and partners, in addition to your personal relationships away from work.

    • High Conflict: Why We Get Trapped in Conflict and How We Get Out by Amanda Ripley
    • Uncensored: My Life and Uncomfortable Conversations at the Intersection of Black and White America by Zachary Wood
    • You’re Not Listening: What You’re Missing and Why It Matters by Kate Muphy
    • No Hard Feelings: The Secret Power of Embracing Emotions at Work by Liz Fosslien and Mollie West Duffy

    Access to the Next Big Idea Club is an exclusive benefit for Social Current Impact Partners.

    Learn more about the benefits of becoming an Impact Partner online and by joining an upcoming informational webinar.

    How to Access

    Go to Next Big Idea Club: Better Relationships In and Out of the Workplace.

    Social Current Impact Partners can access these lessons for free by logging into the hub. Log in to your existing account or create one if you are a new user. Once logged in, check out the resources list and click on the individual records to view.

    Learn more about the Social Current Knowledge and Insights Center.

    Social Current has begun to develop its 2025-2027 Federal Public Policy Agenda, which will address key challenges within the human services sector. We aim to ground the agenda in the wisdom, insight, and expertise of our network and want to hear from you about the challenges your organizations are facing, as well as the changes you hope to see.

    Through a series of virtual focus groups, we hope to illuminate the most pressing challenges within your organization and community. These conversations will serve as a stepping stone to collaboratively determine avenues for meaningful, sustainable change. To fully capture our collective vision, this agenda-setting process is intended to be progressive and for each stage to build upon the last.

    Virtual focus groups will be held:

    Each session will offer opportunities to share your experiences within the human service sector, challenges your organization and community are facing, and areas you hope to see change.

    In jointly leveraging our voices for change, we will be able to amplify the power of the social sector.

    Social Current looking for a consultant with expertise in curriculum design to support our Recruiting and Developing Peer Recovery Coaches initiative. The consultant will guide the project team in developing a workforce curriculum and train-the-trainer model and process for the sub-awardee organizations supported through this initiative. They will write content, as needed, for the curriculum.

    The completed curriculum will include core content, activities, handouts, videos, and other interactive strategies. The consultant will also co-lead a curriculum working group including other initiative partners. In addition to expertise in curriculum development, we prefer that the consultant has subject matter expertise in two or more of the following areas: Substance use peer recovery, family-centered care, trauma-informed approaches, equity, diversity and inclusion, and workforce resilience.

    The expected term of engagement is six months and will require approximately 35 hours per month.

    If interested, please send your cover letter and resume to Karen Johnson, senior director of Change in Mind at Social Current.

    Social Current has begun to develop its 2025-2027 Federal Public Policy Agenda, which will address key challenges within the human services sector. We aim to ground the agenda in the wisdom, insight, and expertise of our network and want to hear from you about the challenges your organizations are facing, as well as the changes you hope to see.

    Through a series of virtual focus groups, we hope to illuminate the most pressing challenges within your organization and community. These conversations will serve as a stepping stone to collaboratively determine avenues for meaningful, sustainable change. To fully capture our collective vision, this agenda-setting process is intended to be progressive and for each stage to build upon the last.

    Virtual focus groups will be held:

    Each session will offer opportunities to share your experiences within the human service sector, challenges your organization and community are facing, and areas you hope to see change.

    In jointly leveraging our voices for change, we will be able to amplify the power of the social sector.

    Congress Examines the State of Child Care

    On July 9, the Senate Finance Committee held a hearing titled “Examining the State of Child Care: How Federal Policy Solutions Can Support Families, Close Existing Gaps, and Strengthen Economic Growth.” Senators and expert witnesses stressed the importance of high-quality, affordable, and accessible child care as well as concurrent workforce challenges. The hearing follows the Congressional Budget Office’s 2024-2034 Budget and Economic Outlook release, which considers child care due to its potential to impact labor force participation, household incomes, and overall economic productivity as well as government spending.

    Sen. Wyden (D-Ore.) opened the hearing by contrasting the lives of billionaires and the millions of working families for whom child care remains unaffordable. He stressed the need to identify targeted ways to ensure families have access to the resources needed to thrive. Wyden highlighted previous measures, including a permanent, annual increase of $633million to the Child Care Entitlement to States through the American Rescue Plan Act. He also mentioned the Building Child Care for a Better Future Act (S.1842) and the Tax Relief for American Families and Workers Act of 2024 as key steps to further support families.

    Ranking Member Sen. Mike Crapo (R-Idaho) echoed the importance of affordable, accessible child care and stressed the importance of evaluating existing programs to understand the most and least effective factors. He highlighted states as uniquely positioned to leverage existing programmatic flexibilities and to design and deliver benefits. However, Crapo spoke against rising costs that would follow federal government mandates on child care provider wages and approved sites of service.

    The discussion among key witnesses highlighted critical issues in the child care sector. Fatima Goss Graves, president and CEO of the National Women’s Law Center, emphasized the profound disparities stemming from high costs, low wages, and inadequate facilities, stressing that investing in early child care yields substantial long-term benefits. She advocates for federal support through acts like the Child Care Stabilization Act and the Building Child Care for a Better Future Act to establish a robust, inclusive system. Megan Pratt, the assistant professor of practice within Oregon State University’s College of Health, underscored the scarcity and affordability challenges of formal child care, particularly in rural areas, advocating for governmental aid and streamlined processes to improve workforce retention and child development outcomes.

    Katharine B. Stevens, founder and president of the Center on Child and Family Policy, focused on the financial strain faced by low-income families and providers, proposing direct subsidies and enhanced parental empowerment to improve access and quality. She suggests integrating federal programs and reducing bureaucratic barriers to enhance efficiency and effectiveness in child care provision. Her federal recommendations extended to leveraging Rural Development Grants and child tax credits, integrating and streamlining federal ECE programs, reducing bureaucratic inefficiencies and silos, and piloting a Federal Performance Partnership.

    Ryan Page, the director of child care for the Iowa Department of Health and Human Services, followed by sharing the extensive steps Iowa has taken to ensure high quality child care is affordable and accessible, prioritizing consumer education and parent choice. One initiative includes a Child Care Assistance Pilot Program, which provides a child care subsidy to those employed in a direct service position within child care, regardless of income. HHS has further worked to grow sustainability through the Shared Services Framework to achieve full enrollment, full fee collection, and revenues that cover per-child cost. Additional efforts include cost sharing agreements between businesses and child care facilities, child care solutions funds to support wage enhancements for child care providers, and a tiered eligibility structure to prevent the loss of care with modest wage gains.

    The hearing underscored key challenges families are facing—insufficient choices that often fail to meet their unique needs and exceed their financial means. The data shared by expert witnesses illustrated how investing in the child care workforce benefits the economy and strengthens future generations. They further encouraged a dual lens of considering the needs and perspectives of parents alongside child care providers in ensuring high-quality affordable childcare remains accessible.

    Costly Impacts of Inflation to Everyday Americans

    On July 9, the Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions held a hearing titled “Everyday Expenses and Everyday Americans: How High Costs Impact Children and Families.” Senators and witnesses detailed the daily impact of economic challenges on families and small businesses, as well as avenues to alleviate the pressure inflation often places.

    Sen. Casey (D-Pa.) opened the hearing by detailing how corporations have profited from recent economic uncertainty at the expense of consumers, artificially rising prices, and surging costs. He shared details from Greedflation, the special report he authored in November 2023, about how corporations have achieved unprecedented profits at the expense of American families. He introduced the Shrinkflation Prevention Act of 2024 and has encouraged accountability for corporate price gouging.

    Ranking Member Sen. Tuberville (R-Ala.) echoed the harm inflation has done nationwide, negatively impacting Americans’ daily lives. He expressed concern for the growing deficit and stressed the need for supply side growth to leverage the free market to improve the economy, citing economic policies and data under the Trump administration to detail its potential.

    Dan Lee, owner of Farina Pasta and Noodle in Philadelphia, highlighted the persistent challenges his small restaurant faces, including sustained, high pre-pandemic food prices; labor costs; and steep delivery service fees, which erode profitability. He emphasized the precarious struggle of needing to cover costs and maintain a margin without alienating an already shrinking customer base. Erin Wiggle, a Pennsylvania resident and retired Army veteran, discussed how rising costs have strained her family’s budget, including expenses for her nonprofit animal rescue. She echoed concerns about inflationary pressures and supported efforts against “greedflation” and “shrinkflation,” advocating for fairness in corporate practices.

    Emily Gee from the Center for American Progress criticized decades of lenient antitrust policies and anti-union labor laws, blaming them for consolidating corporate power and limiting economic choices for consumers and small businesses. She proposed reforms to restore economic balance through enhanced worker protections and corporate transparency. David Malpass, an economic analyst, underscored the impact of regulatory hurdles on economic growth and recommended a supply-side strategy emphasizing increased production and a more focused Federal Reserve approach to stabilize prices and interest rates swiftly.

    Hearing participants shared the far-reaching impact of elevated prices, from health care to child care and similar expenses of daily living. They further stressed the disparities rural communities face and disproportionate impact on lower-income households. Witnesses and senators shared the necessity of a fair economy where companies do not exploit inflation for profit.

    Subscribe to the Policy and Advocacy Radar to receive our biweekly policy roundup, which includes commentary on issues in Social Current’s federal policy agenda, opportunities to take action, and curated news and opportunities.

    On June 21, the U.S. Supreme Court ruled in an 8-1 decision in United States v. Rahimi to uphold a federal statute, 18 U.S.C. 922(g)(8), that prevents individuals subject to domestic violence restraining orders from possessing a firearm. The longstanding federal protection is essential to protecting victims and survivors of domestic violence from their abusers.

    Firearms can severely escalate risk within incidences of domestic violence, posing credible threats of death which can prevent individuals from leaving abusive relationships. Perpetrators of domestic violence may use firearms to further threats and intimidation, force compliance, or as psychological abuse. However, their use is not necessarily restricted to acts of coercive control. Victims and survivors of intimate partner violence are five times more likely to die when an abusive partner has access to a gun.

    The danger of firearms within incidences of domestic violence enforces the gravity of the Supreme Court’s decision. Protective orders are a key step countless advocates have worked to protect, especially as guns are weaponized to further abuse. Justice Sotomayor’s concurring opinion, which Justice Kagan joined, highlighted the danger communities face. In approximately one quarter of cases in which abusers have murdered an intimate partner, they have also killed an additional individual, such as a child, family member, and roommate. The Supreme Court’s decision similarly benefits law enforcement officers as a study of those killed during domestic disturbance calls revealed 95% of homicides were committed with a firearm.

    The ruling upholds key precedent protecting survivors and victims. The federal statute has been associated with a 27% reduction in state-level intimate partner homicide rates. The ruling of United States v. Rahimi is supported by President Biden and his administration. In a statement issued by Attorney General Merrick B. Garland, the Justice Department vowed to continue to enforce the statute and utilize all available resources to support law enforcement, prosecutors, courts, and victim advocates in addressing the pervasive problem of domestic violence.

    Senate Finance Committee Discusses Challenges Social Security Insurance and Social Security Disability Insurance Recipients Face Alongside Potential Reforms

    On Tuesday, June 4, the Senate Committee on Finance held a hearing titled, “Work and Social Security Disability Benefits: Addressing Challenges and Creating Opportunities.” Senators and expert witnesses discussed the challenges individuals with disabilities face in seeking employment as well as saving for key life expenses without endangering the benefits Social Security affords, including health insurance. They discussed key legislation and guardrails to ensure individuals with disabilities who wish to work do not exceed their eligibility limits. A loss of benefits can be especially harmful for recipients as their disability prevents them from working full-time.

    Chairman Ron Wyden (D-Ore.) opened the hearing by commending the efforts of Senators Brown (D-Ohio), Casey (D- Pa.), Lankford (R- Okla.), and Cassidy (R- La.) in introducing the Supplemental Security Income (SSI) Savings Penalty Elimination Act. The Act adjusts savings allotted from $2,000 to $10,000 for individuals and from $3,000 to $20,000 for married couples, while adjusting for inflation annually. Wyden highlighted an additional safeguard he introduced alongside Sen. Cassidy, the Work Without Worry Act. The act prevents a parent’s work history from disqualifying an individual from receiving Social Security benefits. The final protection outlined in the act lay in a pledge made by Martin O’Malley, the Commissioner of Social Security Administration (SSA), to offer Americans increased time and flexibility in correcting overpayments.

    Ranking Member Mike Crapo (R-Idaho) highlighted the challenges individuals with disabilities can face in rejoining the workforce and the complexities of work incentives. He emphasized the importance of the Bipartisan Budget Act of 2015, which created a provision permitting the Social Security Administration to create a data-sharing agreement with payroll providers. Despite the delay in its implementation, Crapo emphasized the importance of such steps to prevent or limit work-related overpayments before they occur. Alongside the reform, Crapo encouraged the SSA to update occupational data to ensure relevant careers are included in determining an individual’s eligibility for disability benefits.

    William R. Morton Analyst, an Analyst in Income Security at the Congressional Research Service, provided an overview of the Social Security Administration’s disability programs, including eligibility requirements and available work incentives. He discussed potential barriers to employment, including an individual’s physical or mental condition, feeling discouraged by previous work attempts, inaccessible workplaces, and the inability to find a job for which they are qualified. Morton also spoke of barriers within the SSI and Social Security Disabilities Insurance (SSDI) programs, including the complexity of work incentives. Overpayments may further discourage employment, leading the SSA to revise its guidance on recovering and waiving overpayments to reduce the burdens beneficiaries may experience. 

    Susan Wilschke is the Associate Commissioner of the Office of Research, Demonstration, and Employment Support at the SSA. Her testimony centered on work incentives, highlighting SSA’s efforts in providing a path to jobs with self-supporting futures while removing work determents. Wilschke additionally discussed a comprehensive study conducted in 2021, examining four decades of SSA’s disability demonstration research. Notably, implementation issues and the complex nature of interventions reduced their overall effectiveness. For most demonstrations, a small number of individuals took up work programs offered through SSDI. Wilschke shared how additional funding may assist in improving service levels and reducing wait times, especially as the number of Social Security beneficiaries rise. 

    Erin M. Godtland, the Assistant Director Education, Workforce, and Income Security for the United States Government Accountability Office highlighted three key disincentives to work: the loss of cash and medical benefits, overpayments, and complexity of rules surrounding work. Despite research to examine the potential impact of policy changes, a comprehensive study examining 11 demonstrations found there were “essentially never increases in [program] exits” and “rarely reductions in [disability insurance] expenditures.” Difficulty addressing key issues and modernizing have led the U.S. Government Accountability Office (GAO) to place SSA’s disability programs on its high-risk list since 2003. The challenges are exacerbated by the agency’s staffing shortages, although the SSA is working with local offices to potentially increase pay and implement initiatives to improve job satisfaction, recruitment, and retention.

    Katherine Zuleger is the manager of the Wausau, Wisconsin Social Security Administration field office and the President of the Chicago Social Security Management Association. Zuleger testified on behalf of the National Council of Social Security Management Associations, a professional association comprised of those providing direct assistance to SSI and SSDI beneficiaries.  In detailing the complexities of SSI and SSDI, she recommended standardizing the treatment of work across both programs. She further suggested pursuing early intervention measures once a beneficiary is enrolled and raising the substantial gainful activity limit to encourage individuals to return to the workforce. Lastly, to ease administrative burden, Zuleger proposed simplifying SSI wage reporting through automatic updates to the agency’s system without requiring faxing or mailing pay stubs, which require manual updates.

    The challenges and associated reforms discussed are essential to addressing key obstacles which individuals who receive SSI and SSDI benefits face, including earning livable wages and understanding complex, stringent work limits. The reforms discussed take vital steps to ensure recipients retain access to needed benefits, including health insurance.

    The Immediate and Long-Term Challenges Facing Public School Teachers: Low Pay, Teacher Shortages, and Underfunded Public Schools: A Senate Hearing Recap

    On June 20, the Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions held a hearing titled, “The Immediate and Long-Term Challenges Facing Public School Teachers: Low Pay, Teacher Shortages, and Underfunded Public Schools.” Senators and witnesses discussed key challenges our schools are facing, from the underlying causes of teacher shortages to declining test scores.

    Chairman Sanders (D-Vt.) highlighted the daily challenges teachers face due to low pay and independent costs of maintaining their classrooms, often leading educators to obtain a second, part-time job. He reiterated his commitment to fair wages through his introduction of S. 766, the Pay Teachers Act, which provides funding to support education programs and addresses teacher shortages. Sanders concluded by thanking teachers and commending their profound impact on students.

    Senator Cassidy (R-La.) similarly opened his remarks by highlighting the profound influence his teachers have had on his life before expressing concern surrounding the state of public education. He stressed the decline of reading and math scores before fourth grade alongside spikes of absenteeism, despite the dramatic increase of education spending. Cassidy issued multiple recommendations, including screening for dyslexia, addressing the negative impact of Tik Tok and social media, examining the impact of school closures related to the COVID-19 pandemic, and the rising cost of college.

    John Arthur is a National Board Certified Teacher who has taught at a Title I public school in Utah for 11 years. He spoke of how increasingly difficult conditions have challenged the joy teaching brought him and countless of his colleagues. Arthur illustrated through his testimony how compensation, community, respect, and room to grow as professionals are the key elements teachers need to thrive.

    Gemayel Keyes is a middle-years special education teacher in a Philadelphia public school and a member of the Philadelphia Federation of Teachers, a local branch of the American Federation of Teachers. Keyes began his career as a bus attendant before becoming a paraprofessional, in both positions earning such a low salary he struggled to afford daily necessities, let alone further education. He stressed the importance of investing in teachers and paraprofessionals as well as creating pathways to assist paraprofessionals in becoming teachers.

    Dr. William Kirwan, the vice-chair of Maryland’s Accountability and Implementation Board, discussed the Blueprint for Maryland’s Future, a recently enacted PreK-12 education reform legislation. The bill outlays a multiyear, comprehensive plan which addresses all aspects of a child’s education from birth to high school completion, including the recruitment, retention, and compensation of high-quality teachers. The foundation of the Blueprint lies in five practices of the highest performing schools internationally: invest in early childhood development and education; prepare, compensate, and treat teachers like other professionals; develop a fully aligned, rigorous PreK-12 instructional system; invest heavily in students who need the most support to be successful; and require a high degree of accountability at the school level. Through his testimony, Dr. Kirwin emphasized the importance of addressing childhood poverty, pointed to the utility of community schools, and stressed professional growth and collaboration between teachers.

    Robert Pondiscio, a senior fellow for the American Enterprise Institute, highlighted the limitations of increasing teacher pay in addressing burnout, specifically in light of their growing responsibilities, poor preparation, and deteriorating classroom conditions. He pointed to a 2022 poll conducted by the National Education Association in which nearly half of teachers reported a desire or plan to quit because of school climate and safety. In addition to student behavior, Pondiscio described how time creating lessons can detract from time available to analyze students’ work, offer feedback, build subject matter expertise, and cultivate strong relationships with students and parents. While pay is an essential component, he reiterated the importance of examining the scope of a teacher’s role and responsibilities.

    Nicole Neily, the president and founder of Parents Defending Education, expressed concern surrounding the topic of the hearing as incongruent with families’ concerns and priorities. Neily pointed to falling test scores and literacy rates as well as ruptured relationships between parents and their child’s school. She illustrated instances of curriculum differing with families’ values. Neily further stressed limited transparency, particularly in instances related to school safety capacity. While she maintained teachers deserve to be paid commensurate with their worth, she reinforced the need for a careful evaluation of educational quality and examination of how education funds are distributed and utilized. The hearing underscored the value and profound impact teachers hold while addressing the complex and multifaceted issue of teacher shortages. Low wages, unsustainable workloads, and difficult working conditions are just a few factors contributing to declining rates of teacher retention. Means of supporting teachers and students are especially important to consider as districts continue to witness high rates of absenteeism, low literacy rates, and declining test scores.

    Overtime Final Rule Enjoined in Texas Ahead of Designated July 1 Implementation 

    Judge Sean D. Jordan of the US District Court for the Eastern District of Texas granted Texas’ request for an injunction on Friday, June 28. The ruling temporarily prevented the U.S. Labor Department’s Overtime Final Rule from going into effect for the state of Texas, as an employer. Private sector employers, including charitable nonprofits, are excluded from the ruling. 

    The Department of Labor issued the rule in April with the intent of ensuring fair compensation.  Previously, the Fair Labor Standards Act exempted certain white-collar employees from overtime pay requirements if they were salaried, met a certain pay threshold, and worked in executive, administrative, or professional capacities. The new rule automatically extends overtime eligibility to employees earning less than $58,656 a year if they work more than 40 hours a week.  

    The first phase of the rule, which was scheduled to go into effect July 1, would have increased the yearly salary threshold for overtime eligibility from the current $35,568 to $43,888. Then, on Jan. 1, the salary threshold would rise again to $58,656, before updating every three years. Eventually, the rule is expected to expand time-and-a-half pay protections to four million workers who were previously ineligible.  

    The court concluded the Department of Labor’s rule extends beyond their ability to define and delimit the exemption for employees in executive, administrative, or professional capacities. Judge Jordan clarified determining whether an individual works within an executive, administrative, or professional capacity depends upon their function and duties – not compensation. Moreover, the Fair Labor Standards Act does not expressly authorize the Department to utilize an objective salary level test.  

    An additional lawsuit seeking a national injunction, Flint Avenue LLC v. U.S. Dep’t of Labor, No. 5:24-CV-130-C (N.D. Tex.), is pending.

    Subscribe to the Policy and Advocacy Radar to receive our biweekly policy roundup, which includes commentary on issues in Social Current’s federal policy agenda, opportunities to take action, and curated news and opportunities.

    On June 12, the Senate Committee on Finance held a hearing to address concerns regarding the treatment of children in some Youth Residential Treatment Facilities (YRTFs), focusing on instances of abuse, unsafe conditions, and inadequate care. This hearing followed a report detailing such harms. However, it is essential to note that most of these facilities operate safely and are standards-based, providing critical care to children with complex needs.

    Chairman Ron Wyden (D-Ore.) emphasized the trauma that children can endure in certain facilities and criticized profit-driven motives leading to falsification of records and understaffing. He vowed to end the abuse cycle and praised survivors for their courage. Wyden stated, “The experiences and trauma these kids are left with read like something out of a horror novel” and called for bold actions to improve oversight and standards for YRTFs.

    Ranking Member Mike Crapo (R-Idaho) highlighted the need for oversight and patient-centered, best-practice-informed care, emphasizing that residential facilities should be a last resort. He stressed the importance of integrating patients into the community as soon as possible and ensuring that facilities provide high-quality, medically necessary treatment in safe, therapeutic environments.

    Reagan Stanford, an abuse and neglect managing attorney for Disability Rights Arkansas, described widespread abuse, neglect, unsafe conditions, and lack of therapy and educational services in some Arkansas facilities. She recounted numerous incidents of violence and neglect, illustrating the need for significant reforms. Stanford recommended investing in community-based services, discontinuing funding for inadequate models, and improving oversight and data transparency.

    Elizabeth Manley from the University of Connecticut identified challenges like insufficient infrastructure and misaligned funding incentives in certain facilities. She emphasized the importance of accessible, community-based, trauma-responsive care. She highlighted the success of New Jersey’s model, which has resulted in low rates of group care utilization and youth suicide. Manley underscored the necessity of technical assistance and comprehensive care systems to effectively support children and their families.

    Kathryn A. Larin from the Government Accountability Office (GAO) echoed prior GAO reports on the misuse of psychotropic medications and restraints and the need for better staff training, a single state agency for abuse cases, and information sharing on best practices. Larin’s testimony highlighted the challenges of monitoring out-of-state placements and ensuring the appropriate use of medications and restraints. She stressed the importance of federal and state oversight in safeguarding the well-being of youth in residential facilities.

    Throughout the hearing, senators and witnesses stressed the importance of providing high-quality in-home and community-based services and the potential of allowing Medicare to incentivize such services. They highlighted the need for oversight of specialized treatment, aligning funding with effective, patient-centered care models, strengthening staff training and penalties for abuse, and improving data transparency and research to validate effective therapies.

    While significant issues were highlighted during the hearing, it is crucial to recognize that not all YRTFs experience these problems. Many facilities strive to provide safe, supportive, and effective care for children in need. The majority of YRTFs operate with a commitment to high standards, offering essential services to children who cannot be adequately cared for in family or community settings due to the complexity of their needs.

    Examining the Impact of Abortion Bans on Women’s Health and Equity: A Senate Hearing Recap

    On Tuesday, June 4, 2024, the Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions held a hearing titled “The Assault on Women’s Freedoms: How Abortion Bans Have Created a Health Care Nightmare Across America.” The hearing marked nearly two years since the Supreme Court decision in Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health, which granted states the authority to determine the legality of abortion. The focus was on the severe impact of abortion bans on women’s health care, particularly for those in marginalized communities, and how these bans intersect with broader issues of health equity within the current federal policy agenda.

    Although Senator Bernie Sanders (D-Vt.) is the chairman of the Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions, he asked Senator Patty Murray (D-Wash.) to chair the hearing. In his opening statement, Sanders detailed the historical struggle for women’s rights and the ongoing lack of representation in the Senate, emphasizing the importance of this hearing in addressing these critical issues.

    Senator Murray shared poignant stories about the daily struggles women and families face when forced to carry pregnancies against their will and the challenges in accessing reproductive care. She highlighted the threats physicians face, including the risk of incarceration and the loss of medical licenses for providing reproductive health services.

    Ranking member of the committee, Dr. Bill Cassidy (R-La.), acknowledged the diverse political views on abortion and encouraged continued dialogue. He emphasized the importance of supporting women throughout pregnancy and postpartum to ensure their health and wellness while underscoring the value of a child’s life before birth.

    Madysyn Anderson, a college senior from the University of Houston, shared her personal experience with pregnancy just two weeks after Texas’s S.B. 8 law went into effect, banning abortion after six weeks. She recounted the difficulty of finding a clinic that would provide an abortion, eventually traveling to Mississippi at great financial and emotional cost. Her story highlighted the significant barriers and stress women face under restrictive abortion laws.

    Dr. Nisha Verma, a board-certified obstetrician and gynecologist, spoke about the severe impact of abortion bans in Georgia, where she practices. She described the challenges her patients face, including increased economic hardship, staying with violent partners, and serious health issues due to the lack of access to abortion care. Dr. Verma emphasized the broader implications of abortion bans on women’s overall health, including mental health conditions like postpartum depression, which is a leading cause of pregnancy-related deaths in the U.S.

    Destiny Lopez, acting co-CEO of the Guttmacher Institute, discussed the profound impact of abortion bans on people of color, those already parenting, and individuals with limited financial resources. She noted that the number of abortions provided by clinics increased by 10% from 2020, a testament to the resilience and determination of those seeking care despite the barriers. Lopez called for evidence-based policies that ensure all people have access to high-quality, affordable abortion care where they live.

    Dr. Allison Linton, a complex family planning specialist, detailed the complexities of determining when an abortion is necessary to preserve a mother’s life under Wisconsin’s restrictive laws. She described the fear and confusion among physicians and patients alike, leading to delays in care and increased risks to women’s health. Dr. Linton stressed the need for clear guidelines and protections to allow healthcare providers to offer necessary care without the threat of legal repercussions.

    Dr. Christina Francis, an OB/GYN hospitalist, presented the risks associated with abortions, including preterm birth and mental health issues. She highlighted the importance of in-person consultations to ensure fully informed consent and screen for coercion, intimate partner violence, and trafficking. Dr. Francis emphasized that while some view abortion as a necessary service, it carries significant health risks that must be carefully considered.

    Melissa Ohden, founder of the Abortion Survivors Network, spoke about the experiences of individuals who survive abortion attempts and the need for comprehensive support beyond pregnancy termination. She stressed the importance of providing emotional, medical, and financial assistance to those affected by failed abortion attempts.

    The hearing underscored how abortion bans disproportionately affect marginalized communities, exacerbating existing health disparities. Social Current, in its 2022-2024 federal policy agenda, considers abortion and other reproductive healthcare as critical health equity issues. The organization emphasizes the importance of advancing equity, ensuring equitable access to resources, and responding effectively to behavioral health needs. The testimonies highlighted the need for a holistic approach to health care that includes reproductive rights as a fundamental aspect of women’s health and well-being. Ensuring access to abortion care is essential for achieving health equity and supporting the broader goals of federal policy initiatives aimed at improving health outcomes for all communities.

    Subscribe to the Policy and Advocacy Radar to receive our biweekly policy roundup, which includes commentary on issues in Social Current’s federal policy agenda, opportunities to take action, and curated news and opportunities.

    2024 will mark the fourth year Juneteenth is recognized as a federal holiday, and an increasing amount of employers are including it on their holiday calendars. In 2021, just 9% of employers had made Juneteenth a paid company holiday. That jumped to 33% in 2022 and rose again to 39% in 2023, according to a report by Mercer.

    In addition to honoring Juneteenth as a paid holiday, organizations can recognize it with dedicated time for education and connection. Some resources with ideas and inspiration include:

    Although recognizing Juneteenth is one step toward promoting equity, diversity, and inclusion (EDI), organizations should look to create an EDI-enriched organizational culture in meaningful and strategic ways as well.

    “It is good to see that more organizations are now closing their offices for Juneteenth, but it’s not enough. To truly move the needle, leaders should be assessing their organizations and looking for how they can support their employees and communities in more substantive ways that meaningfully address inequities,” said Undraye Howard, vice president of equity, diversity, inclusion, and engagement at Social Current.

    Comprehensively addressing EDI is a powerful strategy for increasing belonging and is inextricably linked to foundational pillars of workforce resilience, including psychological safety, creating space for difficult conversations, and increasing brain science awareness.

    However, if an organization doesn’t have a plan or a multilevel commitment from staff, efforts can fall short and negatively impact staff engagement and morale. In a recent report released by WebMD Health Services on Diversity, Equity, Inclusion & Belonging: Uncovering What Employees are Offered, Want and Need, 62% of workers surveyed say Diversity, Equity, Inclusion & Belonging (DEI&B) programs aren’t effective, and nearly half (46%) say the programs had failed them personally.

    To help equity efforts gain momentum and have lasting impact, Social Current recommends that organizations address it at the individual, organization, and systems levels. In addition, it is critical to engage all staff as important in this work, but also create measurable goals and clear accountability.

    Effective Strategies for Advancing Equity and Workforce Resilience

    Given that most organizations are feeling the strain of shrinking resources, increasing costs and demands for services, and significant workforce challenges, concurrently addressing equity and workforce resilience is strategic and increases the potential for impact. Organizations must partner with staff and prioritize advancing equity as core to how they look to advance workforce resilience.

    “Nurturing a positive and supportive culture that aligns with our values does not happen overnight. Learning and building capacity around the concepts and interconnected strategies for EDI and workforce resilience, developing individualized plans, and putting plans into action and course correcting along the way is the surest way to make progress toward their goals,” said Karen Johnson, director of the Social Current Change in Mind Institute. “This work requires us to be innovative, curious, and courageous, but it is doable, and our workforce is worth the investment.”

    Free Resources from Social Current

    How organizations can help their staff to support their coworkers of color:

    Impact Partner Exclusive

    In-Depth Training and Networking Opportunities

    • SPARK 2024 In-Person Event. This conference, Oct. 2-22 in Denver, will have a dedicated track for EDI, as well as a pre-conference session Oct. 20 that delves into how to navigate our polarized environment and sustain practices over time.
    • Advancing Equity Workshop: Fundamentals to Support Your Journey. This three-part virtual workshop, July 9, 16, and 25 and Nov. 6, 13, 20, will provide a safe environment for participants to explore their relationships with EDI, gain strategies for promoting an inclusive workplace culture, and learn about the systems that impact us all.
    • Save the Date: EDI Essentials for Supervisors. Using EDI principles as the foundation, this virtual learning series will help supervisors support and engage their teams. Sessions are July 31, Aug. 14, Sept. 18, and Dec. 4.
    • Save the Date: Translating EDI Practice Into Action. This virtual learning series is designed for staff who are leading their organizations’ EDI efforts and want to grow their understanding and application of key EDI concepts. Sessions are Sept. 9, Sept. 24, and Oct. 1.

    Advancing equity takes sustained commitment from leaders and organizations and at the same time, needs to begin somewhere. This Juneteenth, affirm your commitment to your workforce and advancing EDI.

    Many social sector organizations are facing staffing challenges and tight budget constraints. For leaders striving to hold on to their organizational commitment to equity, diversity, and inclusion (EDI), keeping the work going can feel like navigating hurdle after hurdle.

    Amid the ebbs and flows in support for EDI in the workplace, staff capacity is a constant factor. In our work at Social Current, we have seen that the organizations that are able to successfully advance equity over the long term pay attention to the time and resources needed to achieve their goals. They also allow provide the flexibility and support their staff need to thrive.

    Some strategies for managing through times of reduced capacity include:

    Adapt Your EDI Goals and Action Plan

    Review your goals for the year and for the longer term. Which are already embedded into existing work and job responsibilities? Make sure to capture their progress. Identify the strategies and tactics that will require a significant lift from your committee or new resources and revise your plan to reflect the reality of your staff capacity and existing commitments. It’s better to prioritize and reduce the number of goals for the year than to risk burnout by asking people to take on more than is feasible.

    Keep Goals Aligned and Focused

    It’s often easier to give up the difficult work and keep the bare minimum going during times of low capacity. When identifying core goals to focus on for the year, choose what’s most important, the ones that address root causes of your biggest challenges. This may look like:

    • Pausing your EDI newsletter and quarterly brown bag discussions in favor of implementing your staff professional development plan.
    • Eliminating subcommittees or discussion groups to engage staff members in conducting your program equity audit.
    • Prioritizing learning for staff members on topics/issues they’ve identified as critical, holding off on implementing other action items until core training is complete.

    Be sure to consider the data on your organization’s current needs and readiness when making choices. Identify the leverage potential of each strategy and create a balance that allows you to continue making progress toward embedding EDI over the long term.

    Strengthen Your Committee Structure

    It’s important not to relegate implementation of the organization’s EDI goals to one or two people, even during lean times. Committees are a proven strategy for maintaining momentum over the long term. It’s important to build a network of staff EDI champions and increase the diversity of voices when making decisions. Committees also serve as an important anchor for your champions, as well as the skeptical, to see the continued commitment to your stated EDI goals and values.

    Communicate Progress and Challenges

    Transparency is critical for shifting the organization’s culture to embed EDI values and practices. Report to staff on the changes made to the EDI plan, the goals that will be prioritized, and the reason for the shifts. Follow up with regular reports on the data so that staff can see the progress made.

    Additional Resources and Support

    • Guide to Creating an Effective Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion Committee: If your committee needs support or could benefit from a review of structure, download Social Current’s free guide on effective EDI committees. It includes recommendations for a committee’s purpose and authority, size and makeup, and troubleshooting common committee challenges.
    • Virtual Training: Advancing Equity Workshop: Fundamentals to Support Your Journey, offered in July and November, is a three-part training to help you advance your personal EDI journey, build an inclusive workplace culture, and become more aware of the systems that impact us all.
    • Customized Consultation: Social Current’s experienced staff can help you jumpstart your efforts or troubleshoot challenges, which could save you time and money in the long run. Our services can be tailored to your organization’s specific needs.

    On May 22, over a dozen business organizations filed a lawsuit to block the Overtime Final Rule from going into effect. Filed in Plano, Texas, the same federal district court that struck down the Obama-era overtime rule, the business groups seek to vacate and enjoin the rule, declaring it beyond the Labor Department’s authority. They aim to block the salary threshold increases set for July 1, 2024 and Jan. 1, 2025 as well as the Department of Labor’s (DOL) plan to index the thresholds for inflation every three years.

    The core argument is that the 2024 Rule raises the minimum salary threshold to a level the business groups believe is no longer a plausible proxy for the categories exempted from the overtime requirement by Congress. For over 80 years, salaried workers earning below a certain threshold have been entitled to time-and-a-half pay when working more than 40 hours per week. The threshold, however, has increased far slower than wage growth, excluding many lower-paid salaried workers from overtime protections.

    The DOL’s rule will raise the minimum salary threshold for the overtime exemption for executive, administrative, and professional employees in two stages, additionally providing increases every three years to keep up with wage growth. This change will extend overtime protections to nearly one million workers, with an initial salary increase to $43,888 on July 1, up from $35,568. It will extend protections to about three million more workers on Jan. 1, 2025, with a second increase to $58,656 annually.

    The plaintiffs argue the new rule will drastically increase labor costs and complicate employee relations, particularly for small businesses and non-profits. They claim the rule will require the reclassification of millions of employees from salaried to hourly workers, resulting in restricted work hours, reduced opportunities for advancement, and hindered job performance. The automatic indexing provision for salary thresholds is also seen as problematic, adding to potential operational costs and economic strain.

    In the complaint, the plaintiffs argue the 2024 Rule will impermissibly deprive millions of employees of their exempt status, making their duties, functions, or tasks irrelevant if their salary falls below the new minimum. They claim the rule contradicts congressional intent and the statutory limits of the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA). The business groups are seeking expedited consideration of their complaint to avoid the impending changes set to take effect in July 2024 and January 2025.

    The outcome of this legal challenge will have significant implications for employers and employees across various industries, particularly in how businesses manage and compensate their workforce under the revised overtime regulations.

    Senate Finance Committee Reviews Progress and Challenges of the Family First Prevention Services Act

    On May 22, during Foster Care Awareness Month, the Senate Finance Committee held a hearing titled “The Family First Prevention Services Act: Successes, Roadblocks, and Opportunities for Improvement.” The session gathered experts, policymakers, and stakeholders to discuss the progress and challenges of the Family First Prevention Services Act (FFPSA) since its 2018 enactment.

    Sen. Mike Crapo highlighted the bipartisan nature of FFPSA, focusing on transforming child welfare to prioritize prevention and family preservation. He emphasized the importance of mental health and substance use disorder treatments in keeping families intact and reducing reliance on foster care. Crapo noted recent regulations to reduce bureaucratic barriers for family members to become licensed foster parents, which support children living with trusted caregivers. Chairman Ron Wyden stressed the necessity of federal funding to empower kinship caregivers and the importance of prevention services to address mental health and substance use disorders. He called for removing bureaucratic barriers that prevent states from fully utilizing available prevention funds and urged better allocation of resources towards prevention services.

    JooYeun Chang from the Doris Duke Foundation discussed the impact of FFPSA in shifting the child welfare paradigm toward prevention. She noted barriers to accessing necessary services and recommended structural changes to broaden eligibility for prevention services, including support for domestic violence and economic hardships. Chang emphasized community-based support systems and data-driven approaches to serve at-risk populations effectively. David Reed from the Indiana Department of Child Services highlighted Indiana’s success in reducing the number of children in foster care by over 50%. He emphasized the importance of flexible, comprehensive service models like Indiana’s Family Preservation Services, which address various family needs. Reed shared examples of targeted interventions, such as providing transportation support, which have kept families together and reduced racial disparities in child removals.

    Rebecca Jones Gaston from the Administration for Children and Families discussed the broader implementation of FFPSA across states and tribes, emphasizing cultural responsiveness in prevention programs and regulatory actions to strengthen kinship care. She pointed out workforce shortages as well as the need for better collaboration across service systems. Gaston stressed the role of federal support in overcoming these challenges and the importance of continuous evaluation to measure prevention program effectiveness. The hearing underscored the commitment to improving child welfare through FFPSA. Significant progress has been made, but challenges remain. Continued collaboration between federal and state agencies and community partners is essential to refine and expand prevention services, ensuring all children can grow up in safe, stable, and loving environments.

    Senate Committee Examines Reauthorization and Impact of the Older Americans Act

    On Thursday, May 23, the United States Senate Special Committee on Aging held a hearing to discuss the impact of the Older Americans Act and its upcoming reauthorization. May is recognized as Older Americans Month, celebrating the contributions of older persons to our nation and highlighting the need for resources and services to support the aging process. Chairman Bob Casey (D-Pa.) spoke of the Act’s success in helping countless older adults access nutrition services, legal support, and social networking, among other services. He emphasized critical priorities for the reauthorization, including the Strategic Plan for Aging Act to improve public-private partnerships and the importance of Long-Term Care Ombudsmen in monitoring nursing home safety.

    Sen. Mike Braun (R-Ind.) highlighted older Americans’ economic challenges, especially amidst unprecedented inflation. He emphasized the importance of innovation and flexible spending to meet individual needs. He addressed the administrative burdens and changing definitions of “Greatest Social Need” that impact access to nutrition programs. Braun advocated for transparency and increased oversight, requiring the Administration to summarize state ombudsman long-term care annual reports and publish a list of funded resource centers.

    Janet Billott, a former nursing aide and recipient of Meals on Wheels, testified about the immense impact of the service during her illness, noting the connection she built with Fred, her delivery person. She also praised the Area Agency on Aging for providing transportation to medical appointments and vouchers for a local farmers market, advocating for the program’s expansion.

    Laura Holscher, executive director of Generations Area Agency on Aging, discussed the funding provided through Title III B of the Older Americans Act, which enables critical interventions such as in-home services, senior transportation, home modifications, and legal services. She highlighted the flexibility of OAA Title III B in meeting community needs and recommended additional flexibility for Title III D funds to support evidence-informed programs.

    Leslie Grenfell, executive director of Southwestern Pennsylvania Area Agency on Aging, detailed challenges her agency faces, including transportation, recruitment and retention of direct care workers, and increased reimbursement. She advocated for increased funding to meet the needs of a growing older adult population, noting the vital support provided by the American Rescue Plan Act.

    Connecticut State Long-Term Care Ombudsman Mairead Painter emphasized ensuring residents’ rights in care facilities. She spoke about the challenges of insufficient and unstable funding, which hinder the Ombudsman’s ability to respond to complaints and monitor facilities effectively. Painter called for increased funding and refilling the national director position for the Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program to address these issues.

    The hearing underscored the need for increased transparency in long-term care funding, flexible funding to serve diverse communities, and enhanced connectivity to combat the lasting effects of loneliness exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic. The Older Americans Act is essential in helping older adults age healthily by increasing access to nutrition, healthcare, and transportation. Providing support before individuals reach higher levels of need can improve quality of life and generate significant cost savings. However, a rapidly growing aging population and workforce shortages have hindered service provision. Increased flexible funding that accounts for unique community needs is essential to maintaining the progress and value of the Older Americans Act.

    Senate Finance Committee Addresses Comprehensive Strategies to Combat Fentanyl Crisis

    On May 23, the Senate Finance Committee held a crucial hearing titled “Front Lines of the Fentanyl Crisis: Supporting Communities and Combating Addiction through Prevention and Treatment.” The hearing underscored the severity of the fentanyl crisis and brought together experts and policymakers to discuss strategies for combating this epidemic, which has wreaked havoc across the United States.

    Sen. Mike Crapo emphasized the devastating impact of fentanyl on communities, particularly highlighting a nearly fourteen-fold increase in overdose deaths involving fentanyl in Idaho from 2017 to 2022. He called for a comprehensive approach that addresses both the supply chain of fentanyl and the need for expanded access to mental health and substance use disorder treatments. Crapo also stressed the importance of bipartisan efforts to develop treatment options and reduce barriers to care.

    Chairman Ron Wyden focused on integrating healthcare services into the fight against fentanyl. He criticized the high rates of prior authorization required by big health insurers, which delay access to life-saving medication-assisted treatment (MAT). Wyden advocated for better support for individuals reentering society from incarceration and stressed the need for innovative pain management therapies to prevent opioid addiction from developing in the first place.

    Dr. Caleb Banta-Green from the University of Washington highlighted the persistent treatment gap in opioid use disorder care. Despite the effectiveness of medications like methadone and buprenorphine, many individuals remain unable to access these treatments. Banta-Green called for a new model of care that combines low-barrier clinical models with community-based access points and team-based care to improve engagement and outcomes for people with opioid use disorder.

    Dr. Jeanmarie Perrone from the University of Pennsylvania emphasized the role of emergency departments as critical touchpoints for initiating treatment. She detailed a successful program in Philadelphia where emergency physicians provide immediate access to MAT, supported by peer-led models that help patients navigate their recovery journey. Perrone highlighted the need for telehealth services to continue offering a vital safety net, particularly for individuals reentering the community from incarceration.

    Dr. Abigail J. Herron from the Institute for Family Health discussed the importance of integrated, whole-person care models that provide primary care, behavioral health care, and addiction treatment in a single setting. She stressed the need for better reimbursement for case management and preventive mental health services and advocated for maintaining telehealth flexibilities to ensure continued access to care.

    Tony Vezina, a person in long-term recovery and Executive Director of 4D Recovery shared his journey and the importance of youth-focused interventions. He highlighted the need for increased investment in prevention, treatment, and recovery support services, particularly for adolescents and young adults. Vezina called for the expansion of recovery centers and recovery residences, as well as greater access to medications for opioid use disorders in various settings, including jails and via telehealth. The hearing underscored the multifaceted approach needed to address the fentanyl crisis, combining supply chain interventions with robust treatment and prevention strategies. Continued collaboration and investment in evidence-based practices are essential to combat this epidemic, and support affected communities nationwide.

    Subscribe to the Policy and Advocacy Radar to receive our biweekly policy roundup, which includes commentary on issues in Social Current’s federal policy agenda, opportunities to take action, and curated news and opportunities.